A huge percentage of a household budget often goes to plumbing maintenance and repairs. To restore the proper flow of water in your home, you have to address plumbing problems as they occur; otherwise, it could escalate and become costlier to deal with. To avoid expensive plumbing emergencies, take note of these 8 plumbing practices that are damaging to your plumbing system.
1. Pouring grease into the drain
When washing dishes in the sink, avoid throwing leftover grease and fat down the drain. Grease is dangerous to your plumbing as it builds up over time, causing a major clog and slow drain. Unless you don’t stop the habit of using your drain to dispose of any type and amount of food waste, your home could suffer from a sewer overflow.
2. Clearing a clog with chemical drain cleaners.
Chemical drain cleaners are a popular tool for DIY plumbing projects. What most people don’t know is that the greater the amount of chemical drain cleaners that go into the pipes, the higher the chance of damaging the system. Due to its harsh chemical content, overusing commercial drain cleaners to break a clog can damage the walls of the plumbing system. So, the next time you’re faced with a clogged drain, try natural solutions first like using vinegar and baking soda and a plunger.
3. Turning off the heater during winter.
If you are trying to save money on energy costs by shutting off the heater during winter, you are only causing damage to the system. If you will be leaving home for days or weeks, let your home’s heating system run to cover plumbing locations and prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. Without proper heating in your indoor spaces, water inside the pipes can freeze, turn into ice, and expands. This causes a buildup of pressure inside the pipes, causing it to burst and expel a huge amount of water in a short space of time.
4. Overtightening plumbing fittings.
Among the most common plumbing mistakes is over-tightening plumbing fittings. This could result in cracks or damages in the fixture, which, if, go unnoticed for days and weeks, may cause flooding in your home. It only takes little pressure to properly adjust supply tubes and pipe fittings in place. When plumbing connections no longer make any movement, that means it is safely installed already. Don’t try tightening it any further.
5. Using the wrong thread tape.
For piping and ductwork applications, make sure to use a PTFE tape or plumber’s tape. Wrapping fittings with a plumber’s tape is primarily done as a preventive measure against leakage. However, when applied incorrectly, it will not be able to provide a watertight seal on the fittings. If you don’t know how to properly use a PTFE tape for leaks, it’s best to ask help from the pros.
6. Leaving the water running when changing valves.
When doing plumbing installations or repairs, always make it a point to turn off the water. Leaving the water running while replacing old valves may cause water to flow into your interior and flood your home. To avoid wasting water, it is best to go to the main valve and turn it off before doing any plumbing adjustments.
7. Flushing any material down the toilet.
A clogged toilet is the worst that could happen in a household. Worse toilet clog problems often require the removal of the entire toilet, which means additional cost on your part. To keep your toilet clog-free, be mindful of the materials that you flush down the toilet. Baby wipes, feminine products, diapers, towels, and tissues should always be thrown out in the wastebasket.
8. Lacking the proper plumbing tools during installations or repairs.
Even if you are a trained plumber, you can’t expect to see excellent plumbing results if you lack the proper plumbing tools and materials. Don’t even think that you can successfully take on plumbing installations and repairs at home by just using the tools you have on hand. Forcing to remove old fittings with ordinary pipe wrench or pliers will break the material, wasting significant resources.
Why ask the help of a professional plumber
Plumbing DIYs are not only dangerous to you and your family. It can also damage your plumbing system. Whenever you are unsure of performing plumbing installations or repairs, don’t hesitate to ask for the help of a reputable plumbing company. Most of the time, people are forced to pay costly repairs after neglecting the maintenance needs of their plumbing system. You can prevent this from happening to you by consulting a professional plumber to inspect your water valves and pipes regularly for potential issues.
Winter is only a few weeks away, so make sure to ready your plumbing system by booking a service today. You may ask for consultations or discuss your plumbing issues with a reliable contractor over a phone call or through a personal visit. For efficient service response, choose to work with a plumbing company that is located nearest your area. You can search the internet for trustworthy plumbing companies in your local area or ask family or friends for recommendations. Make no delays and book an appointment today!