Expert Plumbers Reveal Their Tips
Plumbing
is something we frequently overlook, yet without it, we wouldn’t enjoy hot showers, flushing toilets, or a way to clean ourselves.
pressure wash
The driveway. Besides that, one that functions
plumbing system
is crucial for hygiene — within your home
and
your community.
“A well-known saying within the plumbing industry is that plumbers safeguard the health of the nation,” states Aaron Mulder, who owns Mr. Rooter Plumbing in San Antonio, Texas. “Once functional plumbing systems cease to be operational in a country, conditions rapidly decline.”
That’s why, according to Mulder, homeowners should focus on the pipes within their houses. This includes aspects such as
fixing leaks
promptly, swapping out damaged components before they entirely break down and routinely inspecting
water pressure
.
Maybe even more crucially, it involves steering clear of typical actions that can cause significant damage to your household’s plumbing network. So, what exactly are these activities? To get answers, we reached out directly to professional plumbers.
These are six actions that professional plumbers would definitely avoid in their own houses.
Plumbers Warn Against Flushing Baby Wipes Down the Toilet
The box may
say
The wipes claim to be flushable; however, the reality is that there are just two items that should genuinely be flushed down the toilet —
toilet paper
And human waste, states Mulder. All other items, including feminine hygiene products and paper towels among others, will without a doubt
clog your pipes
— If not immediately, then ultimately.
These items can also clog up the entire sewer system. Over time, this can create a big expensive mess at your city’s sewage treatment plant, not to mention
a danger to community well-being
Instead, follow the plumber’s approach and dispose of the disposable baby wipes in the garbage.
Plumbers Avoid Using Strong Chemicals in Drain Pipes
If you regularly use a commercially available drain cleaner to eliminate blockages by pouring it into the sink, cease doing so right away. According to Terry O’Shea, a master plumber at Roto-Rooter serving the New York metropolitan area, these cleaners aren’t only inefficient; they’re also corrosive. O’Shea warns that chemical drain cleaners have the potential to damage your plumbing system.
and
Your skin when you come into contact with them.
And the assertions that these cleaners can dissolve hair? Not true at all.
It might remove some of the hair and grime… but ultimately, it won’t prevent this accumulation from happening again,” Mulder states. “It’s merely pushing it down to areas where the chemicals couldn’t penetrate.
What
should
What do you think about using clogs? Plumbers recommend enzymatic options.
drain cleaners
(Mr. Rooter and Roto-Rooter each have distinct brands) which are generally reliable options, or alternatively, you could consider trying another company.
drain auger
(sometimes called a
plumbing snake
According to O’Shea, resist the urge to use a wire hanger for this task, advises Mulder. Rigid tools can harm the pipes and lead to numerous problems such as leaks, damaged seals, unpleasant odors, and even insect invasions (eww!).
Plumbers Avoid Pouring Grease Into the Drain
You’ve freshly cooked some bacon and now you want to dispose of it.
grease
. You have several choices, but flushing it down the drain is not an option, according to Mulder.
At first, the grease will adhere to the pipe walls and begin obstructing your drainage system. Over time, part of this grease will flow into the sewer, combining with all sorts of untreated waste materials, including those baby wipes which ought to be discarded in the garbage instead. Consequently, you’ll end up with an unsavory mass known as a fatberg that can damage sewers.
fatberg.
Last year,
sewer management authorities in England uncovered a fatberg
That exceeded a length of 200 feet.
We understand you wouldn’t wish to support something so grotesque. However, Mulder suggests collecting hardened fat into the trash bin, or saving liquid fat in a container to dispose of at a later time.
Plumbers Don’t Interpret ‘Garbage Disposal’ Literally
Even though the term suggests otherwise, your sink’s
garbage disposal
Is not intended for disposing of trash, according to Mulder. Tiny bits of specific kinds of food (along with the leftover milk in your cereal bowl) are acceptable. However, items like eggshells, chunks of meat, and coffee grounds should be avoided.
must avoid going into your garbage disposal
.
“These items” are straining the unit excessively or causing it to overheat,” states Mulder. Continual repetition of this behavior, according to Mulder, can lead to damage and eventually destroy your garbage disposal.
Moreover, this isn’t the only issue at hand. Given that the system doesn’t decompose food waste, the discarded chicken scraps will end up spoiling within your plumbing instead. Soon enough, you’ll be dealing with an unappealing smell along with a messy task. Avoid the hassle and cost by doing otherwise.
composting
or discarding food leftovers.
Plumbers Don’t Delay Preventative Maintenance
Similar to how we maintain our vehicles with routine check-ups, plumbing systems also require periodic attention even when everything seems fine. Plumbers understand the significance of staying on top of this maintenance at home, as it helps reduce the risk of significant problems arising, such as leaks, rusting, or issues with the septic system.
Mulder emphasizes the importance of conducting an annual pressure check to ensure that your water pressure remains within a secure limit. Typically, the upper threshold is set at 80 PSI; however, property owners ought to verify the specific PSI limits applicable in their area as these can vary by state.
Uniform Plumbing Code;
others go by the
International Plumbing Code
) You have the option to purchase an item.
water pressure gauge
At your nearby hardware shop or home improvement center.
Other routine maintenance tasks involve inspecting for leaks and blockages, as well as ensuring there are no damaged components.
components inside your toilet
He suggests inspecting your sinks or showers/tubs as well. Additionally, he advises examining your supply lines—the tubes that enable water flow from the primary water pipe to each fixture—to ensure they remain in optimal condition. According to him, many property owners are astonished when learning that these supply lines generally have a lifespan of just three to five years before needing replacement.
Plumbers Do Not Extend the Inquiry Into the Issue
No one likes canceling their weekend plans at the last moment to handle something else.
plumbing problem
But if you wake up one day and see a puddle of
Water beneath your washing machine
It’s prudent to address it immediately, according to Mulder.
If you suspect a water leak… it’s best to address it promptly before it escalates into a larger problem,” he advises, noting that plumbing issues typically do not resolve on their own with time.
