#1 Only Flush Human Waste and Toilet Paper
Many people make the mistake of treating their toilet like an extra trash can. With toilet paper shortages, more people are flushing alternatives like paper towels and personal wipes, which are notorious for causing clogs in both home plumbing and city sewer systems. This can lead to severe blockages in many households.
Although it might seem convenient to dispose of items in the toilet, your plumbing is only designed to handle human waste and toilet paper. Toilet paper is specially designed to break down easily, unlike other paper products like napkins or facial tissues. To avoid clogs, never flush baby wipes, cotton swabs, or feminine hygiene products.
#2 Be Careful with Your Garbage Disposal
Most people know not to put hard items like bones and corn cobs down the garbage disposal, but many don’t realize that foods like pasta, rice, and coffee grounds can also cause problems. While your disposal can break down these soft foods, they can still cause damage once they enter your pipes.
Pasta and rice expand when wet and can stick to pipes, while coffee grounds clump together and stick to the walls of pipes. Sending large quantities of these items into your plumbing system can lead to significant clogs.
#3 Don’t Pour Grease Down the Drain
Not interested in saving grease drippings for later use? You’re not alone, but pouring animal fat down the drain is not a good idea for your plumbing. Grease hardens as it cools and can mix with hair and debris, creating blockages in your pipes.
Instead of pouring grease, oils, and fats down the drain, store them in an empty can or jar and dispose of them in the trash. This will prevent buildup and potential clogs.
#4 Avoid Pouring Paint, Grout, or Mortar Mix Down the Drain
If you’re into DIY home projects, make sure to clean your tools properly. While it may seem tempting to pour excess paint, grout, or mortar mix down the drain because water dilutes them, these substances harden quickly, causing expensive clogs.
Instead, wash your tools in a bucket of water. Once the water and debris separate, pour the water onto the ground and dispose of the sediment in the trash.
#5 Install Drain Guards
Even if you’ve taught your kids not to put trash down the drains, debris can still find its way into your plumbing system. Hair from showers and sinks, food particles from the dishwasher, and lint from laundry can all clog your drains over time. Installing drain guards can help trap hair, lint, and debris before they enter your pipes, keeping your plumbing system clear.
About Paradigm Plumbing
When considering a professional plumber, call the experts at Paradigm Plumbing. From water heaters to filtration systems, and all of your plumbing needs, the experts at Paradigm Plumbing are here to help you. They are a licensed and insured plumbing service company that has been serving residential and commercial customers throughout Palm Beach County since 2001. For more information, call (561) 841-9008.
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