Let’s Uncover 10 Common Plumbing Myths
Plumbing problems can be a real nuisance, but being tricked by widespread misconceptions can make them even worse. You could be harming different plumbing fixtures, drains or plumbing appliances and not even know it! Let’s get the facts right on these 10 plumbing misconceptions to stop avoidable problems from occurring.
Myth 1: It’s Okay to Throw Trash Away in the Toilet
It may seem convenient to flush facial tissues, napkins, cotton balls, feminine hygiene products and other ‘seemingly’ flushable objects down the drain, but that’s a bad idea. Toilets are only built to handle organic waste and toilet paper. Flushing other items can lead to clogs and costly repair work, so use the trash can for unflushable objects to avoid trouble.
Myth 2: Flushable Wipes Won’t Harm Your Plumbing
In spite of what the box states, flushable wipes aren’t actually all that safe for your pipes. These wipes won’t decompose like bath tissue and can obstruct your sewer pipe. Even if they make it past your house’s plumbing, flushable wipes build up in the broader municipal sewer system, leading to problems for waste management. Your tax dollars could be saved on sewer cleanup efforts each year if everyone disposed of flushable wipes properly.
Myth 3: The Garbage Disposal Can “Dispose All”
A large number of people assume their garbage disposal can break down it all, but that’s not correct. Items like animal bones, coffee grinds and even small pieces of eggshell can clog the disposal or form another clog in your pipes. Fat is particularly well known for blocking pipes. No matter how much you try and clear out the sink with hot water, the grease still solidifies and causes plumbing issues. Pour hot grease into a container and toss it out once it solidifies.
Myth 4: Using Lemon Peels to Clean Garbage Disposals
Throwing lemon peels in your garbage disposal may make it smell better temporarily, but the citric acid and texture of the fibers of the peels can damage the disposal’s spinning blades. A safer way to deodorize your disposal is by tossing a handful of ice cubes washes away grease and other gunk without damaging the blades. Sodium bicarbonate and vinegar is another safe, thorough option for cleaning the disposal.
Myth 5: Sharpening Disposal Blades with Ice Cubes
First of all, garbage disposals don’t actually use sharp cutting edges to break food down—they use grinders to pulverize food. Ice cubes can help freshen the disposal by removing debris, so feel free to crush a handful occasionally. Just don’t wait for them to make the disposal sharper.
Myth 6: Newly Installed Water Heaters Don’t Require Maintenance
Water heaters need regular maintenance to operate as efficiently as possible. After enough time, sediment can accumulate, reducing efficiency and potentially limiting your water heater’s total service life. Cleaning out the tank and inspecting the anode once yearly are the most helpful steps to keep your water heater in good shape.
Myth 7: Many Leaks Are Fixed by Tightening the Faucet
A leaking faucet usually indicates a worn-out gasket or valve, not a loose handle. Over-tightening may wear out the threads and worsen the leak. Instead of just tightening the handle down further, reach out to a plumber to address 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. Certification, a work background and word of mouth can make a big difference in the success of your plumbing project. Selecting a low-cost plumber without the appropriate background can end up costing you more in the long run.
Myth 9: Anyone Can Install Their Own Plumbing Fixtures
Setting up plumbing fixtures involves more than screwing on parts. Plumbing systems are still somewhat complicated, and improper installation can lead to leaks, water damage and the costly repairs that come with them. Minimize the risk of trouble by hiring a professional plumber for installation projects.
Myth 10: Plumbing Issues Are Always Obvious
Some plumbing problems can be difficult to detect until they escalate. A seemingly small leak might not be very obvious until it’s caused significant water damage. Regular plumbing inspections are a good way to spot unseen problems earlier to stop them from escalating into an enormous headache.
Get Professional Plumbing Assistance
At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we deliver professional services for all your plumbing problems. Our trained and certified plumbers have the expertise to keep everything flowing smoothly, from your fixtures 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 make it right. Contact us today for reliable plumbing services at a fair rate.
