Your plumbing system is one of your most important systems, whether you’re an assisted living facility or a regular household. It provides clean, hygienic water for everyday use and keeps your building from flooding when it rains or snow melts. Proper maintenance is essential to ensure that your plumbing system stays healthy and works properly. Additionally, there are certain things that can cause damage to your plumbing system if not avoided.
Read on to find out some things you should avoid so your plumbing system doesn’t malfunction.
Strong Chemical Drain Cleaners
Many people think that strong chemical drain cleaners are the best way to unclog a sink or shower drain, but this isn’t true. These products are made with harsh chemicals that will likely corrode your pipes and result in serious damage over time. Instead of using these products, try using a plunger or a drain snake to unclog your drains.
If you must use a chemical cleaner, look for an eco-friendly option that won’t damage your plumbing such as a baking soda and vinegar solution.
Flushing Unflushables
No matter how tempted you may be to flush non-biodegradable items like baby wipes, and feminine hygiene products, keep in mind that these items don’t dissolve easily in water and can clog your pipes, leading to expensive repair bills or worse – a flooded building.
Even flushing too much toilet paper at once leads to a buildup of paper and other debris that can cause major blockages in your pipes. To avoid this, only flush small amounts of toilet paper at a time and try to use biodegradable options when possible.
Be Careful of Plant Roots
Plants are beautiful additions to any space but their roots can be a nightmare for your plumbing system. The roots of trees, shrubs, and other plants can grow into your pipes, creating cracks and blockages. For this reason, it’s important to keep trees and shrubs away from your house so their roots don’t infiltrate the plumbing system.
For example, if you have a large tree in your yard, try to keep it some feet away from your home. Or consider planting trees with shallow, less invasive roots such as Japanese maples.
Grease and Oil
Grease and oil can be a big problem for your plumbing system. They don’t dissolve easily in water and can build up in your pipes and drains, leading to blockages and other problems.
To avoid this, never pour grease or oil down the sink or toilet if you can help it. Instead, let it cool and solidify in a can before throwing it away. Or better yet, recycle it or use it in a compost pile.
Proper maintenance of your plumbing system is essential to ensure that it stays healthy and works properly. By avoiding these mistakes, you can help keep your system running smoothly for years to come. If you are ever unsure about how to maintain your plumbing system, contact a professional plumber for advice. With the right care, you can keep your plumbing system running smoothly and avoid costly repairs or replacements.
