Unfortunately, many homeowners don't understand just how sensitive their plumbing system is. You might even be surprised how some seemingly normal habits can harm your plumbing system in the long run.
Every bad habit can have a ruining effect on your system and may eventually cost you a lot in repairs. But with proper care, you can help your plumbing system last longer and save money on some avoidable repairs.
Learn more about the ordinary everyday habits that can slowly damage your plumbing system.
1. Flushing Hair and Other Materials
What you flush down your drains often has a huge impact on your plumbing system's health. When you shave near your bathroom sink, you may simply wash the hair down your shower drain.
While you may not see the effects immediately, the gradual hair buildup inside your drains can cause you unimaginable problems. Hair can attach itself to soap scum and grease to create stubborn clogs that prevent the smooth flow of wastewater.
Usually, such a blockage can grow larger and cause your drain pipes to burst. Not only do you have to deal with possible water damage, but you might also have to replace your pipes sooner than you expected.
Other materials such as wipes, feminine hygiene products, and cotton swabs can also have similar effects on your drains. Sometimes, these products are deemed flushable, but you still need to be careful how you dispose of them.
Toilet paper can quickly disintegrate in water, but these other products might not break down as quickly. Instead, throw them in the trash can and avoid the consequences of a severely clogged drain or toilet.
In addition, remember to install a mesh screen on your bathroom sink so that hair doesn't flow freely into your drains and make things worse.
2. Misusing Your Garbage Disposal
Sometimes, you might find it easier to dump leftover foods down your garbage disposal when you do the dishes. And while your garbage disposal breaks up common forms of waste, it can't handle everything.
Fibrous waste, eggshells, or bone fragments can become a problem that you may not see coming. The accumulated waste damages both your garbage disposal and the drain pipes that connect to it.
Fibrous food wastes and vegetable peels may form a stubborn mesh that traps grease - a powerful mixture that can block your garbage disposal. Eggshells and bones can easily break the blades in your garbage disposal.
They might also jam the inner components and prevent your garbage disposal from working properly. Eventually, the motor might give in to the added strain, which could render your garbage disposal useless.
Remember that garbage disposal repairs can be quite costly, so be careful what goes into your unit. Have a trash can nearby and dispose of all food waste to avoid any surprises.
3. Using Chemical Drain Cleaners
For many home owners, a chemical drain cleaner can be a quick fix for an unusually slow drain. Some of these products are easy to use. You only have to pour are as on able amount into the drain and wait.
While many drain cleaners act quickly to remove a blockage, their effect on your pipes outweighs the benefits. Drain cleaners may contain harsh, potent chemicals that can corrode your pipes from the inside.
Unfortunately, frequent use of chemical drain cleaners might leave you no choice but to replace your drainpipes. You can avoid this situation if you ask your plumber for help whenever you have slow drains or blocked plumbing fixtures.
Now that you know what habits to avoid, make sure to maintain regular plumbing inspections to keep your system in good shape. Contact Plumb Rite for more information on how to get started.
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