The bulk of your plumbing system is designed to keep out of your way, with pipes located behind walls and underground so you don’t have to deal with the odor of your sewage or the unsightliness of a water line. But because your pipes are hidden, you may not think about the state of your plumbing system very often. Unfortunately, neglecting your plumbing can lead to some costly repairs, which is why we’ve put together this guide to some mistakes you should stop making today.
Putting anything you want in the garbage disposal
People sometimes feel it’s okay to put anything they want into the garbage disposal, as the blades will just grind it up and send it down the drains. Out of sight, out of mind, right? Not quite. Garbage disposals don’t have sharp blades as you may picture them. Instead, the blades are impellers which break apart food into smaller pieces. Food wrappers, meat bones, and other hard items do not belong in the drain, and will likely cause blockage or issues with the disposal unit.
Ignoring leaks
It may bother you to hear a faucet dripping, but is it really an emergency? Keep in mind that, especially in the midst of a drought, fixing a leak is urgent as even a quick drip from a faucet can waste thousands of gallons a year. And you certainly should not ignore leaks elsewhere in your plumbing system. If you notice the water pressure drop or see wet spots around the home, call a plumber right away. This could indicate a pipe leak that could ruin the foundation of your home.
Using drain cleaning chemicals
Another common mistake that people make is using drain cleaning chemicals for a clog. Use a plunger first, but if this doesn’t work the clog is deep within your pipes and you need a professional. Drain cleaning chemicals can damage your pipes and they are highly toxic.
Call the friendly people at Ace Pelizon Plumbing if you need plumbing installation, maintenance, or repair in the Pasadena, CA area.