Most people know pouring bacon grease down the drain is a bad idea — but plenty of other everyday habits can quietly wreck your pipes without you even realizing it.
Here in Beaverton, homes range from mid-century bungalows with original plumbing to newer builds with modern systems. Regardless of age, the same bad habits can lead to clogs, leaks, and expensive repairs. Breaking these habits now will help you avoid major headaches later.
Here’s a local plumber’s shortlist of plumbing habits worth ditching.
1. Using Chemical Drain Cleaners
When a drain slows down, it’s tempting to grab a bottle of liquid drain cleaner from under the sink. But those harsh chemicals don’t just eat away at clogs — they can corrode your pipes, damage seals, and shorten the lifespan of your plumbing.
Chemical drain cleaners also pose a safety risk. Direct contact with these chemicals can cause serious skin and eye injuries, and plumbers have sustained chemical burns from splashback during service calls when drain cleaner use was not disclosed. If you have recently applied a chemical cleaner, it is important to inform your plumber before work begins so proper safety precautions can be taken.
These cleaners are also rough on the environment, and here in Beaverton, runoff eventually makes its way to local waterways. A better option? Use enzyme-based cleaners for mild buildup, or call a professional for safe, thorough clearing with equipment like hydro-jetting.
2. Ignoring Small Leaks
A slow drip under the sink or a tiny trickle from a hose bib might not seem urgent, but those “little” leaks can lead to major water damage or mold growth over time. Left unchecked, leaks can warp cabinets, stain walls, and cause musty odors that are difficult to eliminate.
Beaverton’s damp climate can make moisture problems worse, giving mold and mildew the perfect environment to grow. Even a small leak can add up to gallons of wasted water — and a higher utility bill. Fixing them promptly is far cheaper than repairing water-stained walls, warped cabinetry, or damaged flooring.
3. Flushing “Flushable” Wipes
The packaging may say “flushable,” but that doesn’t mean they break down like toilet paper. These wipes — along with paper towels, cotton swabs, feminine hygiene products, and other non-toilet paper items — can catch in your pipes and cause slow-moving drains or complete blockages.
Older Beaverton sewer lines, especially in neighborhoods with mature trees, are already prone to root intrusion. Adding wipes to the mix is asking for trouble. A clogged sewer is messy, expensive, and can leave you without a working bathroom until it’s fixed. The safest bet: flush toilet paper only and toss everything else in the trash.
4. Hanging Heavy Items from Fixtures
Hanging shower caddies, organizers, or even plants from your showerhead or faucet might be convenient, but it can strain the fixture’s connections. Over time, the added weight can loosen fittings, cause leaks, or damage the fixture entirely.
Once a fixture is bent or stressed, it often can’t be repaired — it needs to be replaced. In bathrooms where storage space is limited, try wall-mounted shelves, suction-cup organizers, or tension rods instead to keep toiletries within reach without risking your plumbing.
5. Over-Tightening Connections
When tightening a pipe fitting, many DIYers assume “the tighter, the better.” Unfortunately, over-tightening can crack fittings, strip threads, and actually cause leaks. Once a fitting is cracked, it can’t be sealed properly and will often have to be replaced.
The right approach is to hand-tighten first, then give it just a small additional turn to secure the connection — no more. Using thread sealant tape or plumber’s putty where appropriate can help ensure a watertight seal without unnecessary force.
6. Ignoring Water Pressure Problems
Water pressure that’s too high can stress your plumbing, wear out appliances, and even cause pipes to burst. Low pressure can be a sign of sediment buildup, mineral deposits, or hidden leaks somewhere in your system.
Most Beaverton homes have a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) that helps maintain safe levels, but these valves wear out over time. It’s a good idea to check your water pressure every few years and replace your PRV if needed. Aim for 40–60 psi for most residential systems.
7. Skipping Routine Plumbing Check-Ups
If you wait until something breaks to call a plumber, you’re gambling with your home’s plumbing system. Annual inspections can catch small issues — like a worn supply line, slow drain, or corroding pipe — before they turn into expensive emergencies.
Regular maintenance is especially important for homes with older piping materials, but even new homes benefit from a yearly check-up. A quick inspection of your water heater, supply lines, drains, and shut-off valves can save you money and stress in the long run.
Protect Your Home’s Plumbing
Bad plumbing habits don’t just shorten your system’s lifespan — they can lead to costly repairs that could have been avoided. By breaking these habits now, you’ll keep your pipes and fixtures in better shape for years to come.
If it’s time for a plumbing inspection or you need help fixing a stubborn issue, our Beaverton team is ready to help. Call today to schedule your appointment and keep your plumbing running smoothly year-round.
