13 Everyday Habits That Are Wrecking Your Plumbing
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While you love your house, it’s easy to forget about the intricacy behind the pipes and fixtures that make water flow in and out of your home in the form of flushes, showers, and hot water. We turn on faucets, flush toilets, run dishwashers, and never give a second thought to what might be going on behind the scenes. But, some of our daily habits are secretly taking their toll on this delicate system and one day they could cost us a fortune in repairs, clogged drains or a plumbing disaster.
Let’s take a look at some everyday habits that seem harmless but are doing damage to your plumbing system.
Pouring Grease Down the Drain
After cooking, it’s easy to just pour grease down the drain without giving it a second thought. Grease, however, hardens as it cools, and sticks to the insides of pipes, eventually narrowing them until they’re blocked. This can eventually result in stubborn clogs, or even backups. Instead, pour the grease into a container, allow it to solidify, and then toss it in the trash.
Flushing “flushable” Wipes
The label might be “flushable,” but many wipes don’t break down in water the way toilet paper does. Over time these wipes can get stuck in pipes resulting in blockages that increase. Flushing stick to plain toilet paper, and throw out wipes in the trash.
Using Too Much Toilet Paper
Simply using too much toilet paper at once is a frequent offender in clogged toilets. Toilet paper is designed to break down, but there can still be large amounts that get stuck in your pipes. To avoid a mess, especially if you’re using thicker or extra-soft brands, use smaller amounts and flush in stages if necessary.
Ignoring Small Leaks
These small drips and a tiny leak here or there are easy to ignore, but if you let them, they can become big problems. Water damage and mold and higher water bills can be the results of leaks. If you see a leak, whether it’s from a faucet or a pipe, take the time to fix it as soon as you see it. It’s a small fix today, but could save you a big headache down the road.
Treating Your Garbage Disposal Like a Trash Can
Garbage disposals are nice, but they’re not intended to deal with everything. As for what may clog up or damage the blades, hard items such as bones, eggshells, and fruit pits will hurt the blades, starchy foods like pasta, rice, and potato peels will expand when exposed to water and clog. Don’t put too much down the disposal and scrape the rest into the trash.
Washing Hair Down the Drain
Washing hair down the drain is a fast track to clogs, whether it’s in the shower or over the sink. Hair doesn’t break down and can clump together, blocking pipes and causing slow drains. A simple hair catcher over your drains can help a lot with keeping your pipes clear.
Using Chemical Drain Cleaners
The first thing we think of when a sink or shower gets clogged is to grab a chemical drain cleaner. But such chemicals can harsh on pipes, especially old ones, and tend to corrode over time. Rather than waiting for the usual drain cleaner or plunging, feel free to use a drain snake or mixing your own home made solution of baking soda and vinegar to clear things up.
Throwing Coffee Grounds Down the Sink
There’s no need to think twice about rinsing the grounds down the sink after a morning coffee. Coffee grounds don’t dissolve, and can easily stick to other particles in the pipes, causing clogs. Instead throw coffee grounds in the compost, or throw them in the trash and keep your drains flowing.
Setting the Water Heater Too High
In winter, many people crank up their water heater temperature. But if you set it too high, you’ll wear your heater out, pay more on your energy bills, and even scald yourself. Usually, a moderate setting (120 degrees Fahrenheit or so) is good, settling between warmth and safety and efficiency.
Dirt and Debris Going Down the Drain
Sometimes, after having done gardening or any messy project, the thing that you instinctively like to do is rinse yourself off in the sink or in the shower. However, large amounts of dirt, sand, or even paint can wreak havoc on your pipes and clog the works. Shake off as much as you can outside before rinsing off to keep your drains clear.
Failure to Maintain Regular Pipe Maintenance
Plumbing maintenance is often not at the top of anyone’s to do list, but it should be, as a little preventive care can go a long way. Cleaning your drains regularly, checking for leaks, and flushing your water heater occasionally can keep you from bigger problems. A DIY inspection of your pipes every few months can catch things before they become serious.
Hanging Heavy Items on Showerheads and Faucets
Shampoo caddies or baskets hung on your shower head are tempting, but too much weight will loosen joints and cause leaks. Eventually, these leaks can destroy walls or floors, and the extra weight can also wear out the faucet itself. To not put strain on your fixtures, try using wall mounted storage or lighter options.
Using Old, Outdated Plumbing Fixtures
If some of your plumbing fixtures are old, then maybe a change is in order. Old fixtures, especially old fixtures, can leak, rust, or just break over time. Newer, more efficient models can replace them and save you water, money, and keep you from having to deal with unexpected problems. Even small changes can keep your plumbing in good shape.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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