Let’s Uncover These 10 Common Plumbing Myths
Plumbing problems can be a real nuisance, but falling for common misconceptions can make them even more problematic. You may be harming your faucets, drains or appliances and not even realize it! Let’s clear up the confusion on 10 stubborn plumbing myths to stop unnecessary damage from occurring.
Myth 1: Toilets Make Great Garbage Cans
It may look easy to flush face tissues, paper towels, cotton balls, hygiene products and other ‘seemingly’ flushable objects down the toilet drain, but that’s a bad idea. Toilets are only built to handle organic waste and bathroom tissue. Flushing other items can result in blockages and pricey repair work, so opt for the trash can for unflushable things to avoid problems.
Myth 2: Flushable Wipes Are Okay to Use
In spite of what the packaging says, flushable wipes are not safe for your pipes. These wipes can’t disintegrate like toilet paper and can clog your sewer pipe. Even if they make it past your home’s plumbing, flushable wipes continue to collect in the larger sewage system, causing headaches for utility workers. Your tax dollars could be saved on sewer cleanup efforts each year if everyone got rid of flushable wipes properly.
Myth 3: The Garbage Disposal Can “Dispose All”
A large number of people believe the kitchen garbage disposal can break down it all, but that’s not correct. Items like animal bones, coffee grounds and shells of an egg can damage the disposal or obstruct your drainage. Oil is particularly well known for blocking plumbing. No matter how much you rinse the sink with hot water, the grease eventually solidifies and causes problems. Pour oil into a sealable jar and toss it out once it cools down.
Myth 4: You Can Clean Your Garbage Disposals with Lemon Peels
Putting lemon peels into the garbage disposal could make it smell better for a while, but the acidity and fiber content of the peels can damage the disposal’s spinning blades. A safer way to freshen the garbage disposal is by tossing a handful of ice cubes down the fat and other debris without damaging the blades. Baking soda and vinegar is another safer, more thorough cleaning solution.
Myth 5: You Can Sharpen Disposal Blades with Ice
First of all, garbage disposals don’t actually use sharp spinning blades to break food down—they use grinding tools to break down food. Ice cubes could help freshen the disposal by knocking off debris, so feel free to crush a handful every so often. Just don’t wait for them to sharpen anything.
Myth 6: Newly Installed Water Heaters Don’t Require Maintenance
Water heaters should be given a regular schedule of professional maintenance to operate at their best. Over time, residue can collect inside, reducing efficiency and reducing your water heater’s total service life. Flushing the tank and checking the water heater’s anode rod once yearly are the most helpful steps to keep your water heater in better working condition.
Myth 7: You Can Fix Leaky Faucets by Tightening Them
A leaking faucet usually indicates a broken seal or mechanism, not a loose handle. Over-tightening may strip the threads and exacerbate the leak. Instead of just muscling the handle down as far as possible, call a plumber to repair the root cause.
Myth 8: All Plumbers Are the Same
Not all plumbers are created equal. Certification, a work background and reputation can make a big difference in the quality of your plumbing project. Opting for an untrained plumber without the proper credentials can end up costing you more over time.
Myth 9: DIY Plumbing Fixture Installation Is a Breeze
Setting up plumbing fixtures involves more than screwing on parts. Plumbing systems are intricate, and improper setup can result in leaks, flooding and the costly repairs that come with them. Avoid the headache by contacting a professional plumber for installation projects.
Myth 10: Plumbing Problems Always Announce Themselves
A few plumbing problems can be hard to notice until they start causing real trouble. A seemingly small leak might not be noticeable until it’s caused widespread structural damage. Professional plumbing inspections help identify hidden problems earlier to prevent them from turning into major headaches.
Get Professional Plumbing Assistance
At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we deliver Expert solutions for all your plumbing problems. Our professionals have the expertise to keep everything moving smoothly, from your fixtures and sewer lines to your water heater and garbage disposal. If you’re not completely happy with our work, you can rely on us to make it right. Contact us today for reliable plumbing services at an affordable price.
