We’ll be up front: your toilet is not magic. It seems like common sense to say that, but you’d be amazed at the things some people flush without regard for the complicated mechanisms and plumbing systems that make it all happen. Like any tool or appliance, improper use of your toilet can and will result in damage that is going to cost you a pretty penny in drain damages the long run. The best solution to these problems is to not let them happen to begin with, since many toilet-related calls we receive stem from improper flushing etiquette. Below we’ll break down some of the most commonly flushed items that should just be thrown in the trash. 

Medication 

This one is a big one. Old pills and the like should always be disposed of properly and never through the toilet. Most pills are resistant to water, meaning they do not break down safely. This leads to the chemicals within them to be absorbed into the water and cause harmful environmental effects and potential health problems. 

Baby/Sanitary Wipes

We know the box says they’re flushable. They’re not. They go down the drain when you flush them, sure, but in reality, they are prime candidates for getting stuck in the pipes and causing massive, sticking clogs and backups that require a professional hand to properly eliminate. 

Dental Floss

Like most other items on this list, dental floss can cause clogging. Unlike most items on this list, large amounts of flushed floss can string together and act as a net catching otherwise safe debris and causing even larger issues. 

Cigarette Butts

Smokers may find it convenient to dispose of their old cigarettes down the toilet. While not known to cause particularly nasty clogs, cigarettes are filled with toxic materials that absorb into the water. Don’t do it. 

Feminine Products

Widely believed to be safe, even intended, to be disposed of in the toilet, feminine hygiene products are among some of the most dangerous items to flush. These products are meant to act as absorption agents. Meaning that, once flushed, they absorb water and expand, clogging pipes and causing backups over time.

Diapers

Dirty or otherwise, all diapers should be disposed of in a diaper receptacle or the trash bin. Like feminine hygiene products, diapers are built to absorb water, causing blockage. 

Pet Fish

This one surprises a lot of people when they first hear it. Flushing a dearly departed pet fish has become something of a cultural stereotype: it’s just what you assume people do. And while it seems to be the ubiquitous way to send off a fishy friend, it’s not the best for your plumbing. Fish are very slow to decompose in water, and are usually consumed by scavengers in the wild after passing. This is an obvious clog risk, especially if it’s a larger animal. Given this information, consider giving your next pet fish a more traditional send off. 

Paper Towels/Non Toilet Paper Paper Products

Paper towels are heavy and bulky. Great for cleaning up messes, not so great for flushing down the drain. These are the number one cause of drain clogs, hands down, and it’s because folks assume paper products dissolve like toilet paper. That’s an entirely fair assumption to make, but it is not the case. Save yourself the headache later on and walk that paper towel to the trash bin for a proper disposal.

Call Lake Cook Plumbing today & take care of any plumbing problems before spring arrives!

By zachadmachinescom

Conducting a routine plumbing maintenance check allows you to detect plumbing problems before they escalate into expensive repairs. The maintenance checklist provided below, if followed, will help you with the care and upkeep of your plumbing system:

• You need to keep your pipes from freezing by using the shut off valve. Forgetting to use this valve could result in non-stop water flow. You should also drain the outdoor spigots and water connections. Draining the water is essential for preventing standing water from freezing. Freezing pipes can cause the shut-off valve and the fixture to break.
• Your irrigation system needs to be turned off to protect your pipes. For best results, you should winterize this system before the weather starts to get cooler.
• Dry out your hoses and store them in a dry area to prevent them from being damaged. Do not store the hose if it is damaged. If your hose has a leak, then repair it or replace it before further damage occurs.
• Pipe insulation is essential to efficiency. It will save money on bills, decrease heat loss, and prevent your pipes from freezing. Different types of pipe insulation include foam insulation, elastomeric foam, fiberglass pipe covers, and spray for insulation.
• Blown-in insulation can be applied to floors, walls, and attics. This type of insulation is becoming a popular option because it improves performance and takes the least amount of time to settle.
• Exposed pipes are the most vulnerable to freezing. Plumbing pipes that lie in unheated areas, including garages and crawl spaces, are more susceptible to freezing and can cause other plumbing problems, including bursting pipes.
• Pipe bursts are a common problem during cold weather, especially when homeowners are on vacation. When you are traveling, your home’s water needs to be turned off completely. One faucet should be left to a slow drip to avoid busted pipes. The minimal difference in your water bill is certainly worth the avoided expense of repairs and replacement of water-damaged items.
• Plumbing repairs are time sensitive. Be sure to make the necessary repairs to your pipes as soon as possible. Pipes expand and contrast based on the temperature. A tiny leak can transform into a major problem in no time at all.
• If you are the owner of a sump pump, then the pit needs to be cleaned. If the pit is left unattended, it could freeze and be useless when you need it the most.
• Water heaters, especially old ones, need to be drained so that rust does not become an issue. This rust can contaminate your water for drinking, bathing, and cooking.
• Exterior cracks let air in the home and create a draft. Drafts can make your heating system work overtime to heat the entire home, putting a strain on the motor.
• The drainage areas around your home should not be clogged. Indications of clogged drains include bubbling sinks and issues with toilet flushing.

What Can Happen Without a Proper Checklist?

Without a proper plumbing maintenance checklist, you risk enduring a lot of household issues that can be simply avoided. Frequent drain clogs and lack of steady hot water are only a couple of inconveniences that will confront you. A lack of steady hot water can make bathing, cleaning, and cooking a hassle. Frequent drain clogs force you to take time away from your family and activities. Finances are a major part of this situation. Without a proper checklist to follow, you risk the chance of high utility bills and water damage. Consistent leaks cause your water bill to skyrocket. Leaking pipes can cause water damage throughout the home, making your home more difficult to sell or forcing you to sell at a lower proper value.  Without routine maintenance, pipe leaks can go undetected, and your drinking water can be compromised.

The Benefits of Routine Plumbing Maintenance

Routine plumbing maintenance benefits a homeowner by improving fixture efficiency and providing a surplus of hot water that can be used for various purposes without interruption. Other benefits include a decrease in bill expenses and avoiding costly water damage restoration expenses. Your pipes and fixtures will be subject to less damage and have a longer lifespan. 

You will not have to worry about the replacement of fixtures and pipes for years at a time. If you plan on selling your home, then you can sell at a higher value because the home is up to code with the plumbing, and the home is deemed safe. There is nothing better than having peace of mind; you can rest easy knowing that your home is safe and that your water is not contaminated.

Many homeowners believe that they can cut corners to save money, but they are only prolonging problems, which will cause them to spend more money in the long run. The best thing to do is to create a checklist and to set times to use it. It is in your best interest to conduct a plumbing maintenance check before spring and before winter to ensure peak pipe performance

Call Lake Cook Plumbing today & take care of any plumbing problems before spring arrives!

By zachadmachinescom