Four years ago, I joined a plumbing family and was overwhelmed by all the new plumbing related rules that entered my life. I knew the basics- no grease down the drain (I did it anyway), no flushing tampons (did that, too), only small stuff down the garbage disposal (will that go if I sort of cut it up a first?)- but I never really understood why I couldn't or shouldn't do those things.  Everyday for the past four years, I've heard the stories of the mistakes people make and the sometimes funny, sometimes horrifying consequences, so I thought I would share some of them with you.  

 

Important note: I am NOT a plumber (I'm actually a college professor). Even though I like to think of myself as handy, I usually just break things and wait for Jon to help me fix them. I do run these posts by Jon, though, to make sure I'm not generating business by making YOU break things.  

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"But it SAID it was flushable!!": How "flushable" products can cause massive clogs. 

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"What ELSE am I supposed to do with the grease?": Why Jon shakes his head when I try to sneak grease down the drain. 

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Rescuing Jewelry from the Drain. Don't run the water!!!

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"What the?! Why are there FLIES coming out of my drain?!" Or, the amazing question I heard at a friend's house. 

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"Why would anyone even HAVE a garbage disposal if everything clogs it up?" Or, it seems to me like they're just for looks. 

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"Quick!!! Tell them to stop walking in that!!! It's NOT just water!!": What Jon says at least once a month.