Although when planning a vacation getaway that last thing you think about is any sort of plumbing or plumbing issue, you should put some consideration into it. Plumbing is a broad term, but can create a specific headache for a renter and property owner.The last thing you want to interrupt you while on vacation is big plumbing issue. There are some basic rules to follow to make sure you keep the plumbing of a home, condo, or hotel in good health.
We decided to sit down with Jason, a professional Tempe plumber, and have him cover some basic plumbing etiquette, whether your renting a vacation property from someone, or have your own property. Avoid plumbing emergencies and expenses by keeping in mind a few things.
- Never put anything that can not be thrown into the garbage, into the sinks or drains.
- Do NOT flush ‘flushable wipes’. Seems simple, but when it says flushable wipes, you just automatically think to flush….but do not! Remind kids and teenagers not to either
- Do NOT flush anything other than toilet paper down the toilet. Jason said just remember “if it’s not toilet paper, don’t flush.” The only think meant for the bathroom plumbing is good old toilet paper. That mean no sanitary products, paper towels (even if you run out of toilet paper), Q-tips, cotton balls, or anything else down the toilet.
- Do not dispose of food pieces, coffee grinds, starches (potatoes, rice, bread, pasta), or egg shells down the garbage disposal.
Jason informed us that although some of this items may seem like a common sense, no brainer, they are the problem they often see when called out for plumbing issues. Jason informed us that it’s not just rental properties they find these problems with, but properties lived in with by the homeowners themselves. If property owners are not sure of what all is ok and not ok to put down sinks, toilets and drains, you better believe renters will make the same mistake. This can prove to be costly in the form of money and time.
Simply following some basic rules can really make a huge difference. When your vacationing with a whole family, or numerous other people, getting everyone to remember these simple guidelines can be difficult, especially for kids. Upon arriving to you vacation rental property, take a moment with all that is staying at the property and remind them of these basic plumbing practices. Read through the property orientation and rental guidelines to make sure that there is not any additional information to be aware of. Sometimes older properties will have more sensitive plumbing in comparison with other properties.
Although this all may seem silly, we suggest you google a few plumbing horror stories. It all seems forgettable and silly, unit it’s happened to you.
Again, let’s keep a few basic plumbing principles in mind at home and away from home, to ensure the health of them pipes!