We tend to take our drains for granted, treating them like magical portals that carry unwanted liquids out of our homes. However, drains are far from magical, and without proper care and maintenance, they can fail.
While unusual circumstances, such as a toy getting flushed down the toilet, can cause plumbing headaches, most drain problems are caused by everyday habits. By being aware of these habits and changing drain-ruining behaviors, you can ensure that your home’s plumbing works optimally.
1. Using Chemical Cleaning Products
If a sink or tub is draining slowly or is completely stopped up, drain cleaners may seem like an attractive option for getting the clog cleared quickly without breaking the bank. Unfortunately, this “simple fix” can do far more harm than good. Not only are they marginally effective at best, but they’re formulated with harsh chemicals. When poured downpipes, these chemicals can generate heat and cause cracks and react with existing corrosion. A plumber has the knowledge and tools to clear clogs quickly without causing damage through chemicals.
2. Flushing Foreign Objects Down the Toilet
If you treat your toilet like a garbage can, using it to get rid of baby wipes, paper towels, unwanted medications, jewelry, and feminine hygiene products, then it’s only a matter of time before you’re faced with a clog. Toilet paper is specially designed to break down in the water and should be the only thing that you flush down your toilet.
3. Skipping Routine Plumbing Inspections
A plumber can quickly recognize plumbing issues that have the potential to cause serious — and expensive — problems. Routine inspections are important for proactively taking care of little problems before they become big problems.
4. Improper Use of Your Garbage Disposal
Your garbage disposal isn’t a garbage can, and even some food waste isn’t suitable for disposal in this way. Fibrous or starchy foods, like potato skins, can become jammed and cause a clog.
5. Failing to Take Freezing Pipe Precautions
Edwardsville has extremely cold winters, with nighttime temperatures easily dipping into the single digits. Ensuring that your pipes are properly insulated is essential in preventing water from freezing in the pipes and causing them to burst. For pipes in unheated portions of the home, such as the garage, heat tape and water leak alarms are simple precautions that can save a great deal of stress and money.
The experts at Bailey Sewer and Water provide 24-hour emergency plumbing repairs, helping you keep your drains working properly.
