The Top 10 Things Your Plumber Doesnt Want You to Do

Needing a plumber in Atlanta can be unavoidable if you are dealing with a dripping or ruptured pipe. But many times, you can avoid clogging your pipes or needing repairs for your garbage disposal, both of which can be expensive to fix.

Here are some of the most regular problems our pros get calls about at Peachtree Service Experts and how you can stop them.

1. Flushing “Flushable” Wipes

Despite the fact they might be referred to as “flushable wipes,” the best spot for them is the trash. The only thing that should be flushed (apart from the obvious) is toilet paper and septic treatments, if you have a septic system.

A Canadian study that tested 101 such wipes learned they all failed a flushability test, according to Forbes. As flushable wipes don’t break down like toilet paper, they can block your sewer line and cause your toilet to back up.

They can also wreak havoc on city sewer systems or your septic tank. These wipes can combine with other gross things that shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet, including cooking oil and hygienic products, to result in a fatberg. As well as being unsanitary and just plain gross, environmental nonprofit Green America says these buildups are costly to repair. If you rely on a city sewer system, those are expenses that could get passed on to you in the long run.

Whichever kind of wipe you’re using—makeup remover, cleansing, baby or sanitizing—it should be thrown in the trash once you’re done.

2. Flushing Other Things That Belong in the Waste Bin

In addition to flushable wipes, there are several other things that don’t belong in your toilet. These involve:

In addition to wipes, these things can clog your sewer line and back up your toilet, sticking you with an expensive (and icky) mess.

3. Dropping in Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner Tabs

Relying on drop-in toilet fresheners might seem like a good way to keep your toilet bowl fresh, but they can cause more trouble than good. These tablets usually contain chemicals, including bleach, which can wreck rubber parts in the tank. And as the tablets dissolve, they can plug the toilet and stop it from flushing.

4. Using Chemical Drain Cleaners

If your sink is blocked, your first response could be to get an inexpensive liquid drain cleaner. However, there are some things you should be aware of when it involves these drain cleaners.

1. They’re harmful. Drain cleaners are a toxic blend of chemicals that can burn your skin and eyes. They also create intense fumes that can lead to respiratory irritation. 
2. They can corrode your pipes. If these cleaners can burn your skin, think about what they can do to your piping: corrosion, cracks and even failure. 
3. They’re harmful to the environment. As you can figure out, these formulas aren’t very environmentally friendly. 
4. They might not even unplug your drain. Despite all the chemicals they pack, drain cleaners sometimes don’t even work or only work for a limited time. That’s due to the fact they often force the clog deeper into your plumbing until it results in a big problem.

If you do require a drain cleaner, we suggest using an enzymatic cleaner. These chemical-free cleaners use bacteria and enzymes to get rid of clogs and unpleasant odors. While they could work more slowly than a chemical-based cleaner, they’re healthier for you, your plumbing and the environment.

If you’re dealing with a difficult clog that just won’t dissolve, contacting a professional plumber like Peachtree Service Experts is your wisest option for drain cleaning. While you can rent a drain auger or plumbing snake, it’s easier to have an Expert complete the job. That way, you’ll also avoid causing damage to your pipes and a wide variety of horrible issues including leaks, broken seals and unpleasant odors.

After your drain is working like it should, keep it that way by using a screen to keep hair or food scraps from clogging it again.

5. Dumping Grease Down Your Sink

It might seem like it’s not a issue to drain a small amount of oil down your sink. But as time passes, that grease can accumulate and plug your pipes. If the grease finds its way into the sewer system, it can stick to flushable wipes and lead to a yucky fatberg like we talked about prior.

To skip plumbing woes, drain the fat into a bowl. After it solidifies, you can toss it in the garbage.

6. Using Your Garbage Disposal for Everything

Your garbage disposal is a beneficial tool for getting rid of tiny bits of food. But it can’t get rid of everything. To avoid malfunctions or clogs, we recommend not putting these things down your garbage disposal:

• Coffee grounds 
• Pasta, oats, rice and bread 
• Bones, nuts, pits and seeds 
• Eggshells 
• Onions and potato peels 
• Fibrous fruits and vegetables 
• Grease

If your garbage disposal smells bad, you can clean it with citrus peels or a mix of baking soda and vinegar.

7. Skipping Maintenance for Your Plumbing System

Much like your heating and cooling system, your plumbing also requires regular service. This service can help us find little issues before they result in big problems, like a damaging water leak. Some of the troubles we watch for entail:

If you do see an issue, like a leaky sink or pipe, it’s critical to get it fixed right away before it becomes worse or leads to damage.

8. Trying to Fix Your Plumbing Without Professional Help

When you have a dripping pipe or a leaking washing machine, we recommend calling an Expert at Peachtree Service Experts for leak repair before it grows or results in damage.

Repairing plumbing is a detailed job that’s best left to pros. There’s a reason why plumbers complete extensive certification and licensing. Don’t attempt water pipe repair yourself or get a handyman, because you could end up wasting time and making a more expensive problem.

9. Trying to Tune Up Your Water Heater Yourself

When it comes to your water heater, service and upkeep is best left to the pros. This includes draining it or testing the temperature and pressure valve. If this isn’t performed properly, you could burn yourself with scalding water or flood your house.

Experienced water heater maintenance provides peace of mind that your water heater is operating right. It also offers you notice ahead of time when it’s time to start planning for water heater replacement, since they typically only last for about 10 years.

10. Not Realizing Where the Water Main Shutoff Is

In the event your residence has a big water leak, it’s essential to know where the main water valve is and how to shut it off. This valve is typically situated in a mechanical room near your water heater.

If you’re don’t know where the valve is located, Peachtree Service Experts can help you find it.

It’s also a smart idea to get a water leak protection system that will turn on an alarm and turn off the water if there’s trouble. You can even use a smart system to keep an eye on water use and notify you through your phone if there’s a problem.

Whatever plumbing issue you’re experiencing, our Expert plumbers at Peachtree Service Experts are ready to provide support. And we’ll back our work with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year, so you’ll know that your repairs were finished correctly. Give us a call at 678-235-9699 to schedule your appointment today!