We are all spending more time than ever at home given the current world situation. With offices closed, schools out, and family moving back home, you might have a full house. With that, your home is being used more than ever, and this can have daunting consequences. Of all the appliances and fixtures in our home, plumbing is arguably the most used. Especially with a full house, our toilets, showers and sinks are being used more than they are used to. Here’s how to prevent common mistakes that damage plumbing during a pandemic.
Toilet
Of all your plumbing fixtures, your toilet is probably the most used. There is a reason that toilet paper exists and we do not just flush napkins, paper towels, or kleenex down the toilet. These products are meant to absorb moisture, which means once they are submerged in water (flushed down the toilet) they can block the pipes and cause a build-up. Toilet paper is specially designed to break down once flushed, preventing it from building up and clogging the toilet.
Be sure to flush only toilet paper down your toilet. If there is an emergency (no toilet paper), make sure you throw away any other products into a garbage can to prevent your toilet from backing up. If you don’t already, be sure to keep a wastebasket in your bathroom so there’s no excuse to use your toilet like a garbage can. This is the best way to prevent any damage to your toilet’s plumbing that could require the help of a plumber.
Shower
With everyone spending more time at home, your family is probably using your shower more often than you normally do. Even so, shower and tub drains can become easily blocked just by a collection of hair over time. Taking into account all other debris, such as shaving cream, toothpaste, and other particles that come off our bodies, your drains can clog up even faster.
Regularly cleaning your drains can prevent a constant build-up of debris. Chemical products are available, but are not the best for the environment and can be expensive over time. A quick trick to clean your drains with household products is by putting a couple of indigestion tablets down the drain with some vinegar and allow to sit for 15 minutes. After they have sat, pour a pot of boiling water down to help break up the debris. Here are some more bathroom cleaning tips with household items.
Tip: purchasing a mesh strainer or other rubber shower product to block hair from entering the drain will reduce the number of blockages and risk of a clog.
Sink
Your sink might have a catch net, or you might even have a garbage disposal, but that doesn’t mean your pipes underneath still can’t get backed up. While we are enjoying more meals at home, clean up has increased. Over time, leftover food, no matter how small, can accumulate in your drains leading to bad smells, mold, and possible clogs.
When you’re clearing dishes after a meal, be sure to scrape as much as you can into the garbage or compost. Spending the extra time cleaning can help to prevent an expensive fix in the future.
We know plumbing issues are more often than not emergency situations. However, if you begin to follow these tips you can help to reduce the risk of another plumbing emergency. To assure confidence in your plumbing, have a pro out to check and possibly clear any blockages. You can connect with a pro in your area by clicking on the banner below.
