Don’t flush floss, tampons, or even so-called “flushable” wipes. They don’t break down like toilet paper does and can come back to haunt you later. Toilets are more water-efficient now than they were 20 years ago, so there sometimes isn’t enough volume in the flush to force debris down. An object will get lodged in the trap and cause blockage when waste builds up days later.

Other items you shouldn’t flush include: kitty litter or anything from the litter box; pet pads; condoms; cotton balls/cotton swabs; disposable diapers; paper towels; prescription medications; and band-aids.

If you’re dumping coffee grounds, pasta or potato peels down your drain, listen up: You could be cutting your appliance’s life short! But it’s not too late to correct your mistakes. Be sure to properly use and maintain your garbage disposal so it lasts for as long as possible.

Other items that should not be put down the disposal: rice; eggshells; vegetables (they are too stringy and fibrous); grease/oil/fat; bones; glass/plastic/metal; and bleach or chemicals (this can damage the blades on your disposal).

Buying a home? Have a plumber scope your underground drain system with a camera to check for roots, collapses and other problems that typically aren’t visible to home inspectors. An investigation could save you tens of thousands later in insurance claims for flood cleanup, excavation, and pipe replacements. In all home repair, pay attention to what your home is telling you.