Plumbing Do’s and Don’ts: Keep Your Apartment Running Smoothly
Nobody wants to wake up to a clogged sink, a shower that won't drain or a toilet that won't flush—especially when it could have been prevented.
While your maintenance team is always there when you need them, many everyday plumbing problems can be avoided with a few simple habits. Taking care of the plumbing in your apartment can help you avoid a maintenance request, keep things working properly and prevent a small problem from becoming a bigger one.
Here are some simple plumbing do's and don'ts every resident should know.
DO: Treat Your Toilet Like a Toilet
Your toilet is designed for two things: toilet paper and human waste.
Even products labeled "flushable" can cause problems in apartment plumbing systems. Wipes, paper towels, cotton swabs, feminine hygiene products and other items can create clogs.
The easy rule: If it isn't toilet paper or waste, put it in the trash.
DON'T: Flush Anything Just Because It Fits
Just because something disappears when you flush doesn't mean it's gone.
Items that don't break down easily can get caught in pipes and contribute to blockages. What starts as a small obstruction can eventually become a toilet that won't flush or a plumbing issue that requires maintenance.
When in doubt, throw it out.
DO: Keep Food and Grease Out of Your Kitchen Sink
Your kitchen sink is not a garbage disposal unless your apartment specifically provides one.
Scrape food into the trash before washing dishes, and never pour cooking grease or oil down the drain. Grease can cool and stick to the inside of pipes, eventually contributing to a clog.
A few extra seconds at the sink can save you from dealing with a slow or completely blocked drain later.
DON'T: Ignore a Slow Drain
A drain that takes a little longer than usual to empty is easy to overlook. But it's often a warning sign that something is building up inside the drain.
Instead of waiting until the sink or shower stops draining completely, remove visible hair or debris and monitor the situation.
If the problem continues, that's when it's time to let maintenance know.
DO: Use a Shower Drain Strainer
Hair is one of the most common causes of bathroom drain clogs.
A simple drain strainer can catch hair before it makes its way into the plumbing. Empty it regularly and you're doing your pipes—and your maintenance team—a favor.
DON'T: Hang or Store Things From Plumbing Pipes
The pipes underneath your sink may look like convenient places to hang cleaning supplies or other items, but they're not designed to support extra weight.
Keep the area underneath your sink organized and avoid putting pressure on exposed plumbing connections.
DO: Report Leaks Early
The goal isn't to avoid every maintenance request. The goal is to avoid the ones that can be prevented.
If you notice a faucet that won't stop dripping, water under the sink, a toilet that continually runs or another leak, report it sooner rather than later.
A quick maintenance request today can help prevent a much bigger problem tomorrow.
DON'T: Try to Become Your Own Plumber
A loose handle or simple adjustment may be easy to address, but major plumbing repairs aren't a good place to experiment.
Using the wrong tool, forcing a connection or attempting a repair you're not familiar with can turn a small issue into a larger one.
When something needs professional attention, let your maintenance team handle it.
DO: Know the Warning Signs
Your apartment may be trying to tell you something before a plumbing problem becomes serious.
Watch for:
- Slow-draining sinks or showers
- Toilets that don't flush normally
- Toilets that continue running
- Dripping faucets
- Water underneath a sink
- Unusual sounds coming from pipes
- Unusual odors coming from drains
- Changes in water pressure
Catching these signs early can make all the difference.
The Goal: Fewer Problems, Fewer Interruptions
Your maintenance team is there to help, but nobody wants a plumbing problem interrupting their day.
The best way to avoid an unnecessary maintenance request is simple: prevent the problem before it starts.
Watch what goes down your drains. Keep hair and food debris out of your plumbing. Don't flush items that don't belong in the toilet. And pay attention when something doesn't seem right.
A little everyday care can keep your apartment's plumbing flowing smoothly—and help keep your maintenance requests reserved for the things that really need a professional.
Take care of your apartment, and your apartment will take care of you.