A house’s plumbing system is one of the most vital things to care for if you want to make sure that its structure doesn’t get compromised. The majority of people take their home’s plumbing system for granted. Only when they face an awkward situation such as their toilet running full with water, or suffering from a water pipe leak, do they start looking for an emergency plumber in San Diego. A structure’s plumbing system is a very integral part of its working. You need to make sure that you don’t mistreat your home's plumbing system. There are a lot of things that can cause system damage, which is why we thought to help you identify 5 things you should stop doing if you want to make sure that you don’t have to spend a huge amount of money on repairs later on.

1. Throwing Trash in the Pipes

A common mistake that most people do is that they throw a lot of unnecessary items in the drains. When washing your dishes, make sure that you separate the food items which can block drains. You can also install a stopper in your washbasin and drains so that only water passes through it, and the rest of the trash such as bones don’t pass through. Also, when washing your hair, make sure that they don’t get into the drain. When combined with grease, hair can make a huge bundle and block other things. Another tip you need to know is to keep a dustbin near your toilet and avoid throwing too many napkins and tissues in the flush (which can potentially lead to a blockage in the system).

2. Avoid Grease and Chemicals

I know it can be very tempting to drain grease down the drains to avoid any trouble, but eventually, you will have to face bigger problems if you continue doing so. When washing your dishes, you should separate the grease and allow it to solidify overnight instead of draining it down. Even though grease is a liquid, when you drain it through a pipe, it congeals, which can end up damaging your pipes. Another mistake that most people make is trying to unclog their pipes using strong chemicals. However, these chemicals can have adverse effects on the pipes and weaken them over time.

3. Don’t Fix Things Yourself

If you try to fix something that you don’t know how to, you can end up causing more problems than solving them. So, whenever there is a leak or blockage in the plumbing system, it is better to call a professional plumber instead of doing it yourself. Not only will they fix the current problem, but they also have the skills and equipment to find out potential risks that can cause problems in the future.

4. Watch Out for Tree Roots

Another common mistake that people do is let their gardens and landscape go unnoticed. If the trees and plants around your house aren’t getting enough water, they can find their way into the drainage pipes in search of water. This can completely destroy your whole plumbing system and cost you a lot of money and peace of mind. When building a garden, make sure that it is not too close to your drainage system and take great care when watering your plants. Also, you should replace small trees and plant new ones every two years or so. If you are constructing your house from scratch, it's critical to consult the services of a good plumbing company.

5. Cold Weather

Another enemy of pipes is winter and cold weather, especially in areas with lower temperature rates. Not so much an issue in San Diego (thank goodness), it's still worthy to note it's one of the most common problems in cold areas. Water in the pipes freeze, it cracks and ends up compromising the whole drainage system of your house. So, it is very important that you get your pipes checked before and after the winter season arrives in colder areas to make sure that there are no leaks within the system. If you catch this early, you can save a lot of money in the long run.