There are many reasons to call a plumber like clogged toilet or leaking pipe. Proper functioning of these faucets is important and a single fault can disrupt the whole system. Was the flushable kitty litter not exactly very flushable? Or probably throwing that garbage into the sink was not a great idea. We often tend to make some obvious mistakes that directly leads to clogging of the pipes, especially toilets.
As a customer, you take a few measures that will decrease the occurrence of such incidents. You cannot throw small garbage in toilets or drains in the hope they will not clog the water.
Below listed are customer’s 10 biggest mistakes that are making it difficult for the plumber in Durham to do their job.
- Avoid chemicals to clean the drain
Drains often get clogged due to overtime submission of grease and hair. There are very harsh and dangerous chemicals available that claim to unclog the drains, but what they don’t advertise is the horrendous effects they have on the equipment. Usually, pipes are made of metal and these chemicals will only damage their surface and can also lead to serious troubles like leakage. This may lead to more problem and can cost more money.
- Everything is not “flushable”
Your toilet is not a garbage can, so avoid flushing items like feminine hygiene products, cleaning wipes and toilet scrubbers. These products are made of hard materials like plastic and are very difficult to decompose, which will become the major cause of clogging eventually.
- Don’t Act like a Plumber
There are certain plumbing problems that are fairly easy to fix, but then there are some which requires a professional. When you feel like this situation is out of control, you should immediately call your plumber and avoid setting it up on your own. It is advised to call a plumber to fix any problem, as it will save you money in the longer run.
- Say NO to drop-in Toilet Fresheners
The drop-in fresheners may turn the water into lovely blue color but is also a major concern of toilet clogging. Try out fresheners that don’t involve touching of the water or you can add the one in the flush tank. They usually get stuck in the flush valve and prevents the toilet from flushing.
- Carelessness towards Hose
You often forget to replace the hoses of household machines like washers and dishwashers. According to specialists, a replacement of rubber hoses should be done every five years, to avoid flooding. Whenever you replace the current hose, make sure you’re using stainless steel on every water line. This will reduce the occurrence of rusting and will increase the life of your pipelines.
- Absence of Leak Protection System
Your house’s plumbing is not fixed with leak protection system. This means that whenever a pipe or a hose gets lose an alarm will go off alerting you of the current situation. This will avoid wastage of water and any potential damage.
- Overloading of Garbage Disposal System
Your garbage disposal system is overloaded with junks like a fibrous waste, which gets clogged in the drains and cause even bigger troubles. These congested items can also cause internal plumbing issues and eventually lead to a bigger problem, which will cost you more money.
- Main Water Valve? Where?
Usually, every problem starts with the main water valve and it is usually the emergency shutdown. Most users don’t know where this mysterious main valve is situated and accidently allows the problem to escalate. Next time your plumber visits, ask them about main valve and where it is located.
- Outdated Hot Water Heater
The average lifespan of your water heater is 12 years and it should not be used for more than 15 years under any circumstance. It will eventually fail and flood your basement when you’re not at home. This will cost you a fortune in repairs and is a very common reason for plumbing problems. It is highly advised to replace your hot water heater before it expires.
- Manhandling of water pressure valve
Never drain your water heater by yourself. Many users try to test the temperature and pressure valve on their own and end up damaging the internal plumbing system. The valve can also burst and cause high degree burns by throwing hot scalding water. It can damage the surrounding properties and your skin.
There are many little things that you can do to protect the plumbing of your house and make it easier for the plumber to fix your problems. A plumber is highly professional and completely equipped to handle major plumbing concerns, which will save you big bucks in the longer run. If something feels fishy, call your best plumber and let them do their job.
Great post. Yes, all of the suggestions listed above are problems for plumbers. It would be nice if others were informed on this, so I appreciate the post. Regardless, it is our responsibility to get the job done, whether they follow this advice or not. Appreciate the post! Thanks for sharing.
Last week, I had to learn it the hard way that not everything is flushable. I’ve been using wipes that say that they are flushable and they still clogged my toilet and I had to call a plumber. Why do some wipes say that they are flushable when they are really not?