The Top 10 Things Your Plumber Doesnt Want You to Do

Requiring a plumber in Jackson can be unavoidable if you are dealing with a dripping or burst pipe. But the majority of times, you can prevent blocking your pipes or requiring repairs for your garbage disposal, both of which can be expensive to take care of.

Here are some of the most regular troubles our pros get calls about at Comfortech Service Experts and how you can prevent them.

1. Flushing “Flushable” Wipes

Although they might be called “flushable wipes,” the ideal location for them is the trash. The only thing that should be flushed (apart from the obvious) is toilet paper and septic treatments, if you rely on a septic system.

A Canadian study that tested 101 such wipes discovered they all didn’t pass a flushability test, according to Forbes. Since flushable wipes don’t break down like toilet paper, they can plug your sewer line and cause your toilet to back up.

They can also cause problems with city sewer systems or your septic tank. These wipes can attach to other gross things that shouldn’t be disposed of down the toilet, such as cooking oil and hygienic products, to result in a fatberg. Along with being unhygienic and just plain nasty, environmental nonprofit Green America says these blobs are pricey to fix. If you rely on a city sewer system, those are bills that could get shuffled to you down the road.

No matter what type of wipe you’re using—makeup remover, cleansing, baby or sanitizing—it should go in the trash once you’re finished.

2. Flushing Other Things That Should Go in the Waste Bin

Other than flushable wipes, there are a few other things that don’t belong in your toilet. These cover:

Along with wipes, these things can plug your sewer line and make your toilet run over, saddling you with a pricey (and nasty) mess.

3. Dropping in Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner Tabs

Using drop-in toilet fresheners may seem like a smart way to keep your toilet bowl clean, but they can cause more trouble than good. These tablets typically contain chemicals, such as bleach, which can wreck rubber parts in the tank. And as the tablets dissolve, they can block the toilet and stop it from flushing.

4. Dumping Chemical Drain Cleaners

If your sink is plugged, your immediate reaction could be to purchase a low-priced liquid drain cleaner. However, there are some things you should realize about these drain cleaners.

1. They’re harmful. Drain cleaners are a toxic blend of chemicals that can burn your skin and eyes. They also produce strong fumes that can result in respiratory irritation. 
2. They can corrode your pipes. If these cleaners can burn your skin, imagine what they can do to your plumbing: corrosion, fractures and even failure. 
3. They’re harmful to the environment. As you can figure out, these substances aren’t extremely environmentally friendly. 
4. They might not even unplug your drain. In spite of all the chemicals they pack, drain cleaners sometimes don’t even work or only work for a little while. That’s due to the fact they often move the clog further into your plumbing until it leads to a huge problem.

If you do require a drain cleaner, we recommend using an enzymatic cleaner. These chemical-free cleaners have bacteria and enzymes to eliminate clogs and unpleasant odors. While they can take more time than a chemical-based cleaner, they’re healthier for you, your plumbing and the environment.

If you have a tough clog that just won’t dissolve, calling a professional plumber like Comfortech Service Experts is your wisest option for drain cleaning. While you can rent a drain auger or plumbing snake, it’s faster to have a professional perform the job. That way, you’ll also prevent harming your pipes and many other troublesome issues such as leaks, broken seals and troublesome odors.

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

5. Getting Rid of Grease Down Your Sink

It could seem like it’s not a problem to pour a tiny bit of oil down your sink. But over time, that grease can build up and block your pipes. If the grease leaks into the sewer system, it can stick to flushable wipes and create a nasty fatberg like we mentioned previously.

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

6. Turning to Your Garbage Disposal for Everything

Your garbage disposal is a helpful tool for eliminating little bits of food. But it can’t get rid of everything. To stop malfunctions or clogs, we advise not putting these foods 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 revive it with citrus peels or a combination of baking soda and vinegar.

7. Ignoring Maintenance for Your Plumbing System

Similar to your heating and cooling system, your plumbing also has to have annual tune-ups. This service can help us spot small issues before they result in expensive problems, like a damaging water leak. Some of the issues we are on the lookout for involve:

If you do see trouble, like a leaking sink or pipe, it’s crucial to get it fixed right away before it becomes bigger or causes damage.

8. Trying to Fix Your Plumbing on Your Own

When you are dealing with a dripping pipe or a leaking washing machine, it’s important to call an Expert at Comfortech Service Experts for leak repair before it grows or results in damage.

Repairing plumbing is a detailed job that’s best left to professionals. There’s a reason why plumbers go through extensive certification and licensing. Don’t try to do water pipe repair yourself or get a handyman, as you could end up wasting time and having a costlier expensive problem.

9. Trying to Service Your Water Heater Without Professional Help

When it comes to your water heater, service and maintenance is best left to the pros. This includes draining it or checking the temperature and pressure valve. If this isn’t completed properly, you could burn yourself with boiling water or flood your residence.

Professional water heater maintenance offers peace of mind that your water heater is working properly. It also gives you a heads-up when it’s time to start considering water heater replacement, as they typically only run for about 10 years.

10. Not Being Aware of Where the Water Main Shutoff Is

In the event your home has a big water leak, it’s important to be knowledgeable about where the main water valve is and how to turn it off. This valve is often located in a mechanical room near your water heater.

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

It’s also a smart idea to install a water leak protection system that will turn on an alarm and cut off the water if there’s an issue. You can even get a smart system to watch water use and tell you through your phone if there’s a leak.

Whatever plumbing trouble you’re faced with, our Expert plumbers at Comfortech Service Experts are here to assist you. And we’ll support our work with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* for a year, so you’ll know that your repairs were finished right. Reach us at 601-852-3105 to schedule your appointment now!