No one denies the importance of a well-maintained plumbing system, yet people often take this vital component of their home for granted. Only when a pipe bursts or when the toilet is backed up do many pay attention to their plumbing. Sadly, most of these emergencies result from carelessness on the part of homeowners. Perfection Plumbing & Drain Cleaning Ltd., a leading Saskatoon plumbing company, said that the following mistakes can really do a number of your pipes and drains—and cost you big money on repairs:
Abusing the Garbage Disposal
Many people insist on using their garbage disposal unit as a garbage compactor, stuffing things like watermelon rinds, fruit pits, and even non-food items like plant clippings through it. If you think something is too hard for the garbage disposal to safely grind, just chuck it in the garbage can.
Using too Much Drain Cleaner
Busy people don’t have time to clean drains manually, which is why they often use drain-cleaning products instead. However, an article from AngiesList.com shares that using too much cleanser causes more harm than good to your plumbing:
While commercial drain cleaners are great at clearing away clogs and getting rid of built-up residue, using too much or using these products too often can damage your drains. Drain cleaners typically include harsh chemicals to break up solid waste and scour pipes clean; overuse can start to eat away the walls of both metal and PVC pipes.
Instead of using a heavy-duty product, consider an eco-friendly alternative such as 1/2 a cup of vinegar followed by 1/2 a cup of baking soda (be ready for foam), and then follow that up with a pot of boiling water after an hour. You can also try using a pipe snake to clear out clogs and reduce the wear and tear on your pipes.
Mismatched Pipes
Some homeowners, on the other hand, take plumbing problems into their own hands, conducting DIY repairs. Unfortunately, many end up botching the job. For example, some pair a galvanized metal pipe with one made of copper. These two metals react adversely to each other, so connection points corrode quickly, ultimately causing leaks.
To avoid committing any of these mistakes, call on a trusted plumber in Saskatoon to have your pipes and drains checked immediately and maintained regularly. You can also rely on these professionals if emergencies arise from ill-advised home plumbing practices.
(Source: 6 common plumbing mistakes and how to avoid them, AngiesList.com)