Don’t let these bad habits lead to expensive plumbing repairs.
Here’s what you should stop doing ASAP.
We spoke with a few plumbing and home maintenance experts to learn what things can quietly destroy your plumbing.
Credit:Getty Images / Melissa Ross
Here’s what you should stop doing ASAP to prevent a costly leak or backup down the road.
But these drain cleaners can break down more than just plumbing chokepoints.
This can lead to leaks and more plumbing issues down the line.
Another clog-busting method you might do yourself is using a shop vac to vacuum out the drain.
But “the active ingredient in [these cleaners] is chlorine,” says Vandepoll.
“Chlorine attacks the rubber and plastic parts in your tank that make each flush possible.
Use a liquid toilet bowl cleaner and a scrub brush instead.
It might be a little more work, but your plumbing will thank you.
Avoid putting certain foods, like potato skins and grease, in your garbage disposal too.
Neglecting Leak Detection
Paying attention to leakseven when they’re smallcan pay off big long-term.
Menstrual products, diapers, condoms, and paper towels also shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet.
These items don’t break down easily, leading to clogs and backups.
“Really, nothing should be flushed except organic materials and toilet paper,” says Barnes.
Everything else should be trashed, composted, or recycled.
Your home’s water pressure should be between 40 and 80 PSI.
Anything higher than that means that your home likely needs a pressure-reducing valve.
But hard water can affect the unseen parts of your home too, like its plumbing.
They can be installed by a professional or by a savvy DIY-er.
These items should be disposed of in the trash instead.
These wipes struggle to break down, leading to clogs and backups.
If you’d rather not do this yourself, consider hiring a plumber or installing a leak detector.
