As a homeowner, you have to deal with a lot of things in and around the house. You’re the captain of the ship, meaning it’s your responsibility to keep things running smoothly. There are instances, however, when you need outside help. One example is when something is wrong with your plumbing. Everybody knows how a leaking faucet or clogged toilet could be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Good thing, there’s always the friendly neighborhood plumber to the rescue.
All superheroes harbor a secret, though. There are things your friendly plumber don’t tell you for, let’s say, the sake of their career. But now, consider yourself covered. Here are some of the top plumbing secrets your plumber may not tell you (or maybe forget to do so) but you absolutely should know.
Beware of anything labeled “flushable”
There are plenty of hygiene supplies and items with the label “flushable.” A classic example is your favorite flushable baby wipes. Don’t get fooled by its label. Never flush it down your toilet! They are not like toilet paper that breaks down easily. Flushable wipes can get lodged in the trap and later on clog the system when waste starts to accumulate. Other things you shouldn’t flush down the toilet include tampons, floss, and cat litter.
Don’t let grease go down the drain
Fat, oil, and grease are common kitchen wastes. Not a lot of homeowners know that they are also a common cause of blocked kitchen drains. Cooking grease and other similar ingredients can turn solid and accumulate in the drain, causing plumbing problems. When left unsolved, it may lead to bursting pipes due to the pressure, not to mention, you won’t be able to use your kitchen sink as usual. Try these plumbing hacks when you think your drain is clogged.
Leaks should never be underestimated
Leaks, no matter how small the drops are, can be a serious problem later on. Did you know that a small drip can equate up to eight gallons of water wasted every day? If you keep ignoring these drips, you’ll be surprised when you receive your water bill. According to plumbers in Holladay, a running toilet is another thing you shouldn’t ignore. It can put as much as 200 gallons of water to waste a day. Call a plumber right away before things get worse.
Don’t touch those pipes in the basement
Those exposed pipes in your basement are not a place to hang clothes or other tools. There are cases wherein these pipes break due to the weight of objects hanging from them, leading to flooding in the basement. A flooded basement can cause severe water damage that will require immediate action; otherwise, a costly repair would be in order. So leave those pipes in peace, please.
Keep these things in mind to save you from any plumbing headache and the need for plumbing service. With a little know-how, you can manage minor plumbing issues on your own without shelling out any amount. When things get worse, however, it is always best to leave the job to the pros. You know, some jobs are meant exclusively for the superheroes known as plumbers.