9 Things That Can Quietly Destroy Your Plumbing

9 Things That Can Quietly Destroy Your Plumbing

Your home’s plumbing system keeps your water hot, your sink running, and your drains and toilets clog-free. It’s one of the most important parts of a home, and it needs to be used with care. Certain habits, like flushing things that shouldn’t be flushed or forgetting to maintain the water heater, can damage your plumbing without you even realizing it.

We spoke with a few plumbing and home maintenance experts to learn what things can quietly destroy your plumbing. Here’s what you should stop doing ASAP to prevent a costly leak or backup down the road.

Chemical Drain Cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners use corrosive chemicals like sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide to break down clogs, grease, and hair. But these drain cleaners can break down more than just plumbing chokepoints.

“Harsh chemical drain cleaners can corrode pipes, especially older ones, and exacerbate existing plumbing issues instead of resolving them,” says Hickman. This can lead to leaks and more plumbing issues down the line.

Instead of using chemical drain cleaners, try snaking your drain or using a plunger—they’re not just for toilets! Another clog-busting method you can do yourself is using a shop vac to vacuum out the drain.

Toilet Bowl and Tank Cleaners

Clip-on and drop-in toilet bowl and tank cleaners can seem like an easy way to freshen up a toilet with every flush. But “the active ingredient in [these cleaners] is chlorine,” says Vandepoll. “Chlorine attacks the rubber and plastic parts in your tank that make each flush possible. It hardens rubber that is meant to be flexible, like the flapper, and shortens the life of any plastic part in the tank.”

Use a liquid toilet bowl cleaner and a scrub brush instead. It might be a little more work, but your plumbing will thank you.

Improper Use of Drains and Garbage Disposal

Not everything can be put down the drain—or the garbage disposal. Hickman notes that paint, harsh cleaning chemicals, and plant debris shouldn’t go down any sink drains, as they can leave behind residue and build-up, turning into clogs over time.

Avoid putting certain foods, like potato skins and grease, in your garbage disposal too. The starch in potato skins can turn into a thick paste that clogs pipes, while grease can accumulate over time, attracting lots of little pieces of debris to create a mega-clog.

To keep your garbage disposal in tip-top condition, use it regularly to prevent its blades from rusting and run cool water before and after dumping food down it—the water helps move things along and prevents backups.

Neglecting Leak Detection

Paying attention to leaks—even when they’re small—can pay off big long-term. That’s because even tiny leaks can turn into much larger (and much more expensive) ones given enough time.

Pay attention to signs of water damage, like discoloration and mildewy smells, and follow the sound of any drips to their source. If you do find a leak, contact a plumbing professional ASAP so that it can be swiftly (and correctly) dealt with.

Flushing Non-Flushable Items

“There’s a running joke in the industry that flushable wipes keep plumbers in business,” says Barnes. “At least monthly we snake drains or dig up sewer lines that prove that flushable wipes aren’t flushable.”

Menstrual products, diapers, condoms, and paper towels also shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet. These items don’t break down easily, leading to clogs and backups.

“Really, nothing should be flushed except organic materials and toilet paper,” says Barnes. Everything else should be trashed, composted, or recycled.

High Water Pressure

While higher-than-usual water pressure might make that hot shower feel amazing, it isn’t good for your home’s plumbing. That’s because it can place unnecessary stress on pipes, valves, and faucets, wearing them out over time.

Your home’s water pressure should be between 40 and 80 PSI. Anything higher than that means that your home likely needs a pressure-reducing valve.

Hard Water Issues

Homes with hard water have water that’s much more mineral-heavy than it should be. One sign of hard water is if the minerals in your tap water are leaving behind reddish deposits on drains and toilet bowls that need to be cleaned away.

But hard water can affect the unseen parts of your home too, like its plumbing. Its mineral deposits can get stuck to your pipes, faucets, and showerheads, which can then lead to their breakdown or damage given enough time.

A water softener is an easy way to deal with hard water, as it uses chemical processes to replace the minerals in your water with less damaging ones, like sodium or potassium. They can be installed by a professional or by a savvy DIY-er.

Pet-Related Plumbing Problems

Pets can indirectly cause plenty of plumbing problems, primarily in their care and disposal of their waste. For example, cat litter should never be flushed down the toilet: “Even the “flushable” kind might expand in water and create blockages deep in your pipes,” says Hickman.

Hickman also warns against pouring aquarium gravel or sand down the drain or washing away pet hair in the sink. These items should be disposed of in the trash instead.

Lack of Water Heater Maintenance

Water heaters need to be maintained, and, when necessary, replaced. That’s because water heaters can cause a host of plumbing problems when they’re not working correctly, like a lack of hot water or a costly leak.

Make sure to regularly test your water heater’s temperature and pressure relief valve, and flush the tank as needed to remove sediment and other buildup. You’ll also need to replace the anode rod every three to five years, which protects the tank by attracting the corrosive elements in the water to itself.

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the most common plumbing mistakes homeowners make?

    One of the most common plumbing mistakes homeowners can make is flushing things that shouldn’t be flushed, like ‘flushable’ wipes. These wipes struggle to break down, leading to clogs and backups.


  • How can I tell if my plumbing system is damaged?

    Signs that your plumbing system might be damaged include leaks, poor water pressure, gurgling, and slow-to-drain toilets, sinks, tubs, and showers.


  • How often should I check for leaks in my plumbing system?

    Inspect your pipes for leaks annually, keeping an eye out for rust, dripping noises, and mildewy smells. If you’d rather not do this yourself, consider hiring a plumber or installing a leak detector.