Residential plumbing is something that many of us often take for granted, at least until something goes wrong. Plumbing problems can cause homeowners headaches, and if not spotted early, they can turn into a disaster overnight. Although the age of your plumbing system is a major contributor to issues within your home, you would be surprised at how many simple daily activities can actually be damaging your home’s plumbing.
At ServiceOne, our Omaha and Dubuque plumbers have helped a number of homeowners tackle their home plumbing problems. There are a number of common things that homeowners may be doing that could actually be ruining their plumbing systems. Below, we go over some of these things!
Liquid drain cleaners
Do you have a clogged drain in your sink or shower? The quick answer that comes to many homeowners' minds is liquid drain cleaner. Although this may fix your solution in the short term, it can be significantly detrimental to your plumbing systems in the long run. The chemicals used to unclog your pipes will end up heating your pipes up, putting them at risk of cracking and becoming damaged. It's best to avoid liquid drain cleaners at all costs, and instead try something like a drain snake or just hire a Dubuque plumber to get your issue fixed.
DIY plumbing
When a plumbing problem comes up, it may seem like it’s more convenient and less expensive to just fix it yourself. However, DIY plumbing work is another thing that can ruin your home’s plumbing! Depending on the severity of your plumbing problem, a professional plumber may be needed to fix it. By hiring a professional plumber, you can rest assured that your issues are properly getting repaired!
Flushing foreign items down your drains
Your home’s toilets are not made to be a trash can. Flushing items that are not toilet paper down your drain can end up ruining your plumbing system. When foreign items get flushed down, they can easily become clogged within your pipes, which can lead to a plumbing disaster.
Freezing pipes
During the winter months, your plumbing pipes are susceptible to freezing. Freezing can lead to your pipes bursting, which is not a fun mess to clean up. Pipe freezing can be caused by a variety of factors, including improper insulation of your plumbing as well as keeping outside hoses connected during the winter months. It’s a good idea to hire a Dubuque plumber to come and inspect the insulation of your plumbing, as well as put an insulation cap on your outdoor spigots to ensure your pipes don’t freeze!
Plumbing systems are an essential part of every home, so it’s important that homeowners be mindful of some of the common things that can end up hurting their plumbing. Flushing foreign objects down your drains, using liquid drain cleaner and DIY plumbing are things that should be avoided. Instead, call an Omaha or Dubuque plumber to come take a look at your issue. Our licensed and professional plumbers can help get your issue resolved quickly and properly!