The last thing you need in 2021 is plumbing problems. Make 2021 the year you learn good plumbing habits. Most homeowners have bad plumbing habits to break, and while the pandemic continues and most people continue to spend a majority of their time at home, this is the perfect opportunity to learn plumbing basics.
Putting Too Much in the Garbage Disposal
Avoid putting too much down the garbage disposal because it will make your disposal wear out sooner. While the garbage disposal is designed to handle basic food scraps, it cannot handle everything. So, read your owner’s manual to know what you can and can’t put down the garbage disposal. And remember that you should never put metal, glass, or fats or oils down the drain which can damage the blades or cause a blockage.
Flushing Items Down the Toilet
Some wipes are designed to be flushed in the toilet, but there are many things that cannot break down the same way as bathroom tissues and can cause blockages and could even affect the entire neighborhood if you have public sewage. Always note if items say “flushable” or not. Baby wipes should never be flushed unless they specify it is okay to do so.
Using Toilet Fresheners that Drop-In the Tank
While toilet fresheners are always a good idea to keep your toilet clean and smelling better, a drop-in toilet freshener can damage the parts inside your toilet tank. The chlorine in toilette cleaners is not good for the parts and can erode gaskets and washers. So, you may be better off washing your toilet with a toilet bowl cleaner.
Clogging up a Drain With Hair
Hair can clog up your shower or sink drain faster than almost anything else. Hair easily gets caught in soap buildup and can quickly start to block your drain. Of course, you can always get a professional to clean your pipes but if you take steps to clean your drains it hopefully will not come to that. You should get a shower hair catcher or tools to clean your drains and have more than just drain cleaner on hand.
Ignoring Leaks or Warning Signs
While something may start as a small leak, it can lead to bigger problems down the line. Plus, even a drip can waste hundreds of gallons of water every year.
Do not wait too long to get a professional plumber involved if you have a leak or constantly clogged pipes. The longer you wait, the more likely you could bust a pipe that leads to more extensive, expensive consequences like mold, water damage or even floods.
Conclusion
There are steps you can take at home to break bad pluming habits. Breaking bad plumbing habits can also ensure that your pipes work effectively and last longer. However, at the end of the day, you shouldn’t wait before calling a professional for help. Plumbing damage can easily cost thousands of dollars if not handled correctly the first time.