Maintaining a well-functioning plumbing system at home is crucial for keeping your water hot, sinks running smoothly, and drains and toilets free from clogs. It’s essential to use your plumbing with care to prevent any potential damage. Certain habits can unknowingly harm your plumbing, such as flushing inappropriate items or neglecting water heater maintenance.
We consulted with expert plumbers and home maintenance professionals to uncover the silent threats that can quietly wreak havoc on your plumbing. Here are the practices you should immediately stop doing to avoid costly leaks or backups in the future.
Expert Insights:
– Roy Barnes, co-owner and service manager, and Hendrik Vandepoll, master plumber and field manager, at Service Force Plumbing in the DC area
– WG Hickman, owner of Tri-County Air Service in Wiggins, Mississippi
Chemical Drain Cleaners:
While chemical drain cleaners can effectively break down clogs, grease, and hair using corrosive substances like sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide, they can also corrode pipes, especially older ones. This can worsen existing plumbing issues and lead to leaks. Instead of using chemical cleaners, consider snaking your drain, using a plunger, or vacuuming out the drain with a shop vac.
Toilet Bowl and Tank Cleaners:
Avoid clip-on and drop-in toilet cleaners containing chlorine, as they can damage rubber and plastic parts in the tank over time. Opt for liquid toilet bowl cleaners and a scrub brush as an alternative.
Improper Use of Drains and Garbage Disposal:
Avoid putting paint, harsh chemicals, plant debris, potato skins, and grease down the drain or garbage disposal to prevent clogs and build-up. To maintain your garbage disposal, use it regularly and run cool water before and after disposing of food to prevent rusting and backups.
Neglecting Leak Detection:
Even minor leaks can escalate into significant issues over time. Keep an eye out for signs of water damage, like discoloration and musty odors, and promptly address any leaks by contacting a plumbing professional.
Flushing Non-Flushable Items:
Items like flushable wipes, menstrual products, diapers, condoms, and paper towels should not be flushed down the toilet as they can cause clogs and damage to your plumbing system.
In the world of plumbing, some common mistakes can have a big impact on your home. From what gets flushed down the toilet to the water pressure in your pipes, small oversights can lead to big problems. Let’s dive into some key issues to be mindful of when it comes to maintaining your plumbing system.
First up, the golden rule: only organic materials and toilet paper should go down the toilet. Anything else, like wipes or feminine hygiene products, can wreak havoc on your pipes, causing clogs and backups that no one wants to deal with. Expert advice from Barnes emphasizes the importance of proper disposal methods for non-flushable items, whether that means trashing, composting, or recycling them.
Speaking of water pressure, while a powerful shower might feel great, it’s not so great for your plumbing. Excessive water pressure can strain your pipes, valves, and faucets, leading to premature wear and tear. Ideally, your home’s water pressure should fall between 40 and 80 PSI. If you’re seeing numbers higher than that, it might be time to consider a pressure-reducing valve to ease the burden on your plumbing system.
Hard water is another common issue that can impact your plumbing. If your water is mineral-heavy, you might notice reddish deposits around drains and toilet bowls, signaling the presence of hard water. These mineral deposits can build up inside your pipes and fixtures over time, potentially causing damage. A water softener can be a simple solution to combat hard water, replacing damaging minerals with more benign alternatives like sodium or potassium. Whether you opt for professional installation or tackle the job yourself, addressing hard water concerns can prolong the life of your plumbing system.
Our furry friends can also introduce plumbing challenges into the mix. Pet waste, particularly from cats, should never be flushed down the toilet, as even so-called “flushable” litter can lead to serious blockages. Additionally, avoid sending aquarium gravel, sand, or pet hair down the drain – these items belong in the trash, not in your plumbing.
Regular maintenance is key for keeping your water heater in top shape. Neglecting this vital appliance can result in issues like insufficient hot water or leaks, neither of which are pleasant surprises. Make it a habit to check the temperature and pressure relief valve, flush the tank periodically to remove sediment buildup, and replace the anode rod every few years. By staying on top of water heater maintenance, you can avoid costly plumbing mishaps down the line.
When it comes to spotting potential plumbing problems, keep an eye out for leaks, decreased water pressure, unusual sounds, and slow drainage. Annual inspections of your pipes can help catch issues early on, preventing more significant damage in the long run. If you’d rather leave it to the professionals, consider scheduling regular check-ups with a plumber or investing in a leak detection system for added peace of mind.
In conclusion, maintaining a healthy plumbing system is a crucial part of homeownership. By following best practices for
