Tips For Avoiding Costly Toilet Repairs
Whether you realize it or not, your toilet is one of the most used fixtures in your home, and your daily habits and routines can have a major impact on how it works. The plumbing industry is full of myths and assumptions without understanding the actual effects your actions can have.
A good example is the use of drain cleaners. While they claim to remove blockages, the only thing they actually do is reduce the size of a clog using harmful chemicals that can damage your pipes in the process. Your toilet is another point of contention.
Many homeowners treat them like garbage disposals, flushing anything and everything, without worrying about the repercussions. Before long, you could find yourself with a serious plumbing emergency on your hand.
So what can you do to avoid these issues? The first step is to learn a little more about what toilet habits cause problems, and learn how to avoid them!
Top Things You Should Never Flush
The easiest way to prevent costly repairs is by being wary of what items you flush down your toilet. A few common ones that a majority of homeowners think are safe include:
Baby wipes- Paper towels
- Flushable diapers
- Q-tips
- Floss
An important thing to know is that just because something is labeled as flushable, that doesn’t mean it’s healthy for your plumbing. Baby wipes can easily build up inside your septic tank and cause the need for more frequent pumping. Flushable diapers can create blockages in your plumbing that won’t go away without professional help.
Similarly, some homeowners may just go to the extreme and flush anything down the toilet including food, hair, and even cat litter. It’s important to only use your toilet for toilet paper and waste. Any other item can create clogs and should be avoided.
What Causes Toilet Damage
While the items themselves may not be bad for your plumbing, their effects are. The most common issue stemming from the toilet is a clog.
A clogged toilet will not only prevent you from using it but also it can create excess pressure in your plumbing.
While you wait for a plumber to arrive, that pressure builds in your pipes and can eventually lead to a burst pipe emergency.
Similarly, harmful chemical cleaners and certain materials can be abrasive on your pipes. If your home is older and already dealing with weak pipes, these materials can easily exacerbate the situation and leaver you with the need for replacement.
The Costs of Emergency Repairs
It’s common for toilet repairs to cost more because they’re tied in with your sewage system.
Whether you have city sewer lines or a septic tank, anytime a plumber needs to reach these areas, excavations, and detection tools are needed. This all adds to the price tag of a repair. Your best solution is to avoid the plumbing emergency altogether.
By paying attention to what you throw down the toilet, keeping a garbage can nearby, and working with your local plumbers, you can keep your plumbing system healthy and flowing year-round!
