13 Simple Habits That Could Ruin Your Plumbing

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It’s easy to overlook the complex plumbing system that keeps everything running smoothly, from flushing toilets to hot showers. We use faucets, dishwashers, and drains every day without giving a thought to what’s happening behind the walls. But some common habits can quietly strain your plumbing, leading to clogs, costly repairs, or even major damage down the line.

Here are a few everyday routines that may seem harmless but could be putting your plumbing at risk.

Pouring Grease Down the Drain

After cooking, it’s easy to just pour grease down the drain without giving it a second thought. Grease, however, hardens as it cools and sticks to the insides of pipes, eventually narrowing them until they’re blocked. This can subsequently result in stubborn clogs or even backups. Instead, pour the grease into a container, allow it to solidify, and then toss it in the trash.

Flushing “flushable” Wipes

The label might be “flushable,” but many wipes don’t break down in water the way toilet paper does. Over time, these wipes can become stuck in pipes, leading to blockages that increase. Flushing stick to plain toilet paper, and throw out wipes in the trash.

Using Too Much Toilet Paper

Simply using too much toilet paper at once is a common cause of clogged toilets. Toilet paper is designed to break down, but large amounts can still get stuck in your pipes. To avoid a mess, especially if you’re using thicker or extra-soft brands, use smaller amounts and flush in stages if necessary.

Ignoring Small Leaks

These small drips and a tiny leak here or there are easy to ignore, but if left unchecked, they can become significant problems. Water damage, mold, and higher water bills can result from leaks. If you notice a leak, whether it’s from a faucet or a pipe, take the time to repair it as soon as possible. It’s a minor fix today, but it could save you a big headache down the road.

Treating Your Garbage Disposal Like a Trash Can

Garbage disposals are convenient, but they’re not designed to handle everything. As for what may clog or damage the blades, hard items such as bones, eggshells, and fruit pits can harm the blades. Starchy foods like pasta, rice, and potato peels can expand when exposed to water and clog the blades. Don’t put too much down the disposal and scrape the rest into the trash.

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Washing Hair Down the Drain

Washing hair down the drain is a fast track to clogs, whether it’s in the shower or over the sink. Hair doesn’t break down and can clump together, blocking pipes and causing slow drains. A simple hair catcher over your drains can help significantly in keeping your pipes clear.

Using Chemical Drain Cleaners

The first thing that comes to mind when a sink or shower gets clogged is to grab a chemical drain cleaner. However, such chemicals can be harsh on pipes, especially those of ancient origin, and tend to corrode over time. Rather than waiting for the usual drain cleaner or plunging, feel free to use a drain snake or mix your homemade solution of baking soda and vinegar to clear things up.

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Throwing Coffee Grounds Down the Sink

There’s no need to think twice about rinsing the grounds down the sink after a morning coffee. Coffee grounds don’t dissolve and can easily stick to other particles in the pipes, causing clogs. Instead, throw coffee grounds in the compost, or toss them in the trash and keep your drains flowing.

Setting the Water Heater Too High

In winter, many people crank up the temperature of their water heater. However, if you set it too high, you’ll wear out your heater, pay more on your energy bills, and even risk scalding yourself. Typically, a moderate setting (around 120 degrees Fahrenheit) is ideal, striking a balance between warmth, safety, and efficiency.

Dirt and Debris Going Down the Drain

Sometimes, after completing gardening or any other messy project, the thing you instinctively want to do is rinse yourself off in the sink or shower. However, large amounts of dirt, sand, or even paint can wreak havoc on your pipes and clog the works. Shake off as much as you can outside before rinsing off to keep your drains clear.

Failure to Maintain Regular Pipe Maintenance

Plumbing maintenance is often not at the top of anyone’s to-do list, but it should be, as a little preventive care can go a long way. Cleaning your drains regularly, checking for leaks, and flushing your water heater periodically can help prevent more significant problems. Conducting a DIY inspection of your pipes every few months can help catch issues before they become serious.

Hanging Heavy Items on Showerheads and Faucets

Shampoo caddies or baskets hung on your shower head are tempting, but they can cause excessive weight that loosens joints and leads to leaks. Eventually, these leaks can damage walls or floors, and the extra weight can also cause the faucet to wear out. To avoid straining your fixtures, try using wall-mounted storage or lighter options.

Using Old, Outdated Plumbing Fixtures

If some of your plumbing fixtures are old, a change may be in order. Old fixtures, especially those of a certain age, can leak, rust, or break over time. Newer, more efficient models can replace them, saving you water, money, and preventing you from having to deal with unexpected problems. Even small changes can keep your plumbing in good shape.

Related: How to Deep Clean a Shower Head with Vinegar

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