A responsible homeowner always takes care of their plumbing systems, but with plenty of myths in the plumbing industry, what you’re doing to “care” for your plumbing could actually be causing more issues. As a homeowner, chances are you’ve heard of cleaning your garbage disposal blades with ice and soap.
Did you know, this could actually damage the blades and assembly? And this is just a small sample of the damaging habits you could be implementing in your home on a daily basis.
The toilet is one of the most used fixtures in your home, but are you sure you’re not damaging it on a daily basis? Read on to find out what bad habits you already have, and what you can do to lower their impact on your home!
Top Things You Shouldn't Flush Down The Toilet
The main point of contention every homeowner has with their plumbing clogs. Your toilet is one of the most easily clogged locations in the entire system. To make matters worse, homeowners often flush materials they shouldn't be on a daily basis.
While some things say they’re flushable, in all actuality, they make take longer than usual to break down and may have an impact on your septic system. A few examples of these types of items include:
Cat little- Paper towels
- Q-tips and floss
- Pampers
- Baby Wipes
- Food/cooking grease
- Hair
While small amounts won't be too much of a concern, building a habit where you flush these items on a daily basis, could lead to emergency plumbing situations.
Preventing Toilet Damage
The best way to prevent costs repairs, like professional drain cleanings and sewer lines repairs, is to monitor what goes down your toilet.
A convenient tip is to always have a garbage can nearby. This will promote you and your family to throw items away before flushing them.
Additionally, you can schedule regular inspections and maintenance to ensure that your toilet does not have any blockages. Once your toilet stops flushing altogether, the problem may be too far gone. By addressing it early, you lower the risk for major emergency repairs.
The Costs of Avoidable Repairs
One of the most expensive plumbing repairs you can have in your home is sewer related. Replacing a septic tank could be in the thousands of dollars, and the same be said of sewer line repairs.
The issue with toilet repairs is that they’re connected to your sewer system, which mainly runs under your home. Anytime a line is damaged, you run the risk of needed excavation services, which all add to the costs.
The best course of action is to take time and research your plumbing system and how to keep it properly maintained. For many homeowners, a proactive approach is a great way to come together as a family, while also working to avoid costly repairs.
Additionally, if there are any serious issues, be sure to contact Honest Abe's Home Services. We are your local plumbing experts and can help you avoid any damages to your home.
