Liquid Drain Cleaner

Liquid drain cleaner sounds like it should be a safe bet, right? However, liquid drain cleaner can actually ruin your plumbing. The reason is because liquid drain cleaner is made of some pretty heavy duty chemicals. In order to eat through clogs, it has to be pretty abrasive. And that is where the problem lies. See once it is finished with the clog, it can continue to eat right through your pipes. Liquid drain cleaners work by creating a chemical reaction, this can produce heat, which isn’t good for your pipes. In some instances, the chemical reaction that occurs can cause old metal pipes to corrode. This is why we do not recommend the use of liquid drain cleaners.   

Hanging Toilet Bowl Cleaners

Hanging toilet bowl cleaners sound like a  win, win. They help keep your bathroom smelling clean, and reduce the amount of elbow grease you have to put in to clean your toilets. We totally get why people like to use them. However, they can be really detrimental to your plumbing. The hanging arm that attaches to the rim of your toilet can sometimes end up in the toilet bowl, where it gets flushed down the toilet. These are really difficult to retrieve, and if they get pushed far enough down the line, they can do a lot of damage.

Tank Toilet Cleaners

Automatic toilet cleaners just can’t catch a break. The reason tank toilet cleaners are bad, is the cleaning agents in the pellets you drop in the tank, can actually cause the working parts in your tank to wear out early. This can cause your toilet to leak or not flush properly. To keep your toilet working properly and to help you toilet last longer, avoid using bleach tablets in your toilet tank.  

Improper Use Of Garbage Disposal

The garbage disposal is meant to help keep things flowing through your pipes. It is not meant to work like a garbage can, we know the name is a little misleading. Improper usage of your garbage disposal can in fact ruin your plumbing.  Avoid overloading your garbage disposal. Run it frequently and with running water. This will help prevent the motor from over extending itself, and help prevent clogs. This can also help prevent your garbage disposal from leaking. It is also important to watch what you put in the garbage disposal. Avoid putting: egg shells, coffee grounds, peels, starchy food, grease, and trash down the garbage disposal.  

Not Watching What Gets Flushed

Toilets often get treated like garbage cans too. It is important to remember that just because it flushes, doesn’t mean it should be flushed. Items that don’t belong in your drains often move on further down the line and can cause a clog. Toilets are really only designed to flush waste and toilet paper. Never flush: feminine hygiene products, diapers, wipes, cotton swabs, dental floss, hair, or trash.

Not Being Proactive With Leak Detection

Plumbing leaks can easily ruin your plumbing and the surrounding area. Water damage can be devastating for the integrity of your home. Not only are your pipes and plumbing fixtures susceptible to damage, but a water leak can destroy drywall, wood beams, sub-floors, wood floors, and carpet. The longer a leak is left undetected, the more damage it will do. So familiarize yourself with the signs of a water leak:

• Look for signs of water damage
• Recognize the smell of mold and mildew
• Listen for running, rushing, or dripping water
• Look for unexplained puddles of water
• Pay attention to water bills (a sudden hike in your water bill is a good indicator) 

Too Much Water Pressure

Water pressure is important for your plumbing. You have probably heard of low water pressure before, but did you know that too much water pressure can also be an issue? Too much water pressure can ruin your plumbing by damaging pipes and plumbing fixtures. High water pressure can also damage water using appliances. The recommended residential water pressure is 80 psi. Anything over that can cause damage. If water comes shooting out of the faucet when you open the tap, you have a problem. Your water pressure valve may be worn out and in need of being replaced.  

Hard Water

Hard water is can ruin your plumbing and your goods, like dishes,  glassware, sheets, towels, clothing. It can also be detrimental to your skin and hair, causing irritation and interfere with the cleaning power of your soaps, shampoos, and detergents. If you have hard water, it means you have too many minerals deposits in your water. Mineral deposits lead to sediment buildup and corrosion. They can cause your pipes to wear out, damage your faucets and showerheads, cause appliance to leak, and lead your water heater to failure. If you live in an area with hard water, you need a water softener. A water softener will help your plumbing and appliances last longer.

Not Maintaining Your Water Heater

Your water heater needs regular maintenance in order to perform in the most efficient and effective manner. This involves draining and flushing the tank, looking for leaks, inspecting the anode rod, inspecting the pressure release valve, and making sure the heating mechanism is working properly. Both tank storage and tankless water heaters needs maintenance, because both are susceptible to sediment buildup. Sediment buildup can interfere with your water heaters ability to heat and maintain hot water. The more you stay on top of your water heater maintenance the longer your water heater will last.  

Pets

Yes, we love our pets, but did you know that your pets can ruin your plumbing? If you have pets it is important to pet proof your plumbing to protect your plumbing and also your pets. Keep pet hair out of drains, as this can cause clogs. Drain screens are a really good investment if you have pets. Cover exposed pipes if your pet sees them as chew toys. And if you have a dog that likes to dig in the backyard, pay attention to where you lateral line is. In addition, make sure the thermostat is set below 120 degrees to prevent burns.   Is your plumbing working up to par? Rooter Hero is here to help! Schedule service today!