As a top plumbing company in Utah, we at Whipple Plumbing are here to help keep your system maintained at all times. In some cases, this means simply educating our clients on certain basic areas to either promote or stay away from – and the bathroom is one of the most common areas we cover.

What are some things you should be avoiding in your bathroom in the name of saving your plumbing system some costly repairs down the line? Let’s take a look at five habits you should try to break.

Toilet as a Trash Bin

Some people falsely believe there is a trash compactor at the bottom of the toilet, similar to a garbage disposal – this is simply not the case. For this reason, things like wipes, paper towels, feminine products, makeup products or others should not go down the toilet drain. Only waste and toilet paper, which is meant specifically to break down properly within a toilet drain, should be flushed.

Hair and Pipes

There are several items that may contribute to clogging in the bathroom’s pipes, and hair in the shower is near the top of the list. When combined with dirt, soap scum and other debris, hair can create major clogging issues. If this is a consistent issue for you, consider drain screens to block hair from entering the drain in the first place.

Liquid Drain Cleaners

It’s tempting to jump straight to the chemicals anytime there’s a minor clog in your system, but you could be doing more harm than good here in the long run. Liquid drain cleaners use corrosive materials that can damage your pipes, and are also terrible for the environment. If you have a drain clog, a snake or hydro-jetting is how you should have it removed.

Long Showers and Mold

A long shower can be relaxing, but it can also lead to issues over time if you aren’t careful. All the steam from a long, hot shower can lead to mold development in the bathroom, which can in turn cause numerous respiratory issues if unchecked. If you must have these kinds of showers often, be sure to run your exhaust fan afterward or crack a window to prevent mold buildup.

Hard Water

If you notice a white, chalky substance showing up on your showerhead and sink faucets, this could be a sign of hard water in your system. This means water is carrying mineral deposits, which can lead to corrosion and make bathing less comfortable. If the corrosion side of this becomes a major issue, consider a water softener to remove these mineral deposits before water leaves your faucet or showerhead.

For more on habits to kick in the bathroom, or to learn how our plumbers can help with any issues, speak to the pros at Whipple Plumbing today.