Your plumbing system is very intricate. Many things can go wrong if you don't take proper care of it. Sticking to a strict maintenance schedule helps your plumbing systems last much longer. Here are some of the most common causes of plumbing problems.

Delaying Plumbing Repairs

Most plumbing problems start out as something minor. However, they can become complicated issues if you don't address them early on. For instance, a small leak in the bathroom sink can worsen substantially if you don't contact a plumber immediately. It can cause serious damage to the floors, surrounding cabinetry, and wood fixtures. You'll also notice your water bill rising if you don't address the leak. All this can be avoided if you take care of the problem as soon as you notice it. The longer you take to get an issue fixed, the more complicated and costly it becomes to repair.

Dumping Food in the Drain

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, 50% of all the blockages that happen yearly are a result of grease. It's quite tempting to reduce washing time by dumping all the leftover food down the drain, but at some point, doing so will cause problems with your plumbing. Even if the system has a garbage disposal, throwing in grease and large pieces of food will damage your pipe. The food particles and grease will collect and clog the pipes. There are some foods that won't break down well at your disposal. This includes fibrous foods and coffee grounds. Instead of throwing food down the drain, you should put all waste in the trash instead.

Washing Your Hair Down the Drain

You may not think much of the hair you shave over the sink or the few locks that wash down your shower. However, over time, your hair can cause some serious problems in your pipes. While it seems fine enough, it can cling to grease, soap, and other waste to create clogs. Together, these things can cause a drain blockage. To prevent hair from ending up in your drain, use mesh guards in your sink and shower. That'll help catch the hair before it gets clogged in the drains.

These are some of the most common causes of plumbing problems. It's important to ensure that you take good care of your plumbing by not dumping materials that don't belong in it. While drains are generally meant to whisk the dirt away, there're some things that are better left in the trash. Are you having plumbing problems? Get in touch with Maples Plumbing & Heating today for reliable plumbing services.