3 Easily Preventable Plumbing Problems

If you’re a homeowner, there’s a good chance you’ll encounter a plumbing issue at some point. While some issues stem from normal wear and tear, others are caused by families being a bit careless. Here’s a look at three easily preventable plumbing problems.

Clogged Toilet

A clogged toilet can be one of the most frustrating -- and messy -- plumbing issues. To prevent your toilet from clogging, it’s important to avoid flushing the wrong things. These include:

• Antibacterial wipes

• Cigarettes

• Diapers

• Dental floss

The only things that are safe to flush include your “business” and regular bathroom tissue. Be sure to keep a trashcan in the bathroom. This simple step will make your family less likely to toss stuff into the commode.

Blocked Drain

A blocked drain is extremely common. Fortunately, it’s also easy to avoid. Oftentimes, people develop a bad habit of pouring grease down their kitchen sink. Once fats in the grease are allowed to cool, they eventually begin to harden. This ultimately leads to a clogged kitchen drain. The best approach is to keep leftover grease in a sealed container. You should also clean your drains at least once a month using a 50/50 mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Avoid using store-bought drain cleaners. Over time, these products can deteriorate your pipes.

Lack of Hot Water

A lack of hot water can make taking showers and washing dishes a real challenge. If you frequently run out of hot water, the water heater is likely on its last leg. Once a water heater surpasses 10 years of age, it’s on borrowed time.