But it doesnt have to be that way.

Ideally, our bathroom pipes run smoothly without distressing noises or smells.

They shared their biggest wonts as lessons for us all:

1.

using a plunger to unclog a toilet

They wont put flushable wipes down a toilet.

Just because a product says it is flushable does not guarantee it actually is.

Flushable wipes are a huge no-no, said AJ Jenkins, an Oklahoma City-based plumber.

tossing a flushable wipe into the toilet

Thats your other option when when its old plumbing systems, she cautioned.

To say flushable just means its going to go through your toilet.

And then youre dealing with a dig-up in your front yard or in your basement.

holding tampon in wrapper in front of open toilet

And that obviously is super costly.

They wont flush tampons down the toilet.

Have you ever stuck a tampon in water?

sink drain

It literally just expands, Ireland said.

They dont use Drano as their only unclogging method.

Similarly, Jenkins cautioned against using the popular DIY solution of baking soda and vinegar on sink pipe clogs.

Article image

The best method to unclogging if possible is plunging.

Its the safest, Ireland said.

They wont install an adjustable P-trap.

Article image

One item I would never install in a bathroom is an adjustable P-trap.

They dont leave the water on while working on a leaky pipe.

Its typicallyneara hot water heater, your basement, or near the foundation of your house outside.

cleaning toilet bowl

They wont use bleach tablets to clean the toilet.

Those blue tablets and bleach tablets people keep in their tank are horrible for the toilet.

They break down the tank parts and constantly need replacing, Ireland said.

The longer the tablet sits, the longer its chemicals chip away at your toilets materials.

Ultimately, everyone wants to keep their toilets, tubs and sinks fresh and clean.

And know when to call in professionals for help.

If all else fails, thats why we have professional plumbers!

This post originally appeared onHuffPost.