10 Things Your Plumber Wants You to Quit Doing Right Away

Requiring a plumber in the U.S. can be necessary if you are dealing with a leaky or broken pipe. But the majority of times, you can avoid clogging your pipes or requiring repairs for your garbage disposal, both of which can be costly to fix.

Here are some of the most frequent troubles our pros receive calls about at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing and how you can prevent them.

1. Flushing “Flushable” Wipes

Despite the fact they might be known as “flushable wipes,” the best location for them is the garbage. The only thing that should be flushed (other than the obvious) is toilet paper and septic treatments, if you rely on a septic system.

A Canadian study that looked at 101 such wipes learned none of them passed a flushability test, according to Forbes. Because flushable wipes don’t dissolve like toilet paper, they can block your sewer line and lead to your toilet backing up.

They can also wreak havoc on city sewer systems or your septic tank. These wipes can combine with other yucky things that shouldn’t be disposed of down the toilet, like cooking fat and hygienic products, to result in a fatberg. As well as being unsanitary and just plain nasty, environmental nonprofit Green America says these blobs are pricey to get rid of. If you use a city sewer system, those are bills that could get passed on to you in the future.

No matter what kind of wipe you’re using—makeup remover, cleansing, baby or sanitizing—it should be tossed in the trash once you’re finished.

2. Flushing Other Things That Belong in the Garbage

Other than flushable wipes, there are several other things that don’t belong in your toilet. These cover:

• • Feminine hygiene products

• • Makeup remover pads

• • Cat litter

Like wipes, these things can clog your sewer line and overflow your toilet, saddling you with a pricey (and gross) mess.

3. Using Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner Tabs

Having drop-in toilet fresheners might seem like a smart way to keep your toilet bowl clean, but they may do more damage than good. These tablets usually contain chemicals, like bleach, which can eat through rubber parts in the tank. And as the tablets dissolve, they can plug the toilet and stop it from flushing.

4. Dumping Chemical Drain Cleaners

If your sink is clogged, your initial response might be to get a low-priced liquid drain cleaner. However, there are some things you should realize about these drain cleaners.

1. 1. They’re harmful. Drain cleaners are a toxic combination of chemicals that can burn your skin and eyes. They also make severe fumes that can result in respiratory irritation.

2. 2. They can eat through your pipes. If these cleaners can burn your skin, think about what they can do to your plumbing: corrosion, cracks and even failure.

3. 3. They’re harmful to the environment. As you can figure out, these chemicals aren’t exactly helpful for the environment.

4. 4. They might not even unplug your drain. In spite of all the chemicals they pack, drain cleaners sometimes don’t even work or only work for a short time. That’s because they often push the clog more into your plumbing until it creates a huge problem.

If you do require a drain cleaner, we recommend using an enzymatic cleaner. These chemical-free cleaners use bacteria and enzymes to break up clogs and foul odors. While they can take more time than a chemical-based cleaner, they’re safer for you, your plumbing and the environment.

If you’re dealing with a tough clog that just won’t dissolve, contacting a professional plumber like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is your best option for drain cleaning. While you can rent a drain auger or plumbing snake, it’s simpler to have a professional complete the job. That way, you’ll also skip causing damage to your pipes and many other troublesome issues including leaks, damaged seals and horrible odors.

After your drain is working like it should, keep it that way by using a screen to keep hair or food scraps from plugging it again.

5. Dumping Grease Down Your Sink

It could seem like it’s not a issue to pour a tiny bit of grease down your sink. But over time, that grease can build up and clog your pipes. If the grease leaks into the sewer system, it can cling to flushable wipes and create a nasty fatberg like we mentioned prior.

To prevent plumbing woes, drain the grease into a bowl. After it cools, you can dump it in the waste can.

6. Relying on Your Garbage Disposal for Everything

Your garbage disposal is a useful tool for getting rid of little amounts of food waste. But it can’t eliminate everything. To prevent breakdowns or clogs, we suggest not putting these foods down your garbage disposal:

• • Coffee grounds

• • Pasta, oats, rice and bread

• • Bones, nuts, pits and seeds

• • Eggshells

• • Onions and potato peels

• • Fibrous fruits and vegetables

• • Grease

If your garbage disposal has a bad smell, you can freshen it with citrus peels or a blend of baking soda and vinegar.

7. Skipping Maintenance for Your Plumbing System

Much like your heating and cooling system, your plumbing also needs routine maintenance. This service can help us spot minor issues before they result in expensive problems, like a damaging water leak. Some of the issues we watch for include:

• • Adequate water pressure

• • Leaky or clogged pipes

• • Correctly working supply lines and plumbing fixtures like sinks, tubs, showers and toilets

If you do find trouble, including a leaky sink or pipe, it’s crucial to get it taken care of right away before it grows worse or results in damage.

8. Attempting to Fix Your Plumbing on Your Own

When you are dealing with a dripping pipe or a leaking washing machine, it’s important to call an Expert at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for leak repair before it gets worse or causes damage.

Repairing plumbing is a complex job that’s best left to specialists. There’s a reason why plumbers go through extensive certification and licensing. Don’t try water pipe repair on your own or hire a handyman, as you could end up wasting time and creating a more expensive problem.

9. Trying to Maintain Your Water Heater Without Professional Help

When it comes to your water heater, service and upkeep is best left to the professionals. This includes draining it or examining the temperature and pressure valve. If this isn’t done correctly, you could burn yourself with boiling water or flood your residence.

Professional water heater maintenance offers peace of mind that your water heater is working like it should. It also offers you a heads-up when it’s time to start thinking about water heater replacement, as they often only work for about 10 years.

10. Not Realizing Where the Water Main Shutoff Is

In the event your home has a large water leak, it’s essential to know where the main water valve is and how to shut it off. This valve is typically situated in a mechanical room near your water heater.

Here’s how to shut off the main water valve in your home:

• • If it has a wheel: move it clockwise until you can’t anymore.

• • If it has a lever: turn it about a quarter of the way.

If you’re are unsure about where the valve is located, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you find it.

It’s also a good idea to install a water leak protection system that will turn on an alarm and turn off the water if there’s trouble. You can even have a smart system to monitor water use and tell you via your phone if there’s trouble.

Whatever plumbing problem you’re faced with, our Expert plumbers at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing are ready to help you. And we’ll back our work with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year, so you’ll know that your repairs were finished correctly. Contact us at 866-397-3787 to schedule your appointment today!