Most Common Causes of Toilet Stoppages

We all know that dealing with plumbing issues is no one’s favorite way to pass the day. We all have hectic schedules and have things we would rather be doing than spending time and money on plumbing issues. You likely don’t think a lot about the mass network of pipes that are inside your walls working hard to deliver hot and cold water, as well as eliminate waste from your home. However, giving your plumbing some simple attention can greatly help to extend its lifetime. A little attention can also help you to avoid costly repairs that will take time out of your schedule. Below is a guideline to extend the life of your home’s internal plumbing structure.

Avoid Highly Chemical Products to Clean Your Drain

Clogged drains are a very typical problem to have in your home. Most people turn immediately to buying products from a store that contain a high amount of chemicals. However, these products can actually harm your home’s internal plumbing system. Typically, most chemical-based cleaning products won’t erode the clog entirely. Instead, they remove the problem for a short period of time while actually eroding most cast-iron drainpipes. Many people are then left with the issue of having to use the chemical-based product multiple times. This actually harms your drain pipes and can leave you with a major plumbing repair. The best idea is to simply call a professional plumber to remove the clog of hair or the substance that is clogging your pipes. Plumbers have the professional tools to remove the clog for good. While it will give you a cost up front, hiring a professional plumber will actually save you money down the road. You will be able to eradicate the situation immediately, rather than using store-bought chemicals that can cause a much larger problem down the line.

Prevent Clogging in the First Place

Clogs can put major pressure on your home’s water pipes, especially when it comes to a plugged toilet. It makes for added stress and minimizes their overall lifespan, putting you at risk for a major plumbing crisis. You can avoid clogs by simply focusing on what is going down your drain and into your pipes. For example, make it clear to your family that hair from a cleaned-out hairbrush should be put in the trash. Also, ensure that food leftovers are thrown away, not flushed.

You can also install screens over your drains in showers and sinks. These screens will allow you to simply dump any residue into the trash, rather than clearing out a clogged tub or sink. Additionally, many people ignore the warning to always throw grease in the trash. Grease may seem like liquid when it is warm. However, it cools very quickly and turns into a solid. This can lead to other particles being heavily backed up in your sink pipes, even if you have a garbage disposal.

How Soft is Your Water?

For many of us, our city water has a high mineral content. This is known as hard water and it can greatly decrease the lifespan of your home’s plumbing system. The minerals found in hard water increase the buildup inside your home’s water pipes. The buildup restricts the flow of water, making your home plumbing system more vulnerable to having a major leak or a complete plumbing stoppage. These minerals are typically calcium or magnesium. Learning more about whether you have hard water, soft water, or some type of water in between is the best way to know how prepared you should be for major leaks.

One of the best ways to tell if you have hard water is to see if you have a white, granular buildup on your showerhead. You can also contact your current municipal water service to determine how hard the water in your home actually is. Generally, if your water is more than 140 parts per million, the water service that you have will consider it to be hard water. A plumber can install a sodium-based water softener. While no one wants to invest in softening their water, the long-term savings of getting a professional water softener can end up being a benefit.

As stated above, no one enjoys spending money on their home’s plumbing. However, spending a small amount up front can actually save you thousands of dollars that can come from major plumbing repairs. These basic tips can help secure the health of your plumbing system.