Every day, you might be making some simple mistakes that could be destroying your plumbing. As much as you might like to become best friends with the plumbers in Austin, we’d like to offer some helpful tips to avoid major plumbing disasters.
Some plumbing issues are just annoying, while others can actually pose a hazard to your family’s health. Minor issues quickly escalate into expensive ordeals if not dealt with properly. Follow these tips to avoid learning the hard way.
Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow
Hair clogs are a common cause of blocked drains in showers, bathtubs and sinks. Avoid brushing your hair right over the sink, and always put the hair from your comb or brush directly in a trashcan. When washing your hair, be mindful of the hair that you lose, and gather it after each shower or bath. Keep a small trashcan nearby so that you can quickly dispose of the hair, making cleanup more convenient.
Don’t Just Flush It Away
Certain items simply should not be flushed down a toilet. Items that are either too large or unable to fully disintegrate will cause immediate and future trouble. Potential pipe offenders include baby wipes, diapers, paper towels, sanitary napkins or tampons and household cleaning or disinfecting wipes. Toilet fresheners that attach to the rim of the bowl are a potential hazard if not properly secured.
Compost or Can It
Sink strainers are designed to catch food scraps but can only work if they are in place. It’s best to keep a small bag or bowl near your sink to hold food scraps while you cook. This way, they are all in one place and can be disposed of quickly. If you compost, food scraps can be stored in a countertop compost bin with a carbon filter to prevent odors from escaping. Grease, oil and fats should never be poured down a drain, as they will solidify and eventually block the drain and pipes.
Tough but Tender
Clogged pipes can knock your bathroom or kitchen sink out of commission for days. Many people will keep a corrosive cleaner on hand to avoid having to call one of the many qualified plumbers in Austin. Corrosive cleaners work by causing chemical reactions that actually burn through the clogged material. The problem is that they may also burn through your pipes or fittings. We recommend cleaning products that are tough on debris but gentle on your pipes, such as an enzyme-based cleaner that will eat through the blockage.
Eggs and Coffee Are for Breakfast Only
Avoid dumping eggshells and coffee grounds into your garbage disposal as they can build up over time. If you must, turn your sink all the way on and let cold water run down the drain before and while you dump the shells and grounds.
Are these tips getting to you just a little too late? For quality and affordable plumbing services, reach out to one of the experts at ABC Home & Commercial Services in Austin. We have a proven record of customer satisfaction and offer free estimates for our services.