I’m a plumber — right here’s 1 factor I’d by no means flush that clogs my shoppers’ bathrooms

We all do our best when it comes to avoiding plumbing disasters, but what mistakes could lead to bigger problems down the road?

Dallas-based Texas Green Plumbing founder Roger Wakefield joined TODAY in Studio 1A on April 21 to share five things he would never do if he knew what he knew as a plumber. Keeping these five things in mind can save you a lot of time, money, and stress later.

Here are the five things Wakefield advises customers to do to avoid major plumbing problems.

Never pay attention to how you turn off the water to the house

If a water line ever bursts in your home, not knowing where the water shut-off valve is located could result in thousands of dollars’ worth of damage, Wakefield warned. Familiarize yourself with the location of the shut-off valve, and in the event of a rupture, immediately shut off the water.

Never pour chemicals or oil down the drain

Think twice before pouring drain cleaner down the drain. Wakefield says chemicals could actually damage your plumbing system. In addition, oil can also cause clogs. Be mindful of what goes down your drain and properly dispose of oils or other chemicals rather than pouring them down the sink.

Never flush away non-plumber-approved cloths

Don’t throw baby wipes down the toilet, Wakefield advises. Regular baby wipes have plastic binder fibers that cause clogs in our plumbing system.

Never forget to change washer and dryer hoses

Note how long your washer and dryer hoses are recommended for use, Wakefield says. Normal rubber hoses have to be replaced annually, while stainless steel braided hoses have to be replaced every two years.

Never wait until an emergency to find a plumber

The time to find a plumber isn’t when you’re dealing with a crisis, Wakefield advises. Do your research now and make a list of plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and roofing companies that have good reputations and quality ratings.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com

Originally published Apr 21, 2023 at 9:15 am