Good intentions may not always translate into sound judgments when it comes to plumbing. To help you avoid wasting money, we’ve compiled a list of the most frequent plumbing mistakes so you can avoid them!
1. Excessive Use of Drain Cleaners
While cleaning your drains regularly is good, using chemical drain cleaners too frequently might have unexpected negative consequences. The chemicals in drain cleaners are as powerful as the pipes. If used too frequently, they may eat away at your pipes, causing much worse problems later on. They are also harmful to the environment.
Consider using green alternatives such as baking soda, boiling water, or enzymatic drain cleaners instead of these harsh chemicals. A drain snake can also be used.
If your drain is constantly clogged, it may indicate a more severe problem. The problem is definitely deeper in your pipes than a cleaning product can reach, and it’s time to call a professional plumber.
2. Abusing Your Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals are the easiest way to eliminate food scraps that won’t decompose. When you’re done with your leftovers, the garbage disposal can help you get rid of the mess and clean up the kitchen, ensuring that your family isn’t exposed to any unsightly messes or smells.
But not all foods are safe to be thrown down the drain. Think twice before throwing things like chicken bones, peach pits, paper towels, or even eggshells down the garbage disposal, as they can get stuck and cause problems like clogs.
3. Ignoring Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure is the number one reason people call a plumber. While it can be caused by several factors, the easiest to fix is usually a clog. Call a plumber if you just use a plunger and do not get results.
If the low water pressure is caused by a leak, you will find water pooling in strange places in your house, like the basement, the garage, or under your car. The water pressure can also be affected by plumbing products like an improperly installed water softener.
4. Not Winterizing Your Home
The winter can be brutal for pipes if you don’t prepare for it. The cold can freeze your pipes, turning them brittle and cracked, or even causing them to burst. To prevent freezing, shut off water to outside faucets in the fall, turn off the water to your home, and drain the pipes. You can use a drain snake to clean the pipes before you start to freeze them.
Next, insulate pipes exposed to the outside. You can space heat tape along the pipes, and even wrap them in towels or burlap. You can also add insulation to your pipes. This can be done by wrapping pipes in foam, fur, or cotton.
5. Not Getting Your Plumbing Maintained By Professionals
Proper maintenance can prevent problems down the road, but many people tend to ignore their plumbing until something breaks. Your plumbing system is a well-oiled machine made up of many interconnected parts. Keeping up with maintenance can help prevent problems in the first place, but fixing problems is easier the sooner they’re addressed.
Conclusion
Properly maintaining your plumbing system is the best way to avoid problems, which always cost you more in the long run. Make an effort to check up on things, like whether your toilets are flushing correctly, and you really can save yourself a lot of time, money, and frustration in the future.
If you’re looking for plumbing companies in Tulsa, Wooten Knockout Plumbing is the one for you! Our professional plumbers will ensure that your home’s plumbing is always in peak condition, all for an affordable price. Call us at 918-367-8887 to book an appointment!
