10 Things That Are Ruining Your Home's Plumbing

5/6/2020 (Permalink)

Getting a professional plumber can be expensive, it doesn't mean you should take on a big plumbing job yourself.

Plumbing is something we should be careful about. Some plumbing problems are our faults while others are natural. You may likely be the biggest threat to your plumbing — whether by putting the wrong things down the garbage disposal or doing a bad DIY job. Do you want to avoid ruining your plumbing, then stick to these 10 things?

10 Things That Are Ruining Your Home's Plumbing

• Stop Flushing Foreign Objects Down the Toilet

The most important to do to protect your plumbing is to avoid flushing foreign objects like paper towels, baby wipes, and anything else that’s not toilet paper.

• Leave Big Plumbing Work For A Plumber

Getting a professional plumber can be expensive, it doesn't mean you should take on a big plumbing job yourself. You may make a mistake that can damage the whole plumbing structure thereby making you spend more to fix or not getting a favorable result.

• Stop Pouring Grease Down the Drain

After cooking do not put grease down the drain. The fat from the grease will cause a huge clog and build up over time.

• Stop Using Drop-in Toilet Fresheners

Drop-in toilet fresheners have chlorine, after it dissolves it can cause corrosion to the gaskets and washers. It is best to stick to scrubbing with a good old-fashioned toilet bowl cleaner.

• Replace The Hoses on Washing Machines and Dishwashers

If it's been a while you changed the hose of your washing machine or dishwasher, it would be best you do so now. Washing machine or dishwasher hoses last about five years. A hose may show no sign of wear and tear until the day it suddenly burst.

• Avoid Putting Potato Skins Down the Garbage Disposal

Avoid clogging your pipes by disposing of potato peels in the garbage.

• Take Freezing Pipe Precautions

Insulate pipes from freezing temperatures, especially if you live in a place where the temperature falls below freezing temperatures. This is essential to avoid water from freezing in pipes which may lead to expansion and burst.

• Avoid Leaving Hoses Connected in the Winter

Outdoor hoses should be disconnected and removed in winter to prevent it from cracks which may, in turn, lead to leakages in the future. An insulation cap on the bare spigot could also be used to provide added protection for the hose.

• Replacing Your Water Heater

Basically, a water heater has a lifespan of 8-12 years, while the tank less models may last up to 20 years. Replacing water heating should not only be done when the heater has used its average lifespan but also when it is under-performing such as a drop in water temperature or knocking sounds.