Many of us might like to think of ourselves as the handy, DIY type. But every once in a while, a home repair issue comes along that challenges our self-confidence, and there’s a good chance that pesky problem has something to do with plumbing. Whether you feel like you know a lot, a little or nothing at all about the pipes running behind your walls, there’s no substitute for a seasoned, professional plumber when it comes to solving leaks, clogs and other waterflow worries efficiently and effectively.

But unless your plumber is your bestie, they may not be someone you hit up casually for advice and real talk about the ins and outs of your home’s plumbing — and what to do when you call in a professional. So we asked seven plumbers to tell us what they wish their clients knew about bathrooms, kitchens and hiring them when you need help.

That’s a direct quote from Hendrik Vandepoll, co-owner of Service Force Plumbing in Rockville, Maryland. “Actually it shouldn’t be used for much of anything except getting rid of the last bits of what’s in the sink after wiping it. Garbage disposals are very effective at grinding things into tiny bits, but those tiny bits can easily turn into a paste that sticks to the walls of the drain pipes and sewer line [...] The worst offenders are rice, potatoes, coffee and stringy starchy vegetables, but the safe bet is just to run it to help wash away the smallest stuff.”

“No grease down the drain — ever,” added Roy Barnes, co-owner of Service Force Plumbing with Vandepoll. “It might look nice and runny when it’s hot, but once it gets into a cold, dark drain pipe it hardens and turns into a sticky mess.” Not only can solidified grease cause a blockage or backup, it can even cause the diameter of the pipe to “close up to the point that nothing can flow through it.”

“A lot of homeowners see their pipes as a kind of repository that magically gets rid of waste, and the truth is almost everybody would benefit from ‘babying’ their pipes and maintaining them daily,” advised Allison Harrison, co-owner of Goodbee Plumbing, a plumbing company serving the greater New Orleans area, adding that “garbage disposals are a major offender in this category,” especially when it comes to disposing of trash and using harsh cleaning chemicals.

“Giving your garbage disposal a daily spin with cold water will [...] help stop blockages from happening,” Harrison suggested. Also, “a semi routine vinegar and baking soda rinse” is preferable to chemical cleaners. “Just make sure you let the mixture sit, then pour hot water down your drain to rinse it. Cold water can crystalize the mixture and cause additional clogging.” Harrison also advises scheduling a routine pipe maintenance every year or two to help you avoid any major disasters before they start.

“If possible, have the delivery company install your appliance,” said Aaron Adams, Master Plumber and CEO at Aaron Services in Suwanee, Georgia. “Generally this process is fairly straightforward, and the warranty may protect the appliance from any damage (to the appliance or your home) that could occur during the installation. You should have a plumber involved if a valve needs to be installed, or the connection isn't correct for the appliance, but if the installation is straightforward, it’s more economical to have the company delivering the appliance install it.”