Let’s Debunk 10 Common Plumbing Myths
Plumbing problems can be a real nuisance, but being tricked by popular misconceptions can make them even worse. You could be harming different plumbing fixtures, pipes or plumbing appliances and not even realize it! Let’s clear up the confusion on 10 common plumbing myths to stop unnecessary damage from cropping up.
Myth 1: Toilets Are Suitable Trash Cans
It may look easy to flush face tissues, napkins, cotton pads, feminine hygiene products and other ‘seemingly’ flushable objects down the drain, but this is a bad decision. Toilets are only made to handle human waste and bathroom tissue. Flushing other objects can result in plumbing issues and costly repair work, so opt for the trash can for non-flushable items to avoid any issues.
Myth 2: Flushable Wipes Are Safe to Flush
Even with what the box states, flushable wipes aren’t safe for your pipes. These wipes won’t decompose like toilet paper and can block up your sewer pipe. Even if they can make it through your home’s plumbing, flushable wipes build up in the wider sewage system, worsening headaches for utility workers. Thousands of tax dollars could be saved on sewer cleanup costs each year if everyone disposed of flushable wipes properly.
Myth 3: Garbage Disposals Can Handle Anything
A large number of people believe their garbage disposal can handle anything, but that’s not correct. Things like chicken bones, coffee grinds and eggshells can damage the disposal or form another clog in your plumbing. Grease is especially infamous for clogging plumbing. No matter how much you flush the sink with warm water, the oil eventually solidifies and causes clogs. Pour fat into a hard container and toss it out once it cools.
Myth 4: You Can Clean Your Garbage Disposals with Lemon Peels
Throwing lemon peels into the garbage disposal may make it smell better temporarily, but the acidity and fibrous nature of the peels can damage the disposal’s spinning blades. A safer way to deodorize the garbage disposal is by sending a handful of ice cubes into your oil and other gunk without harming the blades. Baking soda and vinegar is another safe, thorough cleaning option.
Myth 5: You Can Sharpen Disposal Blades with Ice
First of all, garbage disposals don’t actually use sharp spinning blades to break pieces of food down—they use grinding tools to break down food. Ice cubes can help clean the disposal by breaking up buildup, so go ahead and grind up a handful occasionally. Just don’t expect them to sharpen the blades.
Myth 6: Newly Installed Water Heaters Don’t Require Maintenance
Water heaters should be given a regular schedule of professional maintenance to run as efficiently as possible. After enough time, residue can accumulate, decreasing efficiency and potentially limiting your water heater’s total service life. Draining the tank and checking the anode rod once a year are the most useful steps to keep the water heater in better working condition.
Myth 7: Tightening a Leaking Faucet Will Stop the Drip
A leaking faucet usually indicates a broken gasket or cartridge, not a handle that’s come loose. Over-tightening can wear out the threads and exacerbate the problem. Rather than tightening the handle down as far as possible, call a plumber to repair the underlying problem.
Myth 8: Every Plumber Offers the Same Service
Even though they’re all plumbers, you can’t just pick anyone out of the phone book. Licensing, a work background and reviews can make a big difference in the quality of your plumbing service. Selecting a cheap plumber without the appropriate background could end up costing you more over time.
Myth 9: Anyone Can Install Their Own Plumbing Fixtures
Putting in plumbing fixtures is more in-depth than just hooking a few things up. Plumbing systems are still somewhat complicated, and improper installation can result in leaks, water damage and the costly repairs that come with them. Minimize the risk of trouble by contacting a professional plumber for installing fixtures.
Myth 10: You’ll Know When You Have a Plumbing Problem
A few plumbing problems might be difficult to detect until they start causing real trouble. A seemingly minor leak might not be noticeable until it’s created extensive water damage. Routine plumbing inspections can help spot unseen problems early and prevent them from turning into an expensive disaster.
Get Professional Plumbing Assistance
At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we offer high-quality solutions for all your plumbing needs. Our plumbing technicians have the skills to keep everything running smoothly, from your toilet and sewer lines to your water heater and garbage disposal. If you’re not totally happy with our work, you can count on us to fix it. Contact us today for reliable plumbing services at fair, honest prices.
