Even if you try to be vigilant about caring for your pipes, some common misconceptions about your drainage system can lead you to damage it unintentionally. While calling in a plumber can solve these kinds of problems, a few adjustments to the way you dispose of certain items can limit the need for repair in the first place. Here's a list of practices to reconsider. 

Common Misconceptions Plumbers Don’t Want You to Believe

1. Boiling Water Wipes Grease Out of the Drain

After cooking, don’t dispose of oil, grease, or other fats down the sink. Homeowners often think that pouring hot water down the drain will help ease it down the pipes, but while the grease will temporarily liquefy, it will eventually solidify further down your residential plumbing. This, in turn, can result in a major clog that will require a plumber to clear. 

2. Cat Litter Is Flushable

When you clean out Whiskers' kitty litter, do you flush it down the toilet? While it might seem harmless, the absorbent nature of the crystals causes them to clump as they move through the plumbing system, which eventually will lead to clogs. To avoid sewage backups, only dispose of kitty litter in the trashcan. 

3. Critters Can’t Swim Up Your Pipes

While the idea of a snake coming out of your pipes seems more like a scene from a horror movie than real life, these animals often do chase rats through the sewers and can, ultimately, end up inside the house. Other animals that commonly make appearances in residential plumbing include spiders, rats, and even small alligators. Always keep the toilet lid closed and glance down before using the restroom. 

For assistance with your residential plumbing needs, contact the experts at A-1 Tri-County Plumbing in Sequin, TX. These professional plumbers have served the region for nearly 35 years, even offering 24/7 emergency repairs. Whether you are in need of a sink installation or drain cleaning, you’ll be in good hands with these experts. Learn more about their services online or schedule an appointment by calling (512) 353-8656 today.