Fixing plumbing issues is not only expensive, but it is a huge inconvenience, especially when they happen late at night, during the weekend, or early in the morning when you need to leave for work. However, many of the plumbing issues we experience are preventable or can be stopped from getting worse if they are taken care of early enough. Below, we are going to look at a few things your plumber probably wishes you did not do so as to take better care of your plumbing.
Pouring Grease Down the Sink
One of the main causes of blocked drain pipes is frying oil, grease, or other fatty substances that are poured down a sink drain. All these substances coagulate as they cool and they can accumulate, causing huge clogs that require a plumber to fix. Instead of pouring them down the drain, wait for them to cool and then dispose of them in the garbage.
Using Caustic Cleaners
This especially applies to homes with older plumbing. Although caustic cleaners are recommended for when your tub or sink is draining slowly, they contain oxidizing chemicals that can be problematic for older plumbing systems. A better option would be to use natural drain cleaners that use enzymatic action to help unclog your drains. Granted, these natural drain cleaners work a lot more slowly but they are better for your plumbing system.
Doing Complicated Repairs Yourself
Many people who know how to use tools and complete DIY projects can complete simple plumbing problems such as replacing a gasket. But if you have a major plumbing issue or project, it is always better to call experienced plumbers. A qualified plumber will not only fix the plumbing issues you have, but they will also find the cause, fix it, and ensure things are done the right way. If you are in Denver, hiring a Denver plumber ensures you do not do even more damage and end up paying a lot more for what should have been a simple repair.
Not Shutting Your Water Valves When Going Away for Long
Coming home to find the house flooded due to a leak is frustrating and it can be expensive to repair the water damage. If you are away from home for an extended period, shut off all main water pipes. Additionally, open a few faucets to relieve some of the pressure inside the pipes after shutting down the main valve.
Throwing Trash in the Toilet
Although it might seem obvious, you will be surprised by the number of people who throw things like wipes and diapers in the toilet. Flushing anything that should not be flushed down a toilet will result in a blockage and you might have to call a plumber to either unclog the system or do much larger repairs if the issue is too big. Also, remember many of these products are not biodegradable and will harm the environment in the long run so avoid flushing them down the toilet.
Keeping our plumbing systems working as they should be is almost always all about using them the right way. Doing so saves us from costly repairs or from large disasters such as a flooded house.