One sometimes overlooked feature of your home is the plumbing. The reason for this is that plumbing is out of sight and out of mind. The other reason is that your pipes often take care of themselves. It’s not often that you need to do any work on them.
However, when plumbing fails, it often fails in a big way. A clogged or burst pipe can lead not only to a costly repair but to some significant water damage.
Keeping your pipes in working order is mostly on the side of the homeowner. As long as you don’t overtax the piping, you shouldn’t run into any trouble. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when using your plumbing.
Don’t Flush It
Toilets do not function the same as trash cans. The only things that should be flushed are human waste and toilet paper. Tissues, paper towels, and cleaning cloths should not be flushed.
Flushing objects not designed for a toilet can cause permanent damage to your plumbing and also cause blockages.
Avoid Garbage Disposals
The invention of the garbage disposal has streamlined the way that homeowners clean up after a meal. However, garbage disposals are often used improperly, causing gunk and grease buildups or blockages.
Carefully read the instructions before use, and don’t use the disposal as an alternative to a garbage can.
Need an Update?
No piping is immortal, and it’s important to replace pipes before they naturally give out. The life expectancy of pipes varies, and it’s important to get an expert opinion on the matter.
Older homes may still be equipped with iron pipes. Iron pipes were commonplace for many years, and if they are still in your home, they could be in poor condition and likely
rusting.
Plumbing rarely needs a lot of work, but it is important to keep on top of your piping to ensure you avoid any major problems down the line.