Every industry is plagued with misinformation, rumors, and myths. The plumbing industry is no different. Your mother probably told you that your garbage disposal can handle any amount of food as long as it is washed down with hot water.
Unfortunately, this is actually false: garbage disposals are meant for table scraps while running cold water as hot water can cause the motor to overheat.
Similarly, if you have been under the assumption of incorrect toilet information you might be causing significant damage to your plumbing. We’re going to talk about 5 bad toilet habits that you should be aware of. Keep reading for more information!
Your Toilet Piping Can’t Handle Everything
While you may think you can flush just about anything down the toilet, the reality is, you can’t. Certain items may get down the first time, but they can lead to significant damages over time.
Similarly, you can start off with an immediate clog, which is never a good thing. Five items that simply cannot be flushed down your toilet include:
Baby Wipes/Sanitary Items: Sure some baby wipes claim to be flush-friendly, but over time, those wipes can create a massive clog deeper in your plumbing. If you’re already dealing with issues like hard water, the baby wipes will attach, creating a blockage.- Cat Litter: You’d be surprised to know what some homeowners throw down their toilets, but cat litter is a common one. Those sandy particles can sink to the bottom of your pipes, and leave indefinite blockages in your plumbing.
- Matches: It’s common for homeowners to use matches as a means to cut down on smells in the bathroom. That’s fine, but always be sure to dispose of them in the trash can. Not all matches are biodegradable, and can actually block your pipes.
- Cooking Grease/Food: You never know what homeowners throw down the toilet, but sometimes grease and food can find their way into the toilet. These items can form blockages in your plumbing that will require a plumber to remove.
- Dental Floss: Another reason to have a trash can near your toilet, dental floss. While it’s common to throw it down your toilet, it can become blockage material. Additionally, these items can be difficult to break down inside of a septic tank, if that’s the system you have in your home.
The Dangers of Toilet Damage
It’s never a good idea to throwing anything down the toilet that isn’t toilet paper. Many items are not biodegradable and can literally destroy a septic tank system, all this can start off as simple toilet clog.
Additionally, other items simply create blockages that build over time, eventually needing a plumber to repair. As a homeowner, you should always have a general idea of what type of sewage system you have on your property.
For homes with standard sewer line connections to city water, you can be slightly more lenient with what you throw down the toilet. If you have a septic tank, however, you have to be much more careful. Certain items like paper towels, q-tips, and sandy items, can all damage the tank itself, leading to large-scale repair needs in the future.
What Are Average Repair Costs?
Depending on the severity of the repair issue you’re dealing with, your plumbing repairs can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand.
When an issue is associated with your sewer system, you always need to account for the risk of excavation needs.
More often than not, a professional plumber will have a simpler option, like hydro jetting, but in many situations, a large-scale emergency plumbing repair will be needed.
As a homeowner, you should always be doing research to better keep your plumbing in top shape. For those in Belleville, NJ looking for a little more help, All Clear Plumbing is here for you. Not only do we offer helpful tips and information, but also we can help you deal with those bigger problems too!
