5 Plumbing Habits That Do More Harm Than Good

5 Plumbing Habits That Do More Harm Than Good

Plumber fixing the sink

While no one wants to end up with a ruined or broken plumbing system, some of your well-intentioned habits can do more harm than good. If you try to fix a blockage or any other plumbing issue without the right tool or expertise, for instance, there is always the risk of contributing to more clogs or aggravating the problem.

If you have been once successful in handling a minor plumbing issue, it is not always safe to assume that you can tackle any other problem that might come in your way. You should also know that there a few other seemingly helpful habits can actually hurt your plumbing and contribute to expensive repairs in the future. Here are some of them:

Pouring chemicals to unclog the drain

While there may be a number of chemical-based cleaners that deliver to their promise of unclogging your drain, using those products can also damage your pipes. The chemical agents, especially toxic and corrosive ones, can dissolve not just the blockage, but also everything around it like the inner walls of the pipes. Stick with eco-friendly drain cleaners or call a pro for extensive blockages.

Treating your garbage disposal like a trash can

Plumber smiling

The main purpose of the garbage disposal is to shred waste into tiny pieces so they won’t block the pipes. While it may seem like almost anything can go inside it, it cannot handle everything. Plumbing companies and 24-hour plumbers in Lehi note that it is never advisable to pour grease into it and put fibrous foods like celery, artichokes, and onion skins. Other things that don’t belong in there include:

  • Rice and pasta
  • Bone, seafood shells, and fruit pits
  • Potato peelings
  • Medications
  • Eggshells and coffee grounds
  • Any non-food item (glass, paper, metal, sticker labels)
  • Anything that is hard or difficult to chew

Using drop-in toilet fresheners

These products may make your toilet and bathroom smelling fresh, but you should also know that many of these tablets contain chemicals that can damage the parts of the tank. Moreover, when the tablet disintegrates, there is a risk that it may get stuck in the flush valve, which will then cause toilet problems. It’s better to go for eco-friendly ways when cleaning your toilet and bathroom.

Using your toilet as a garbage can

There are only four things that are okay to send down the toilet: pee, poop, puke, and toilet paper. Any item other than those things can cause problems later on. This is true even for products labeled as flushable like wipes. Flushing them down the toilet can cause blockages and other plumbing issues. The same is also true for small insignificant items like floss, hair, tampons, and nail clippings.

Forgetting to replace water hoses

The rubber hoses on dishwashers and washing machines don’t give any clue before they burst. This is why experts recommend replacing them every five years. It is also advisable to check them for leaks and damage at least once a year. A reinforced steel-braided hose is a good choice for replacement as they are less likely to fail than rubber ones.

Take note of these habits to stop damaging your plumbing. Be sure to contact a plumber if you encounter any problem that is beyond what you can handle.

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