Like most homeowners, you probably carry out regular maintenance in your house. This includes making sure your drains and plumbing are functioning optimally. However, some people do some activities at their homes without knowing it harms their plumbing system. Here is an in-depth guide into habits you need to stop that could damage your drains and plumbing system.
Using the Toilet as a Trash Can
Using the toilet in your home to dump garbage is a guaranteed path to ruining the drain pipe. This is not good for the piping system because some trash like condoms, plastic packaging, and cotton balls can clog drains. Also, you will have to deal with smelly pipes and clogged sinks in the future.
Using Too Much Water
Drains use a small portion of water to flow freely without clogging or getting blocked. A lot of water pressure can destroy a pipe. Excess water will also form pools where germs and bacteria can grow. This can lead to an accumulation of mold growth. Avoid using too much water when taking a bath or shower to prevent these health risks from occurring in your home.
Letting Hair Go Down the Drain
Hair clogs the pipes. The hair will wrap itself around the pipe, and it is not easy to unclog the line. When hair accumulates in the drain, the pipes narrow, causing pressure to build up. This could result in a pipe burst or blockage.
If you cannot stand seeing hair in your sink, then collect it into a trash bag and dispose of it. You can install a silicone insert or wire mesh in the sink or shower drain to catch any hair as it flows down the drain. Remember to occasionally clean or replace the silicone insert to maintain its efficiency.
Water Heater
When using hot water in your home, do not let its temperature be too high. This is because it can damage the water heater.
Also, never use boiling water from a kettle to fill up your bathtub or sink directly. Hot water causes the pipes to heat up rapidly. Rapid heating could cause bursting due to pressure buildup in the piping system.
Stuffing the Garbage Disposal
You should avoid pouring oil or grease down your kitchen sink or garbage disposal. This can cause an unpleasant odor. It can also clog up the drain pipes, leading to backups in the sink.
You should avoid putting food scraps, vegetable peelings, and fruit chunks down your disposal unit. These are other items that could cause a foul odor when processed. They will get stuck in the disposal unit and never go down the drainpipe. The latter would result in a backup in your kitchen sink or even a backup into your main sewer line.
Frequent Use of Hot Water
As you fill up a tub or a sink with water for doing laundry or washing dishes, always let it run for a few seconds before turning it off. The running water prevents the drainage pipes from clogging and backing up. Additionally, it removes soap scum from the basin. This way, you get a clean water supply in your plumbing system that is not contaminated by dirt.
Chemicals Can Clog Drains
Hair spray and nail polish remover are some of the chemicals that can ruin your sink or tub. Never pour chemical substances down a drain, and use a sink cleaner to remove any residue from the basin.
Neglecting Plumbing Maintenance
You should always conduct routine plumbing maintenance on your sinks and tubs to ensure that they are clean and free of clogs. If you have a terrible smell coming from your sink, this could be a sign of a potential problem.
Using the Wrong Plunger
When plunging your drain, do not use a plunger that is too big or too small for the drain. When you do this, you may end up pushing debris further into the pipe. It will also give you less leverage when trying to push out the clog. Make sure to use a plunger that is the right size and shape to clear out your pipes.
Ignoring the Clog
Do not ignore a clogged sink or tub. This can lead to much more significant issues down the road, including having water backing up into your home. In addition, you may have to pay more to have the clog removed professionally. It is best to call a plumber right away if you have trouble clearing a drain on your own.
Plunging the Wrong Drain
It would help if you only plunged sinks and drains used for waste disposal. Toilets can be damaged when plunging them, which may void your warranty. Plunging a tub or shower drain is also a bad idea because it may cause cracks in the porcelain. The cracks could lead to water damage and eventually flooding.
Using Undiluted Chemicals
Never use undiluted chemicals when trying to clear your drains. Using too many chemicals can eat away at the pipes, leaving them prone to more problems. It is much better to call an experienced plumber instead of risking damaging your plumbing system on your own.
Do Not Flush Wipes
Flushable wipes may be convenient; however, they can also damage your bathroom pipes. Some wipes do not break down like toilet paper does, which causes them to build up in the lines. Such wipes can get stuck in the pipe and create clogs. In addition, it can even cause sewage to bubble up out of the overflow pipe.
Ignoring Small Leaks
If you have a small leak that is not causing any flooding or other problems, try fixing the leak yourself. Stopping the water from leaking is better than tracking down the source of a leak. A professional plumber will help stop significant damages before they start.
Ignoring Calcium Deposits on your Showerhead
Over time, minerals in water stick to the showerhead, building up into a thick scale that can be difficult to remove. Calcium deposits are an indicator that there is a bigger problem, like poor water pressure. The deposits are usually found on showerheads or handheld showerheads. If you notice one that you cannot easily remove, it is time for a new one.
Using a Dirty Brush In Your Toilet
It does not take much for brushes to become gross enough to cause problems in your toilet. Once bacteria grows on them, they will begin sticking to the sides of your toilet bowl. This can result in bacteria accumulation in your pipes.
Leaving the Sink Running for a Long Period of Time
Using the right amount of water will save what seems like a negligible amount at first, but it all adds up significantly over time. For example, turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth.
It is helpful to give your drains the attention they deserve. This can help avoid many hassles, such as backups in your kitchen and bathroom. Trust our plumbers from Rite Way Heating to provide you with expert advice on plumbing and keep your drains flowing smoothly. Our other services include fixing burst pipes, drain cleaning, repairs, inspection, and maintenance. For more information, call our Tucson office today. Our plumbing professionals are always ready to help.
