20 Plumbing Do's and Don'ts - Keidel, Bath, Plumbing, Kitchens, Cincinnati, OH

20 Plumbing Do's and Don'ts

DO

Run water at full pressure when using disposer.
Periodically remove and clean all aerators.
Inspect and test toilets for leaks annually.
Open and close all cutoff valves twice a year.
Keep toilet seat down when not in use.
Check caulk line on walls around tubs and showers regularly.
Check inside edge of shower door track to make sure there are no leaks.
Shut off all outside valves in wintertime in cold climates.
Open sink cupboard doors on outside walls in severe cold weather.
Oil parts in toilet tanks that are above water level.
Open drain on water heater twice a year to remove sediment.
Spray oil or WD-40 on seldom used valves to prevent seizing.
Keep your plumber's phone number near the phone in case of emergency.
Turn off hot water system when leaving on vacation.
Teach children to always turn cold water on first and hot water off first.
Pour two or three gallons of boiling water down shower or tub drains once a month.
Insulate water pipes that may be exposed to freezing temperatures or wind.
Use a blow dryer or heat gun to thaw frozen pipes.
Keep warranty card handy on all appliances, including water heaters and softeners.
Have a diagram of your sewer system handy in case of emergency.

DON'T

Put coffee grounds in your sink drains
Hang a knick-knack shelf over your toilet.
Pour hot water into toilet. It could crack the bowl.
Put any mechanical cleaning device in your toilet tank.
Throw disposable diapers in toilet.
Keep wastebaskets under sinks. Bumping drain pipes cause leaks.
Throw sanitary napkins in toilet.
Run the dishwasher if disposer is full of food waste.
Use drain cleaners containing lye.
Use toilet tank lid for a shelf.
Let children play in bathroom with small toys.
Hang a shelf for heavy objects over a sink.
Plant trees or large shrubs over sewer lines
Dig deep holes or trenches in your yard before locating water, gas, and sewer lines
Place cornhusks, artichokes, onionskins, celery, or other high-fiber material in a disposer.
Pour fats or cooking oils into your sink.
Leave garden hoses attached to the hose bib in winter.
Use open flames or torches to thaw frozen pipes.
Hire a plumber to do work without understanding precisely what he plans to do.
Leave water turned on to hoses for washing machines, dishwashers, and garden hoses when not in use.

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