5 Astounding Things You Wish You Knew About Your Plumbing System

Plumbing problems—if neglected—can be catastrophic not only for your home but also for your wallet. The thing is, most of those issues come from a simple lack of knowledge about your plumbing system. So what’s the good news? Well, you don’t have to break the bank each time you encounter them.

In fact, a lot of things you could learn from your trusted plumber can actually save you from plumbing services costs and headaches. Below are some of the things plumbers wish you knew when it comes to plumbing.

1. Whole chunks of food should never be dropped in the garbage disposal.

Your garbage disposal may seem like it can handle all sorts of food items, but that’s just not true. You shouldn’t drop whole chunks of food like celery and chicken skin into the disposal. Potato peels and many types of fruit also shouldn’t be thrown into the disposal. That’s because the unit can’t break these items down.

Also, when using the disposal, be sure to turn it on before dumping waste into it. Do not wait until the system is full before running it. For maintenance, toss several pieces of ice cubes into the disposal in order to clean it.

2. Cleaning tablets are bad.

Toilet freshening cleaning tablets may seem harmless, but the truth is, they can cause serious damage to your tank. As much as you love that clean blue water can give, cleaning tablets have chemicals that break down parts inside the toilet tank.

Chlorine tablets, in particular, should be avoided. Although it may take longer for metal parts to degrade from the bleach, rubber seals will eventually disintegrate very quickly and lead to serious problems.

3. Be mindful of what you flush.

Many products may be flushable but it doesn’t mean they can break down enough upon reaching your pipes. Your bathroom should always have a trash can where you can dispose of scrubbers, wipes, and other products. You should also be mindful of the amount of toilet paper you flush.

4. Chemical drain fluids damage pipes.

Chemical drain cleaners can damage your pipes more than the clog in question. A great way to protect your pipes from clogs is by keeping them free from items that may become an obstruction. If you encounter a pesky clog that won’t go away, call a plumber for professional help instead of reaching for a chemical drain cleaner.

5. Maintenance checks should be done regularly.

Plumbing services are not exclusive to repairs—they also include maintenance checks. When it comes to plumbing, it pays to keep an eye on things. Never overlook sink drains, toilets, valves, and pipes. Make maintenance appointments with your plumber on a regular basis to avoid high repair costs in the future.

Consider Plumbing Services for Your Home

While it may be tempting to go DIY for a quick plumbing fix, it’s always best to call a professional for your concerns. Some minor problems can be solved with simple methods but if you suspect a serious issue with your system, only a local plumber can help you. They have the right tools, skills, and experience to provide you with plumbing services and ensure your system works smoothly all-year-round.