Plumbing Problems Solved by a Family Meeting

Sometimes plumbing problems happen through no fault of any one family member. Other times, clueless tactics on the part of Mom, Dad, the kids, Granny and Gramps are the reasons for the clog ups, floods and large plumbers' bills. When the plumber is arriving for a visit more often than guests and friends, it's time to have a powwow to set some rules. Here are some common no-no's performed by your loved ones:

Dad Is No Saint in the Plumbing Department

Maybe Dad is the crabbiest about having to pay those bills with his Visa card, but come on, Pops, you're no saint, either. Haven't you been clipping your beard hairs into a paper towel and then flushing the whole thing down the toilet? Perhaps you have Elvis-like mutton chop sideburns or a cool looking goatee that requires finesse with scissors, razors and hair gel. You really do look pretty groovy, but your neat packaging and flushing of the hair clippings has got to go! You are clogging up the sewer lines. Instead, throw the power towel of leavings into the garbage can.

Mom Thinks the Garbage Disposal Can Handle Anything

Okay, the garbage disposal may seem like the smartest invention since the vacuum cleaner, but it still has its limitations. When cleaning up the dinner dishes in a frenzy or when preparing a hearty meal for the clan, there are certain things that must not be ground up. Chicken bones or hunks of roast beef gristles are no-nos when it comes to grinding. Peeling veggies such as zucchini, potatoes and carrots are also a recipe for things getting stuck and breaking this appliance. Instead, peel and toss into the trash. Better yet, wash and cook veggie peels too, as they provide a ton of fiber and vitamins.

Teenagers Flush the Strangest Things

Your budding teen beauty spends hours fixing her makeup and styling her tresses. Problem is, she flushes the q-tips, makeup applicators, and wads of fallen out hair, too. Feminine hygiene products go the way of the sewer pipes as well and the plumber has had to dig way too many embarrassing products from the pipes. Teen boys are not quite as bad unless they get involved with the wrong crowd and try to flush their stash down the pipes when the parents unexpectedly pull into the driveway.

Toddlers and Babies

These tots are fascinated with plumbing and may decide to flush their own diapers if they're old enough to stand up. Toddlers love to say bye-bye to all sorts of items in Mr. Toilet including Mom's jewelry, their pacifier, sister's Barbie Doll, and brother's model car. Do not leave these youngsters in the bathroom unattended.

Granny and Gramps

These two old visitors may be responsible for the most part -- except for when they become forgetful. Where'd I put my wallet, dentures, bifocals, or hairbrush? Oops, that's why the pipes are clogged.

You love your family and they love you. Unfortunately, some of their bad habits are causing substantial plumbing repair bills. Have a family meeting to get a few rules of pipe etiquette sorted out.