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We like to think that we know how to fix household problems. However, we wouldn't have to worry about repairs if we knew how to keep up with our homes. This is especially true with regards to plumbing. These simple mistakes can lead to costly repairs down the road. Here are some helpful tips that will make your plumber thank you. Don't Reach for Drain-Cleaning Chemicals If you're having drainage problems, don't immediately reach for chemicals. Your plumber could tell you that these chemicals can ruin drainpipes and are harsh and dangerous to handle. If the problem is serious, it's best to turn to experts who can treat the problem properly. Another tip? Try to keep notorious clog-causers like hair and grease out of your drains. Don't Treat Your Toilet Like a Garbage Can Your toilet has a role, and your trash can has one too. Make sure you don't confuse the two. Even if a product is labeled "flushable," unless it's toilet paper, it shouldn't go into your pipes. This includes feminine hygiene products, toilet scrubbers, wet wipes, remover pads, and cat litter. These items will not disintegrate well enough and can back up the drainpipes, which can clog up the entire house. Don't Drop in Toilet Fresheners Even though the look of the blue water in your toilet may give you a sense of accomplishment, these tablets often contain chemicals that can wear out the working parts in your tank. Additionally, as the tablets dissolve, they can get stuck in the flush valve and prevent the toilet from flushing. As long as you clean your toilet regularly, you probably don't need this extra measure. Don't Overload the Garbage Disposal This is similar to the rule of not treating your toilet like a trashcan. Be kind to your garbage disposal. Don't put in fibrous foods like celery and artichokes. Avoid cramming huge amounts of food in there. Instead, plumbers recommend that you feed garbage in slowly while running cold water. Don't Mix Metals If you decide to go the DIY route and replace pipes in your home's plumbing system, make sure not to mix piping metals. When dissimilar metals like copper and steel touch, a process called galvanic action occurs. This can lead to corrosion, which can lead to leaks. Save yourself future headaches by sticking to the same metal. Don't Pour Grease Down the Kitchen Drain Grease is the single worst thing you can put down your drain. Even with hot water and soap, grease can build up and solidify over time and cause serious plumbing problems. Just don't do it! So before you have to call a plumber to come in and fix your mistakes, try to get in the habit of avoiding some of the common errors. Your pipes will thank you! When considering a plumber, San Jose residents visit J Drains. Learn more about them at http://www.jdrains.com/.
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