3 Easily Avoided But Often Overlooked Plumbing Mistakes Most Households Make
Taking care of any complex system is often easier than it sounds. With vehicles, this means changing the oil, rotating the tires, and having a professional check them over periodically. The same is true for a home’s plumbing system.
Certain things should be done, but a few things shouldn’t be done to avoid major issues down the line. Read on to learn the top 3 easily avoided plumbing mistakes most homeowners make.
Pouring Chemicals Down the Drain
Most homeowners know that dangerous chemicals need to be disposed of safely. In keeping with the car analogy, used motor oil is one such chemical. No one would simply pour their old oil down the kitchen sink.
But what about chemicals supposedly designed to be poured down the drain, such as liquid drain cleaners? Like motor oil, these shouldn’t go down any drain in the house because they can do more harm than good in the long run.
Chemical drain cleaners are advertised as a quick and easy way to clear drain clogs, but this does not include the major side effects that can result from using them. Most of the time, they don’t clean the pipe—they only clear enough of the clog to get water flowing again, leaving a gunky mess that will clog again soon.
In addition, they can damage the pipes, causing corrosion and eventual leaks, especially with old or PVC pipes. The dangerous chemicals in these drain cleaners are also extremely harmful to the environment and can leak into the water table.
Homeowners with drain clogs should contact a professional plumber. A plumber can use methods that clean the entire clog out. Plus, plumbers' methods, such as hydro-jetting, don’t weaken or damage the pipes.
Forgetting to Schedule Maintenance
In addition to following some basic good plumbing habits, maintaining a healthy plumbing system should be left to professionals. This is why it is important to remember to schedule once—or twice-yearly plumbing maintenance.
A professional plumbing company will check all major parts of the home’s plumbing during an inspection. This includes checking for signs of premature wear and tear that could indicate an impending problem.
They also check for unnoticed leaks (such as a constantly running toilet) that add up over time. Finally, the plumber checks appliances such as the water heater and makes any necessary repairs. If needed, the plumber adjusts water pressure and temperature and clears drain clogs during maintenance.
When a professional checks the plumbing system regularly, it is like changing the oil in a car. This goes a long way toward ensuring the system operates as it should—without any expensive surprises—for many years.
Putting the Wrong Things in the Pipes
Much like the caustic chemicals in liquid drain cleaners, other items are supposedly safe to go down the drain. The most glaring example of this is “flushable” wipes.
Despite what their packaging may say, these wipes should never go into the toilet. Not only can they cause a sewer line clog, but they can also cause problems downstream at the wastewater treatment facility. The only thing that should be flushed down the toilet (besides the obvious) is toilet paper. All other products should go in the trash.
There are also some common misconceptions about what can go down the kitchen drain. Grease should never go down any drain, whether or not a garbage disposal is installed. Grease is often still warm and liquid when poured down the drain, but it soon cools and coagulates, forming a sticky mass that can lead to a clogged sewer line. Similarly, fibrous food items, such as asparagus, artichoke, and celery, should also go into the trash instead of the drain!
Breaking these bad habits can extend the life of the plumbing system. The best thing homeowners can do for their plumbing is schedule regular maintenance services with a professional and trusted plumbing company!
About Allore’s Plumbing Services LLC
Allore’s Plumbing Services LLC has been proudly serving Stuart, FL, since 1986. They have provided prompt, courteous service and excellent workmanship for nearly forty years. Veteran-owned and operated, Allore’s Plumbing Services LLC stands behind its work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Contact them today for plumbing maintenance services in Stuart, FL.
