Common Mistakes Homeowners Make With Their Plumbing System
We often take our plumbing systems for granted until something goes wrong. While some pipes burst due to no fault of our own, others may fail because of our neglect. It is when this happens that we realize how vital our pipings are. Yes, you may blame wear and tear and extreme weather for its damages, but you may still need to care and maintain from time to time.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that all homeowners are careless about their pipes; however, there are instances wherein even though they are careful with it, they may still overlook some important details. This results in them committing mistakes that may compromise the durability of their plumbing system.
With that being said, it may be wise to know these common mistakes to prevent doing them yourself. Here are just a few examples that you should be aware of.
1. Using the Garbage Disposal Too Often
The garbage disposal is one of your best friends. If you have small food scraps, it will grind them up and pump them out of sight. But the thing with the garbage disposal is that it can’t break down everything. So the tiny (and sometimes big) scraps can wind up getting stuck and backed up in your pipes.
Wet wipes, coffee grounds, and stringy bits of food are some of the worst things you can put down your garbage disposal because they can quickly clog your drain.
2. Using Harsh Chemicals
Not only do harsh chemicals harm the environment, but they can also harm your plumbing. When you dump chemicals down your drain, they can get stuck on the lining of your pipes as they travel down. That, in turn, can create clogs and costly repairs.
3. Waiting Too Long to Book a Plumber
If you’re having problems with your plumbing, it’s never a good idea to ignore them, as it usually means there’s a more significant issue that can become a full-blown emergency. You can avoid it all by being proactive.
Case in point, did you know that a faucet that drips once every second can waste about 1,000 gallons of water a year? If you have a leaky faucet, it’s a great idea to get that leaky faucet fixed before it causes a considerable piping problem indoors.
4. Forgetting to Insulate Your Pipes
Insulation is one of the most viable options to protect your pipes during the cold season. This includes wrapping the exterior pipes with insulation to prevent cold air from reaching them. In addition, you may install heat tape around the water supply lines that run through unheated portions of your home, such as your garage. Water leak alarms may also be installed to provide an early warning system in the case of a frozen pipe.
Conclusion
There are many factors that may cause our pipes to fail. There is wear and tear, and sometimes what seems like zero-care will do the trick. The good news is that we can still prevent most, if not all of the possible damages that our plumbing system may incur by preventing the mistakes that homeowners often make.
Do your own research, inspect your pipes regularly, follow all our advice, and feel free to call for help at the first sign of trouble.
With that being said, if you are looking for experienced plumbers in Middletown, CA, look no further than our expertise here at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. We offer a huge selection of quick and reliable services, ranging from leak detection to full plumbing repairs. Contact us today and let us handle your piping problems for you.
