Our plumbing may be out of sight, but it plays a vital role in keeping daily life on track. Unfortunately, many homeowners adopt bad habits that put extra stress on their pipes. Over time, this can result in leaks, clogs and expensive repairs. Here are a few common mistakes that could be putting your plumbing in danger:

1.) Putting Non-Flushable Items Down the Drain

While paper towels, sanitary pads and wipes are common bathroom items, they shouldn’t be flushed. Unlike toilet paper, these products don’t break down and can easily cause clogs in your pipes. To avoid expensive repairs and keep your plumbing in good shape, always toss them in the trash instead of the toilet.

Although some products are marketed as flushable, this isn’t the case. In most cases, they don’t break down in your pipes. To protect your plumbing, stick to flushing only toilet paper and human waste. Keeping other items out of your toilet helps prevent clogs, saving you both time and money on potential repairs.

2.) Using Chemical Drain Cleaners to Clear Clogs

Although chemical drain cleaners can clear clogs, they can also cause long-term damage to your plumbing. The harsh chemicals can corrode and weaken pipes, sometimes even causing them to burst – leading to costly and stressful water damage. Instead of relying on these cleaners, try safer alternatives like a plunger or boiling water to remove blockages.

3.) Pouring Grease Down the Drain

Pouring grease down your drains may seem harmless, but it can cause serious plumbing problems over time. Grease, fat and oil may flow freely when warm, but they quickly solidify as they cool.

This buildup can narrow your pipes, slow drainage and eventually lead to stubborn clogs. In severe cases, it can even cause pipe backups or bursts, resulting in costly repairs and potential water damage. To protect your plumbing, it’s best to let grease cool and dispose of it in the trash rather than pouring it down the sink.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

4.) Putting Certain Foods Down the Disposal

Garbage disposals handle small food scraps well, but some items can easily cause clogs. When your sink is blocked, standing water can create unpleasant odors and attract pests. Plus, certain foods can build up in your pipes, putting stress on your pipes and even leading to leaks. 

While minor clogs can often be cleared at home, larger blockages usually require professional help, which can be costly and time-consuming. To protect your plumbing, avoid putting certain foods down your disposal. Common culprits include:

• Coffee grounds
• Eggshells and seafood shells
• Bones
• Starches
• Potato peels

5.) Ignoring Leaks and Drips

Even minor leaks or dripping faucets can waste large amounts of water and raise your utility bills. Over time, small leaks can lead to water damage and encourage mold growth in your home. Fixing these issues early helps you conserve water and protects your home from costly damage.

Ways to Prevent Clogs in Your Home

While clogs can’t be completely avoided, you can greatly reduce the risk by practicing healthy habits that protect your plumbing: 

• Keep the toilet lid closed – Stops objects from falling in and blocking your pipes
• Choose septic-safe toilet paper – Breaks down more easily, protecting your plumbing and septic system
• Keep a bathroom trashcan handy – Makes it easier to dispose of non-flushable items
• Prep food away from the sink – Prevent scraps from accidentally going down the drain and causing clogs
• Use a drain cover – Catch food particles and debris before they reach your pipes
• Scrape leftovers into the trash – Throwing food in the trash reduces clogs and keeps your sink smelling fresh
• Brush hair before showering – Removes loose strands that could otherwise clog your drains
• Use a hair catcher – Traps hair before it enters the plumbing, keeping drains clear
• Clean your shower regularly – Prevents hair, soap scum and grime from building up and causing blockages

Looking for Licensed Plumbers? Superior has you covered!

If you’re a homeowner looking for dependable plumbers, our team at Superior Plumbing is eager to help! We proudly serve communities throughout the Atlanta area, including Kennesaw and other parts of Cobb County.

From faucets to sinks and toilets, our team installs fixtures with precision and care. Contact us today at 770-422-7586 to schedule a contrition. For more information about our other services, including drain line cleaning and repairs, visit our website by clicking the link here.