13 Upkeep Habits That Could Be Destroying Your Plumbing

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Behind the scenes, your plumbing system is an unsung hero that works hard to keep life moving in your home. Like any hardworking system, however, it’s easy to forget about it until something goes wrong. A flooded basement, a clogged drain, a leaky pipe, something worse is often the loud wake up call that all is not well beneath the surface. Many of the plumbing problems we face could be prevented if we only paid attention to the little things we do daily.

Let’s face it: no one wakes up thinking, ‘How can I ruin my pipes today?’ But some habits just seem to creep into our routines without us realizing that cause long term damage to our plumbing system. What are some of these habits? Let’s find out.

Washing Hair Down the Drain

One of the leading contributors to clogs is hair going down the drain during a shower, and it’s easy to let it happen. A simple way to catch hair before it becomes a problem is to use a drain cover. When you think about it, it’s a small investment compared to having to snake your drain (or plumbing bill) later.

Skipping Water Heater Maintenance

Your water heater also needs love. The sediment that builds up at the bottom of the tank decreases its efficiency and lifespan over time. Flushing it once a year will keep it running smoothly. Energy.gov says that regular maintenance can reduce your water heating bills.

Letting Pipes Freeze

If you live in a colder area of the world, frozen pipes are waiting to happen. When water freezes it also expands, which can cause pipes to burst. Insulate exposed pipes and during extreme cold snaps, leave a little water running through the taps so water can’t freeze. This is a simple step could save you thousands in repairs.

Pouring Grease Down the Sink

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Liquid grease might go down, but once it cools in your pipes, the grease congeals and turns into a sticky, clog causing mess. It’s like dumping candle wax down there. Rather than take a chance on a plumbing nightmare, allow the grease to solidify in a container and then throw it out. It will save your pipes and your wallet.

Using Chemical Drain Cleaners

Brightly labeled drain cleaners promise miracles, but the harsh chemicals are often worse than they sound. They can corrode your pipes and, over time, lead to leaks or pipe failure. Try using a drain snake or homemade cleaning solution instead. A little elbow grease is better than something that might damage your plumbing.

Skipping Regular Maintenance

How long has it been since you’ve checked under your sink for leaks? The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that small drips can waste up to 3,000 gallons a year. Inspect your plumbing fixtures a few times a few minutes every few months. Finding a small crack in your windshield before it spiders across the glass is what catching issues early is like.

Overloading the Garbage Disposal

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Your garbage disposal isn’t a magic trash bin for all of the things in your kitchen. The fibrous veggies like celery, potato peels, and coffee grounds will wreak havoc on the blades and clog your pipes. It’s more like a helper, for small scraps, rather than a trash compactor. And remember: it’s always a good idea to run cold water while you are using it to keep things moving as smoothly as possible.

Crank Up the Water Pressure

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While it may be nice to have high water pressure for a shower, it’s not a spa day for your pipes. With time, excess pressure can cause joints to become weak and leak. Household water pressure shouldn’t be more than 80 psi. Invest in a pressure regulator if your pressure feels intense. It’s cheaper than replacing burst pipes.

Hanging Too Much on Showerheads

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That over-the-door shower caddy full of bottles sure is handy, but your showerhead wasn’t designed to support all that weight. It is possible to over load it, straining the fixture and causing it to leak. Instead, go with a tension rod or wall mounted storage to keep things level.

Running the Disposal Using Hot Water

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While hot water may seem to be the right tool for cleaning greasy dishes, it can actually melt fats and make them stickier inside your pipes. Some grease will sit idle, but cold water keeps it solid and easier to flush away. This is a small habit to change but with a big difference.

Ignoring Hard Water Build-Up

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Hard water deposits are the ones that make your faucets look like they’re growing stalactites. These minerals can over time restrict water flow, and damage fixtures. To keep your water pressure steady and your faucets shiny, just dissolve the buildup with a simple vinegar soak.

DIY Fixes Without Research

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A simple online search can turn anyone into a pro plumber, but if you don’t understand what’s wrong, jumping right into repairs can end up being an even bigger headache. If you’re not sure, get a professional. Anytime you do DIY something, it can be a quick fix, but it can turn into a costly repair if you do it wrong.

Flushing the Wrong Stuff

Toilets aren’t trash cans, but when convenience beckons, rules can go out the window. Flushable wet wipes don’t dissolve like toilet paper. When thrown in the toilet, they clump together and form blockages nicknamed ‘fatbergs’ by plumbers. Non-flushable items cost the U.S. more than $1 billion in plumbing damages each year, according to the National Association of Clean Water Agencies. Stick to flushing only the essentials: toilet paper, and, well, you can fill in the rest.

Ignoring Slow Drains

If your drain is moving at a snail’s pace, it’s just plain annoying, but it’s warning you that something is brewing. When your drains aren’t moving along, it could be a sign that grease, hair, or soap scum is slowly narrowing your pipes. If left unchecked, that buildup hardens over time until it leads to full blown blockages. If your drain is slower than a sloth on a hot day, take care of it early and naturally with baking soda and vinegar before it becomes a costly problem.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.