Your home or business will require routine plumbing maintenance despite all your best efforts to protect and maintain your plumbing system. Proper use of your plumbing, however, makes the difference between monthly and yearly maintenance or repair. Truth is, many people believe they are following best plumbing practices while unknowingly making common mistakes that can cause gradual damage to their plumbing system. This gradual damage often leads to costly and inconvenient plumbing emergencies that could threaten the functionality of your entire property. Are you making a plumbing mistake that could destroy the longevity and durability of your sewers, drains, and septic systems? Read on to learn about the 5 common mistakes that will ruin your plumbing and what you can do to prevent further damage to your plumbing system.
Flushing Foreign Objects Down the Toilet
We all know that only waste and toilet paper should be flushed, yet foreign objects of all kinds end up in the toilet drain. Improper items such as paper towels, feminine hygiene products, food, toys, and jewelry can all clog the three inch drain pipe connecting your toilet to the main waste line in your plumbing system. If an object makes in far enough into your plumbing, your entire toilet will need to be removed to clear the blockage. Flushing one improper item down the toilet can ultimately stop up every drain in the house by blocking the main waste line. Prevent plumbing emergencies by using a trash can for all improper items and calling a plumber at the first sign of a clogged toilet drain.
Improper Use of Garbage Disposal
As the name suggests, the garbage disposal in your kitchen sink is used to break down food waste into smaller bits that can be safely washed down the sink and disposed of. Nevertheless, there are certain foods such as flour, rice, vegetable and fruit peels, bones, and potatoes that easily clog the motorized blender in the garbage disposal as well as the drain itself. Throw these foods in a trash can or use them for compost.
Using Too Much Drain Cleaner
When drains clog, many people turn to drain cleaner as a cheap solution to their plumbing problem. Unfortunately, most common drain cleaners can do more harm than good by corroding pipes and leading to more severe clogs. This pipe damage can lead to even pricier pipe repairs. Instead call a sewer and drain expert to thoroughly clean your drains without the use of chemicals.
Pouring Chemicals Into Septic System
Though most modern homes now use a public utility sewer system, some homes continue to use a septic system for their plumbing needs. Septic systems require an entirely different maintenance program which includes, as many fail to realize, a decrease in use of chemicals. Drain cleaner, bleach, paint, detergents, and other chemicals destroy the essential waste-eating bacteria in the septic tank, which leads to clogs in septic pipes and tanks that could cause major damage to your entire plumbing system.
Using Different Metals to Join Pipes
When dissimilar metals such as steel and copper touch, corrosion occurs through a process called galvanic action. This corrosion can lead to joint leaks and other forms of pipe damage. Joints using different metal types must be made with a dielectric union or other approved pipe fitting so call your local plumber to ensure your pipes are fitted properly.
Now that you know the common mistakes than will ruin your plumbing you can make the right choices to extend the life and functionality of your entire plumbing system. Contact Boston Drain Company at the first sign of a plumbing emergency or to request preventative maintenance service for your home or business.