The Top 5 Bad Toilet Habits You May Not Know About

“Don’t sit too close to the TV, you’ll ruin your eyes,” “garbage disposals are meant for all food waste,” and “don’t take a bath during a thunderstorm” are all false, dated, pieces of advice that your mother probably gave you at one point or another.

We tend to trust these sayings with blind faith until one day we realize that they are utterly untrue. Similarly, there are some misguided untruths about your toilet habits.

We’re going to take a look into these as well as how they can affect your home’s plumbing. Keep reading for more information!

Toilet Pipes & Problems

Before you can fix a problem, you must recognize that there is one and know the behavior that causes it. Many times, your toilet becomes a catchall for items that shouldn’t be flushed.

Because the toilet flushes with seemingly little problem, you may not realize that this is a bad habit that should stop immediately. Here are a few other issues you should take note of:

• - ‘Flushable’ items: feminine hygiene products and baby wipes make the top of the list for mislabeled goods. Although the packaging might say they can be flushed, it doesn’t make it a wise decision
• - Grease: grease and oil have no business in your plumbing, whether it is being flushed in the toilet or washed away in the drain. Over time grease will congeal which will develop into a blockage or clog that will lead to more significant problems
• - Flushing once: you might believe that you are saving water by only flushing once when using the toilet. Many times people end up placing too much toilet paper in the bowl and the toilet cannot flush completely or properly to push everything far enough into the pipes
• - Wrong tools: unless you are trained to use an auger or drain snake, the only tool you should use on your toilet is a plunger. Be sure to purchase a toilet plunger--not a sink plunger--as they are far more effective
• - Ignoring the problem: you wouldn’t continue to drive on a flat tire, instead, you would put air in it or repair the leak. If you didn’t, the problem would only get worse and you may end up damaging a rim. The same principle applies to your toilet and plumbing in general--a plumbing problem will not fix itself or go away on its own--it will only get worse over time

What Damage Can Occur

Failing to call a professional when your plumbing or toilet is in need of repair can result in costly damage. One of the most common issues seen is a leaking pipe or one that completely ruptures.

Leaks are relatively easy to repair but water damage that occurs over time can be costly. Ruptured pipes present a different kind of issue.

When a pipe bursts, a large amount of water can be released into your home, ruining floors, furniture, and walls. Additionally, it is more expensive to remedy the issue because sections of or the entire pipe must be replaced.

Costs of Repair

To repair a plumbing problem or clogged toilet before the situation escalates is typically inexpensive.

Although you can rent the tools needed, the knowledge that is necessary to utilize them properly only comes with years of experience and training.

Attempting to fix an issue on your own may result in more damage (and cost) than you anticipated.

It is safe to say that if you need a plumbing repair or help with a clogged toilet, it is best to call a professional. When you make the call to a professional, make sure it is to Force Plumbing and Heating LLC at (732) 850-5720!