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
pressure wash
The driveway. Furthermore, one that functions properly.
plumbing system
is crucial for hygiene — within your home
and
your community.
“A well-known saying within the plumbing industry states that plumbers safeguard the health of the nation,” explains Aaron Mulder, who owns Mr. Rooter Plumbing in San Antonio, Texas. He adds, “Once functional plumbing systems cease to operate in a country, conditions rapidly decline.”
That’s why, according to Mulder, homeowners should focus on the plumbing systems within their residences. 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 home’s plumbing system. So, what exactly are these behaviors? To get the answer, we reached out directly to professional plumbers.
These are six actions that professional plumbers would absolutely avoid in their residences.
Plumbers Warn Against Flushing Baby Wipes Down the Toilet
The box may
say
The wipes claim to be flushable; however, realistically, 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 certainly
clog your pipes
— If not immediately, then ultimately.
These objects may also obstruct the whole sewer network. Gradually, this could result in a significant and costly issue for your municipality’s wastewater treatment facility, let alone
a danger to community well-being
Instead, follow the plumber’s lead and dispose of disposable baby wipes in the garbage.
Plumbers Avoid Using Strong Chemicals in Drain Pipes
If you regularly use a store-bought drain unclogger by pouring it into the sink to eliminate blockages, cease doing so right away. According to Terry O’Shea, a master plumber from Roto-Rooter serving the New York metropolitan region, these products are both unhelpful and corrosive. O’Shea warns that chemical drain cleaners have the potential to damage your plumbing system.
and
Your skin when touched by them.
And as for the claims 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 shifting what the chemicals couldn’t access.
What
should
What do you think about using plumber-recommended enzymatic clogs solutions?
drain cleaners
(Mr. Rooter and Roto-Rooter each have distinct brands) which are generally reliable options, or you might consider trying another company.
drain auger
(sometimes called a
plumbing snake
) states O’Shea. Resist the urge to use a wire coat 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 Drains
You’ve just finished cooking some bacon and want to dispose of it.
grease
. You have several choices, but dumping it down the kitchen sink is not an option, according to Mulder.
At first, the grease will adhere to the pipe walls and begin obstructing your drain. Over time, part of this grease will flow into the sewer system, combining with other waste materials including disposable wipes that shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet. This leads to the formation of an unpleasant, damaging mass known as a fatberg.
fatberg.
Last year,
sewer management authorities in England uncovered a fatberg
That exceeded a length of 200 feet.
We understand you wouldn’t want to be part of something so grotesque. In his advice, Mulder suggests collecting hardened fat scraps and tossing them into the trash bin, or alternatively, channeling liquid fat into a container for disposal 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 discarding trash, states 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,” explains Mulder. Continual repetition of this behavior, according to Mulder, can lead to damage and eventually destroy the garbage disposal.
And that’s not all. Because the system doesn’t decompose food waste, the remaining chicken scraps will decay within your plumbing instead. Soon enough, you’ll be dealing with an unappealing smell and a messy task. Avoid the hassle and cost by doing otherwise.
composting
Or discarding food leftovers.
Plumbers Don’t Delay Proactive Maintenance
Similar to how we maintain our vehicles with routine check-ups, plumbing systems also require periodic upkeep even when everything seems fine. Plumbers understand the significance of staying on top of this maintenance at home; doing so helps reduce the risk of significant problems arising, such as leaks, rust formation, or issues with the septic system.
Mulder emphasizes that conducting an annual pressure test is crucial to ensure that your water pressure remains within a secure limit. While the typical upper threshold stands at 80 PSI, property owners ought to ascertain the specific PSI guidelines applicable to their area since certain states adhere to different standards.
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 preventative maintenance tasks involve inspecting for leaks and blockages, as well as ensuring there are no damaged components.
components inside your toilet
, such as sinks or showers/tubs. Additionally, he suggests inspecting your supply lines—the hoses that enable water to flow from the primary water line to specific fixtures—to ensure they remain in optimal condition. According to him, many property owners are astonished to learn that these supply lines generally have a lifespan of just three to five years before needing replacement.
Plumbers Shouldn’t Delay the Inquiry Into the Issue
No one likes to cancel their weekend plans at the last moment just 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 best to address it immediately, according to Mulder.
“If you believe there’s a water leak…you should certainly have it inspected before it turns into a larger problem,” he states, noting that plumbing issues do not typically resolve on their own with time.
