From the minute you wake up and brush your teeth, to the time you start the dishwasher at night, plumbing is an integral part of your life. In fact, let’s cut to the chase – it’s indispensable.
Anything that important needs some TLC to help it run better, last longer, and avoid the kind of repairs that come from neglect and various mistakes.
Here are a handful of plumbing mistakes well worth avoiding for the sake of protecting your plumbing fixtures and systems.
Ignoring dishwasher and washing machine hoses.
Nothing lasts forever, including dishwasher and washing machine hoses. Don’t wait until one bursts and sends water spraying around. If it’s been a while since you last replaced the hoses, there’s no time like the present.
Using chemical drain cleaners.
When faced with a clogged drain, resist the urge to reach for the chemical-packed liquid drain cleaner. Not only are they generally not very good at loosening stubborn clogs, they can damage your water pipes.
Flushing things down the toilet.
Don’t treat your toilet like a trash can. Cotton swabs, feminine hygiene products, paper towels, hair trimmings, and wipes (yes, even the “flushable” variety) are among the items that should never be flushed down a toilet.
Pouring FOG (fat, oil, grease) down the drain.
When you’re done frying up that delicious bacon, do not pour the grease down the drain! The grease – or fat or oil – will coat the pipes and eventually build up, resulting in a stubborn clog.
Not disconnecting garden hoses.
If left connected all winter long, the garden hose and pipe can freeze and crack, resulting in a wet and messy scenario once thawed. Disconnect and drain all hoses, turn off the water supply to exterior faucets, and cover bare spigots with insulation caps for added protection.
Ignoring your water heater.
The average lifespan of a traditional water heater is 8 to 12 years; a tankless model can last up to 20. However, if you don’t maintain it, you could be shaving years off its useful life. Have your water heater serviced annually and look for signs of wear and tear like unusual knocking sounds, a drop in water temperature, or signs of leaking.
Protecting your plumbing also includes having it professionally inspected once a year – a specialty of the house at Eagle Service Company. Has it been a year or longer since your last inspection? If so, contact us today for a job well done.
