As a homeowner, part of your responsibility is dealing with aspects related to the plumbing and electrical systems. For many, plumbing issues are common reasons to call the local drain cleaning professional. However, preventative maintenance and being aware of how the plumbing works is one of the first steps to prevent costly repairs. If you’re looking for other ways to keep your pipes clean, here are several mistakes you’ll want to avoid.

3 Ways People Damage Their Home’s Plumbing

1. Using the Garbage Disposal as a Trash Can

Many drain issues start in the kitchen, especially if you have a garbage disposal. A common mistake people make is throwing anything into the disposal and expecting it to flush out. Unfortunately, that’s not the case.

Always avoid putting plastics, meat bones, pasta noodles, and paper into the disposal. Whole fruits and vegetables can also cause trouble since they’re generally too large for the grinder to handle. The blade of a disposal works like a cheese grater, and fibrous foods often cause jams or clogs. 

2. Dumping Chemicals Down the Drain

If you have clogged drains in the shower or sinks, it may be tempting to use store-bought drain cleaning chemicals. While these can help flush out the clogged hair and soap scum, it can cause significant damage to the interior of your pipes.

These chemicals can eat away at the material of your pipes and cause a breakage from the inside. If this happens, you’ll be left with a pricey drain repair.

3. Skipping Inspections & Regular Cleanings

Drains and pipes in your home are always in use, which means you should inspect them regularly. Despite your best efforts, food particles and hair can make their way into your drains and cause backups. Having a drain professional inspect your pipes once a year will ensure any potential backups or issues are caught and prevented. Your local expert will know what kind of signs to look for and how to handle them before it’s too late.

Clogged drains can happen when it’s least convenient, which is why you should rely on the trusted expertise of Holmes Sewer & Drain.  Regardless of your plumbing problem, give them a call at (402) 432-6312 or visit them online for more information about their services.