Let’s Debunk 10 Common Plumbing Myths
Trying to deal with a problematic plumbing system can be a real headache, but falling for popular misconceptions often makes them even more problematic. You might be harming your plumbing’s taps, drains or appliances and not even be aware of it! Let’s clear up the confusion on 10 stubborn plumbing myths to stop preventable problems from cropping up.
Myth 1: You Can Use Toilets as Trash Cans
It might seem easy to flush tissues, napkins, cotton pads, sanitary items and other ‘seemingly’ flushable items down the drain, but that’s a bad choice. Toilets are only built to handle human waste and toilet tissue. Flushing other items can result in blockages and costly repairs, so stick to the trash can for non-disposable objects to avoid problems.
Myth 2: Flushable Wipes Are Okay to Use
In spite of what the box states, flushable wipes aren’t actually all that safe for your pipes. These wipes don’t decompose like bath tissue and can obstruct your sewer pipe. Even if they get through your plumbing system, flushable wipes continue to collect in the larger sewage system, causing headaches for sanitation workers. Your tax dollars can be saved on sewer cleanup efforts each year if everyone threw away flushable wipes properly.
Myth 3: Garbage Disposals Can Handle Anything
Many people believe their garbage disposal can handle it all, but that’s not correct. Food waste like gristle, used coffee grounds and even small pieces of eggshell can clog the disposal or form another clog in your drainage. Oil is particularly infamous for blocking plumbing. No matter how much you flush the sink with warm water, the grease gradually hardens and causes clogs. Pour hot grease into a hard container and dispose of it once it cools.
Myth 4: Lemon Peels Clean Garbage Disposals
Throwing lemon peels in your garbage disposal could freshen the scent temporarily, but the acidity and fibrous nature of the peels can wear out the disposal’s spinning blades. The best way to clean your disposal is by tossing a handful of ice cubes down the oil and other gunk without damaging the blades. Common household items like baking soda and white vinegar is another safe, thorough option for cleaning the disposal.
Myth 5: Ice Cubes Sharpen Garbage Disposal Blades
First of all, garbage disposals don’t actually use sharp cutting edges to break up food waste—they use grinders to smash food into smaller pieces. Ice cubes could help freshen the disposal by breaking up buildup, so go ahead and break down a handful occasionally. Just don’t count on them to make the disposal sharper.
Myth 6: Newly Installed Water Heaters Don’t Require Maintenance
Water heaters should be given routine maintenance to run as efficiently as possible. Over time, buildup can accumulate, lowering performance and potentially limiting your water heater’s total service life. Draining the tank and checking the water heater’s anode rod annually are the most beneficial steps to keep the water heater in working order.
Myth 7: Many Leaks Are Fixed by Tightening the Faucet
A leaking faucet usually starts with a broken washer or valve, not a loose fitting. Over-tightening may wear out the threads and worsen the problem. Instead of cranking the handle down further, contact a plumber to address the root cause.
Myth 8: All Plumbing Services Are the Same
Even though they’re all plumbers, you can’t just pick anyone out of the phone book. Licensing, experience and reputation can make a big difference in the success of your plumbing project. Selecting a low-cost plumber without the right credentials could end up costing you more in the long run.
Myth 9: DIY Plumbing Fixture Installation Is a Breeze
Putting in plumbing fixtures involves more than tightening screws. Systems for residential plumbing are complex, and improper placement can result in leaks, flooding and the high repair costs that come with them. Minimize the risk of trouble by calling a professional plumber for installing fixtures.
Myth 10: Plumbing Issues Are Always Obvious
A few plumbing problems can be hard to spot until they start causing real trouble. A seemingly small leak might not be very obvious until it’s resulted in widespread water damage. Professional plumbing inspections are a good way to identify hidden problems earlier to prevent them from escalating into an enormous headache.
Get Professional Plumbing Assistance
At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we provide high-quality solutions for all your plumbing needs. Our plumbing technicians have the knowledge to keep everything working smoothly, from your toilet and sewer lines to the water heater and garbage disposal. If you are not entirely happy with our work, we guarantee to resolve the issue. Contact us today for reliable plumbing services at a fair rate.
