12 Things That Are Secretly Damaging Your Plumbing
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Home plumbing maintenance tends to fall to the wayside, as many homeowners might not even realize that some daily habits and choices can secretly destroy their plumbing systems. Whether it’s the seemingly harmless items you flush down the toilet, or the substances you use to clean, these small oversights can create massive headaches later on.
Get your detective hat on and let’s out some of the sneaky offenders that might be in your home hiding out, ready to strike.
What Goes Down the Sink
Even superheroes have their limits, and your kitchen sink might feel like one. Avoid sending grease, coffee ground and other bits of food down the drain because they can collect and clog. Scrape leftovers into the trash, and use a strainer to stop debris. It will be kind to your sink!
Neglecting Drain Covers
Drain covers are great for keeping hair and debris out of your plumbing. If they get clogged or they are removed often, they can actually cause the blockages instead of preventing them. They should be cleaned regularly, and only used where necessary. It’s no secret that a little maintenance goes a long way!
Ignoring Signs of Trouble
If you hear strange noises, your drains are slow, or your water bill increased suddenly, don’t just shrug it off. All of these are signs that there might be something wrong with your plumbing. Because addressing issues early can save you from much larger repairs down the line, don’t be afraid to call in a professional when needed. It’s your plumbing’s way of telling you something!
Relying on Old Pipes
The pipes may be too old if your home is older. Aging plumbing is something that can be relied upon to cause leaks, corrosion and other problems that can drain your finances. If you’re having frequent plumbing problems, it may be time to do an overhaul of your plumbing system. Now, it’s a big job, but in the long run it might save you from endless repairs and stress.
Flushing Non-Biodegradeable Items
Sure, you might think it’s just a little piece of paper or a cotton ball, but those little things can clog a toilet faster than you can say ‘plumbing emergency,’ and it’s not biodegradable, so you’ll have to deal with it. These items don’t break down in water like toilet paper does, which creates blockages that can back up your whole system. So, next time you think about tossing that seemingly harmless item into the bowl, remember: toilets are not trash cans!
Ignoring Regular Maintenance
It’s no different than your car, your plumbing needs some TLC every now and then. Not doing regular maintenance can lead to bigger problems that will cost you more money, much faster than your flush. Inspections should be scheduled as often as two years apart to uncover leaks, corrosion and other problems you may not see until they turn into very expensive repairs.
Flushing “Flushable” Wipes
Flushable wipes, as the packaging says, are not all that flushable at all. They don’t fall apart like toilet paper, and after a while, they can accumulate in your pipes, creating stubborn clogs. And just because something goes down the toilet doesn’t mean it’s gone for good.
Using Too Much Toilet Paper
It may not seem like a dangerous thing to use a lot of, but an excessive amount of toilet paper can clog pipes — especially older pipes. If you use too much, keep a small roll in the bathroom or encourage your family to use only what they need.
Neglecting to Fix Leaks
While a dripping faucet may seem like a small thing, over time it can cause some bigger problems. Constant leaks wastes water, but they can also cause water damage and lead to mold growth. Addressing leaks as soon as you see them will save yourself from a whole world of plumbing headaches.
Using Chemical Drain Cleaners
Chemical drain cleaners may appear to be a quick solution, but more often they do more harm than good. Just as you waste effort and chemicals by putting them on your lawn, you also waste effort and chemicals putting them in plumbing system.
According to Lined Pipe Systems, these harsh substances can corrode your pipes, creating a leaking situation that will cost you a fortune to repair. A more gentle approach to clearing clogs is instead to use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar.
Neglecting Water Pressure
While high water pressure might feel amazing when you’re taking a shower, it can actually be hiding as a plumbing menace. Over time excessive pressure can lead to leaks or burst pipes. If you are interested in monitoring levels, invest in a pressure gauge and if you need to install a pressure regulator to keep things flowing smoothly.
Not Installing a Water Softener
If you live in a hard water area, not installing a water softener could be a disaster. According to Supremepipe.com, when you have hard water, it can allow for a buildup of minerals in your pipes, which can block your pipes and cut down the lifespan of the plumbing fixtures that you have.
Softening your water will eliminate these problems and keep your plumbing running longer. And your skin and hair will be grateful for it too!
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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