There’s nothing quite like good plumbing: a working shower, toilet, sink, and appliances. If you think about it, plumbing is such an essential feature of the modern world that we hardly think about it. It’s something that many of us take for granted—until something breaks. While homeowners don’t cause issues on purpose, sometimes, there are things that lead to plumbing problems. In today’s post, we will talk about three things that cause plumbing problems at home and how to prevent them. If you’ve found yourself lost and unsure what to do, it’s probably time to call a professional.
Flushing Things Down The Toilet That You Shouldn’t
Whether it’s you or a guest, someone may be flushing things down the toilet that they shouldn’t. The only thing that needs to be flushed down a toilet is toilet paper. Anything else will only cause problems down the road. A common practice that many people don’t realize could be clogging up their sewer lines and causing septic tank issues is flushing baby wipes. The heavy weave and density of baby wipes don’t break down well in a septic tank, and they can clog up a toilet. So, make sure no one is flushing feminine products, trash, food, etc., down the toilet. Ever. If you’re experiencing a serious clog that you can’t seem to handle, you may want to consider a drain cleaning service.
Pouring Grease Down The Kitchen Sink Drain
When we look at big no-no’s in plumbing, this one just about tops the list. Pour grease, fat, or oil down the sink is more common than you’d think. People often assume that using hot water to flush grease down the drain will prevent it from causing any issues. That’s not true. In reality, when you use piping-hot water to wash grease down the drain, you’re allowing it to coat the pipes. When the pipes are coated with fat and oils—things stick. The grease acts as a magnet for debris and grime that will build up over time. We understand, though, that sometimes, a little grease will make it in the drain line. In that case, make sure to use cold water to flush out the drain. This allows the grease to stay as solid as possible, so it doesn’t coat the pipes.
Leaving The Hose Connected In Winter
As we get closer to wintertime, you need to think about what to do to prepare. If you use a hose outside, you need to make sure the hose is disconnected. By leaving the hose on the spigot outside in below-freezing temperatures, you can cause leaks and damage. The water inside the spigot or hose connection will expand when it freezes and cause the metal to crack.