What ruins plumbing pipes? Many things can ruin plumbing pipes, including things you may think are safe! Plumbing issues happen when we put the wrong things into the plumbing system, fail to perform routine maintenance, or try to take on plumbing projects ourselves.
Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric is the superior plumbing specialist in Broken Arrow, OK. We’ve seen it all and have learned the ins and outs of plumbing. Here, we pass on our expert knowledge about what not to do.
Flushing Foreign Objects Down the Toilet
Your toilet is not a trash can. You should only flush toilet paper. Other items such as paper towels, toys, or even “flushable” wipes should not go into it. These items do not break down properly and can lead to big problems with repair bills to match.
Problems From Liquid Drain Cleaners
A liquid drain cleaner may seem like the perfect solution to a clogged drain. However, these cleaners are not very effective and in some cases, they’re what ruins plumbing pipes. The products contain harsh chemicals that can produce heat, which can crack your pipes. The chemicals can also react with corroding pipes and create harmful chemical reactions.
Putting Cooking Grease and Other Food Waste Down the Drain
Just like how you shouldn’t flush foreign objects down the toilet, you also shouldn’t throw foreign objects down the sink. Items such as coffee grounds, bacon grease, and potato skins can create a messy situation.
For example, it may be tempting to dump bacon grease down the drain after you make breakfast, but please resist. The fat from the grease creates a coating that builds up in pipes over time. It does not break down, so it can create a terrible clog that affects both the pipes in your home and the public ones.
Not Maintaining Your Water Heater
Over time, your water heater collects rocks and sediment from your tap water supply. These minerals sit in your water heater tank and can eventually create clogs and loud banging noises when the water heater is running. Scheduling a maintenance service to flush out your water heater periodically can prevent these minerals from wreaking havoc on your plumbing pipes.
Toilet Tank Drop-In Fresheners
Those toilet freshener tablets you drop in may seem like the perfect cleaning solution for your toilet, but they can cause severe damage to the parts in the tank. For example, chlorine in the tablet dissolves and corrodes the gaskets and washers. If you happen to flush the tablet before it dissolves, it could create a clog in your plumbing pipes.
Those parts will then leak and need to be replaced. You’re much better off using a conventional toilet bowl cleaner.
Hard Water Wreaking Havoc on Your Pipes
If you live in an area with hard water, you know what it can do to your dishes, sheets, and clothes. It can also irritate your skin and make your personal hygiene products like soap and shampoo less effective.
Hard water happens when mineral deposits enter the water supply. These deposits build up and can corrode your pipes. The pipes then wear out and leak.
A water softener can prevent hard water from ever entering your plumbing pipes. These systems filter the minerals out of water at the entry point, sending soft, mineral-free water throughout your home.
Not Preparing Plumbing for Cold Weather
It’s important to pay attention to your outside plumbing at the end of summer. Remove garden hoses and turn off water going to outside spigots. Failure to perform routine plumbing tasks could result in cracks in the pipes and the hose.
It is also possible for pipes to freeze in the winter. Make sure they’re properly insulated for when the low temperatures go below freezing. When the temperatures dip into the teens and 20s, it’s a good practice to keep all of your taps dripping to encourage water to continue moving through your pipes without freezing.
Not Hiring a Professional Plumber for Projects
You’ve heard you get what you pay for, and that applies 100% to DIY plumbing. Only a trained professional should tackle big jobs. Someone inexperienced can make the plumbing issues worse. Hire a plumbing pro before you create bigger headaches and additional repairs for yourself.
Your Go-To Plumbing Project Experts in Broken Arrow, OK
Now you’ve learned about what ruins plumbing pipes. If you’ve got plumbing issues, we can help! Our expert team is ready to take on your plumbing project.
Call 918-393-4577 or read more of our blog about what to do when you notice the toilet bubbling when the shower is running.
