Common Plumbing Mistakes: Three Things Homeowners Should Avoid Doing
For various reasons, homeowners often take a DIY approach when facing plumbing problems. They may try to clear clogged sinks or repair leaks despite needing the tools, skills, or experience necessary to do so correctly.
However, while there are a few things homeowners can and should do to keep their plumbing systems operating correctly, many make mistakes that can lead to costly problems later. Learn about common plumbing mistakes homeowners make and how they can be potentially serious.
Reaching for Liquid Drain Cleaners When Sinks Are Clogged
Homeowners often respond to clogged drains by pouring liquid drain cleaner down their pipes. It is easy to understand why these products are readily available and advertised as the best solution for clogged drains.
However, although homeowners can easily pick up a chemical drain cleaner at a grocery store and dump it in a sink or bathtub, these drain cleaners aren’t always safe.
Liquid drain cleaners can damage or corrode some pipes, and they aren’t effective for treating clogs. Chemical drain cleaners are also highly caustic, which can cause serious injuries. So, homeowners should call a professional plumber to have the drain cleaned properly instead of using these products.
Failing to Maintain Their Plumbing System Regularly
While many homeowners understand the importance of regular HVAC maintenance, many fail to appreciate the importance of maintaining their plumbing system regularly.
Regular plumbing maintenance includes inspecting the pipes for leaks, cleaning the drain system, and checking the home’s water pressure. It’s also important to arrange regular water heater maintenance, especially for systems including a tank.
Regular plumbing maintenance service will help discover problems—including potentially serious ones, such as clogged sewer lines or hidden leaks—while they are still easily addressed.
Putting Harmful Things Down Drains and Toilets
Homeowners often flush or pour several things down toilets or drains, which can cause serious issues with their plumbing. Some can even result in a sewer line clog, which can be very expensive to repair.
For example, despite being marketed as safe for toilets, “flushable” wipes should never be discarded in a toilet. The only thing that should ever be flushed down a home’s toilet is toilet paper, as it is specifically designed to break down once wet.
It is also important to avoid pouring harmful things down the sinks in a home. Grease tends to be the most problematic substance homeowners pour down their drains, as it can lead to a clogged sewer line. Food scraps can also cause blockages that will necessitate costly repairs.
Instead, thoroughly scrape plates in the trashcan before washing dishes in a sink. Grease is best handled by collecting it in a metal can, which can then be disposed of along with regular household garbage.
About PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning
From drain cleaning to regular plumbing maintenance to fixing clogged sewer lines, PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning has been providing fast, award-winning service to homeowners in the Staten Island area since 1978. Call them today for the finest HVAC and plumbing services in Staten Island, New York.
