Sometimes plumbing problems don’t happen because of any family member. Other times, clueless tactics by mom, dad, kids, grandma, and grandpa are the reasons for traffic jams, flooding, and big plumber bills. When the plumber comes to visit more often than the guests and friends, it’s time to have a meeting to establish some rules. Here are some not-so-commons made by loved ones:
Dad’s no saint in the plumbing department
Maybe Dad is the grumpiest for having to pay those bills with his Visa card, but come on, Dad, you’re not a saint either. Haven’t you been cutting your beard hairs on a paper towel and then flushing it all down the toilet? Maybe you have Elvis-esque lamb chop sideburns or a cool-looking goatee that requires finesse with scissors, razors, and hair gel. You really do look great, but your neat packing and washing of hair clippings have to go! You are clogging the sewer lines. Instead, toss the leftover power towel in the trash can.
Mom thinks the garbage disposal can handle anything.
Granted, the garbage disposal may seem like the smartest invention since the vacuum cleaner, but it still has its limitations. When cleaning up dinner plates in a frenzy or preparing a nice clan meal, there are certain things that shouldn’t be shredded. Chicken bones or pieces of roast beef gristle are not good when it comes to grinding. Peeling vegetables like zucchini, potatoes, and carrots is also a recipe for things to get stuck and break this appliance. Instead, peel them and throw them away. Better yet, wash and cook the vegetable peels, too, as they provide a ton of fiber and vitamins.
Teenagers throw away the strangest things
Your budding teen beauty spends hours fixing her makeup and styling her braids. The problem is, she also throws away cotton swabs, makeup applicators, and strands of fallen hair. Feminine hygiene products are also used in sewer pipes and the plumber has had to pull too many embarrassing products out of the pipes. Teenagers aren’t so bad unless they get involved with the wrong crowd and try to empty their stash down the drains when parents pull up unexpectedly in the driveway.
toddlers and babies
These little ones are fascinated with plumbing and may decide to throw away their own diapers if they are old enough to stand up. Young children love saying goodbye to all kinds of items in Mr. Toilet, including mom’s jewelry, her pacifier, her sister’s Barbie doll and her brother’s model car. Do not leave these youngsters in the bathroom unattended.
Grandmother and grandfather
These two old visitors may be responsible for the most part, except when they become forgetful. Where did I put my wallet, my dentures, my bifocals, or my hairbrush? Oops, that’s why the pipes are clogged.
You love your family and they love you. Unfortunately, some of your bad habits are causing substantial plumbing repair bills. Host a family meeting to work out some pipe etiquette.
