Plumber Tips: Stop Doing These Things To Your Plumbing System | Knoxville, TN
Monday, December 6th, 2021
Photo By David Tran Photo at Shutterstock
Although some plumbing issues are uncontrollable, others are due to homeowners’ inattention. You may not believe it, but the most dangerous threat to your plumbing system is yourself. Your gross habits, such as doing a terrible DIY job or inserting inappropriate substances in the garbage disposal, will end up causing havoc on pipes and drains.
In fact, some folks ignore minor plumbing problems such as leaky faucets or running toilets, leading to extensive and much bigger problems. Do you want to prevent big plumbing troubles in your home? Continue reading to find out some of the daily mistakes that could be slowly destroying your plumbing system.
Relying on Liquid Drain Cleaners
Most individuals fall into the trap of using quick and easy solutions such as liquid drainers to clear clogged pipes. However, these products are known to do more harm than good; that’s why it’s rare to see a professional plumber in Knoxville, TN, using them.
These drain cleaners contain strong chemicals such as bleach, caustic potash, lye, and peroxide that are toxic and fatal when swallowed or inhaled. They also cause severe burns when they come into contact with your skin.
In addition, household drain cleaners damage your pipes because they react with clog and the pipes, hence eating away everything. Sometimes the cleaners may be unable to clear stubborn clogs and remain in the pipes, causing significant damage.
Although no plumbing system is safe from these toxic chemicals, the damage is worse in homes with old plumbing systems or those using PVC pipes. Therefore, to avoid the devastating effects of these chemicals on your health and pipes, it’s advisable to look for a competent plumber to resolve these problems.
Using Drop-in Toilet Fresheners
Drop-in toilet cleaners are popular among homeowners because they are a fast and mess-free way of cleaning toilet bowls. They come in the form of bleach-chlorine tablets, thus effective in washing dirty toilets. However, the chlorine in the tablets dissolves and corrodes the washers and the gaskets. In the long run, your toilet starts leaking or fails to flush properly due to the damage resulting from the in-tank tablets.
Also, the cleaners are not environmentally friendly and have to be neutralized before entering the sewage treatment system. Instead of using toilet cleaners, a qualified plumber will advise you to go the old fashioned way of scrubbing using the toilet bowl cleaner. This will save you from incurring the long-term cost of toilet repairs and replacements.
Thinking A Big Plumbing Problem Is Kindergarten Task That You Can Handle
There is nothing wrong with trying to save some money by going DIY. But it’s important to remember that some plumbing jobs are best left to plumbers. Since many DIYers do not have the expertise and professional training, they rely on online guides and trial and error to get the project done.
However, in plumbing, there is no room for trial and error, and even a minor mistake will end up being costly. That’s why it’s common to find most DIYers making expensive rookie mistakes such as forgetting to turn off the water before beginning the project, over-tightening the connections, or connecting two different metal pipes.
If the plumbing costs are daunting, you can get bids from professionals in Knoxville, TN, and select the affordable one instead of embarking on a misguided DIY project that will end up being a disaster.
Not Replacing Hoses on Washing Machines and Dishwashers
When was the last time you replaced the hose from your dishwasher or washing machine? If it has been a long time, it would be good to install a new hose to avoid water damage in your laundry room.
Most manufacturers advise homeowners to have the water supply hose replaced every three to five years to prevent it from bursting or cracking because debris and gunk get stuck in the lines over time. This saves your laundry room from water damage.
Flushing Foreign Objects
Although homeowners know that they should only flush toilet paper and waste down the toilet, there are still many cases of plumbers encountering foreign objects of all kinds in clogged toilet drains.
Treating your toilet like garbage by flushing items such as jewelry, feminine hygiene products, food, paper towels, or wipes will end up causing clogs, blockages, and expensive repair bills from a plumber.
Homeowners can avoid most plumbing emergencies by following some of the plumbing tips below:
- Put a garbage bin in the bathroom to avoid the temptation of flushing objects that are not supposed to go down the toilet.
- Avoid flushing items such as wipes even if they say “flushable,” and instead throw them in the trash to avoid interfering with the clog drains.
- Use reusable items, including cloth diapers and washcloths.
Leaving Hoses Connected in the Winter
As you are winterizing your plumbing system ahead of the autumn rain and freezing winter, do not forget to store your hoses indoors. Leaving your garden hose outside in winter causes it to freeze, especially if there is some water inside.
When water freezes, it expands, causing the hose lining to wear out, forming holes in the pipe’s walls. This may even lead to water pressure problems in the water lines of your home, and you’ll be forced to start looking for a plumbing company during the frigid winters.
Putting Potato Skins Down the Garbage Disposal
Unlike the earliest garbage disposal units, the current models can handle multiple kitchen waste. However, homeowners should be careful not to put potato peels in these systems. This is because potato peels have abundant starch that could bind together, forming a thick paste that clogs the disposal.
Sometimes, intact peels could pass through the garbage disposal and accumulate in the drain forming a tough clog. Plumbers advise homeowners to peel potatoes directly into old newspapers, towels, or plastic grocery bags before throwing them into a compost bin to avoid these issues.
Consult A Plumber To Avoid These Plumbing Problems
With this information, you can avoid many plumbing mistakes and live stress-free without any worries. If you experience any plumbing mishap, you can rely on My Professional Plumber in Knoxville, TN, to address any issue promptly.
We work with certified and licensed plumbers who are available 24/7 to respond to all your plumbing emergencies. Request a service call today for all your plumbing needs, whether it’s water filtration, repairs, installation, drain cleaning, water heater, or garbage disposal.