10 Things Your Plumber Wants You to Quit Doing Now

Having to have a plumber in the U.S. can be unavoidable if you are experiencing a leaky or broken pipe. But a lot of the time, you can stop plugging your pipes or breaking your garbage disposal, both of which can be costly to repair. 

Here are some of the most common troubles our Experts get calls about at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing and how you can prevent them. 

1. Flushing “Flushable” Wipes

Although they might be called “flushable wipes,” the best spot for them is the waste bin. The only thing that should be flushed (except for the obvious) is toilet paper and septic treatments, if you use a septic system. 

A Canadian study that looked at 101 such wipes found none of them passed a flushability test, according to Forbes. As flushable wipes don’t disintegrate like toilet paper, they can plug your sewer line and make your toilet back up. 

They can also cause problems with city sewer systems or your septic tank. These wipes can combine with other yucky things that shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet, like cooking fat and hygienic products, to lead to a fatberg. As well as being dirty and just plain gross, environmental nonprofit Green America says these masses are pricey to repair. If you’re on a city sewer system, those are bills that could get shuffled to you in the long run. 

Whichever kind of wipe you’re using—makeup remover, cleansing, baby or sanitizing—it should be tossed in the trash once you’re complete. 

2. Flushing Other Things That Belong in the Waste Bin

Other than flushable wipes, there are a few other things that don’t belong in your toilet. These include: 

  • Feminine hygiene products 
  • Makeup remover pads 
  • Cat litter 

Like wipes, these things can plug your sewer line and make your toilet run over, sticking you with a costly (and nasty) mess. 

3. Using Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner Tabs 

Using drop-in toilet fresheners could seem like a great way to keep your toilet bowl clean, but they can cause more trouble than good. These tablets typically contain chemicals, like bleach, which can wreck rubber parts in the tank. And as the tablets break down, they can clog the toilet and keep it from flushing. 

4. Dumping Chemical Drain Cleaners

If your sink is blocked, your first answer could be to buy a low-priced liquid drain cleaner. However, there are a few things you should know about these drain cleaners. 

  1. They’re poisonous. Drain cleaners are a toxic mixture of chemicals that can burn your skin and eyes. They also make powerful fumes that can result in respiratory irritation.  
  1. They can eat through your pipes. If these cleaners can burn your skin, imagine what they can do to your pipes: corrosion, cracks and even failure.  
  1. They’re bad for the environment. As you can imagine, these chemicals aren’t exactly helpful for the environment.  
  1. They might not even unplug your drain. Regardless of all the chemicals they have, drain cleaners sometimes don’t even work or only work for a limited time. That’s since they often force the clog more into your plumbing until it creates a major problem. 

If you do need to use a drain cleaner, we advise using an enzymatic cleaner. These chemical-free cleaners have bacteria and enzymes to break up clogs and foul odors. While they could require more time than a chemical-based cleaner, they’re better for you, your plumbing and the environment. 

If you’re experiencing a difficult clog that just won’t dissolve, getting in touch with a professional plumber like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is your best option for drain cleaning. While you can rent a drain auger or plumbing snake, it’s easier to have an Expert perform the job. That way, you’ll also avoid causing damage to your pipes and a wide variety of troublesome issues including leaks, damaged seals and horrible odors. 

After your drain is clear, keep it that way by installing a screen to keep hair or food scraps from plugging it again. 

5. Dumping Grease Down Your Sink

It may seem like it’s not a big deal to pour a little bit of oil down your sink. But over time, that grease can grow and plug your pipes. If the grease gets into the sewer system, it can cling to flushable wipes and create a nasty fatberg like we discussed earlier. 

To stop plumbing issues, drain the fat into a can. After it cools, you can dump it in the trash. 

6. Using Your Garbage Disposal for Everything

Your garbage disposal is a useful tool for breaking up little amounts of food waste. But it can’t eliminate everything. To stop issues or clogs, we recommend not putting these items down your garbage disposal: 

  • Coffee grounds  
  • Pasta, oats, rice and bread  
  • Bones, nuts, pits and seeds  
  • Eggshells  
  • Onions and potato peels  
  • Fibrous fruits and vegetables  
  • Grease 

If your garbage disposal has a bad smell, you can freshen it with citrus peels or a combination of baking soda and vinegar. 

7. Skipping Maintenance for Your Plumbing System

Much like your heating and cooling system, your plumbing also needs regular service. This service can help us spot small issues before they cause big problems, like a damaging water leak. Some of the issues we are on the lookout for involve: 

  • Ample water pressure  
  • Drippy or plugged pipes  
  • Correctly working supply lines and plumbing fixtures such as sinks, tubs, showers and toilets 

If you do notice an issue, like a leaky sink or pipe, it’s crucial to get it fixed right away before it gets bigger or causes damage. 

8. Making an Attempt to Fix Your Plumbing on Your Own

When you are experiencing a dripping pipe or a leaking washing machine, it’s important to call an Expert at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for leak repair before it gets worse or leads to damage. 

Repairing plumbing is an in-depth job that’s best done by specialists. There’s a reason why plumbers finish extensive certification and licensing. Don’t attempt water pipe repair yourself or call a handyman, as you could end up wasting time and making a pricier expensive problem. 

9. Trying to Maintain Your Water Heater Yourself

When it comes to your water heater, service and maintenance is best left to the pros. This includes draining it or checking the temperature and pressure valve. If this isn’t performed correctly, you could burn yourself with hot water or flood your residence. 

Professional water heater maintenance offers peace of mind that your water heater is working right. It also provides you advance notice when it’s time to start thinking about water heater replacement, since they typically only last for about 10 years. 

10. Not Being Aware of Where the Water Main Shutoff Is

When your home has a large water leak, it’s essential to know where the main water valve is and how to switch it off. This valve is typically found in a mechanical room near your water heater. 

Here’s how to turn off the main water valve in your home: 

  • If it has a wheel: move it clockwise until you can’t anymore.  
  • If it has a lever: move it about a quarter of the way. 

If you’re still not sure where the valve is located, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you find it. 

It’s also a good idea to get a water leak protection system that will sound the alarm and shut off the water if there’s an issue. You can even have a smart system to monitor water use and notify you via your phone if there’s trouble. 

Whatever plumbing problem you’re experiencing, our Expert plumbers at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing are available to provide support. And we’ll stand behind our work with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year, so you’ll be sure that your repairs were completed correctly. Reach us at 866-397-3787 to book your appointment right away!