Let’s Debunk These 10 Common Plumbing Myths
Plumbing problems can be a real nuisance, but believing in widespread misconceptions can make them even more frustrating to try and resolve. You may be harming different plumbing fixtures, drains or even major fixtures and not even realize it! Let’s set the record straight on 10 stubborn plumbing myths to stop preventable damage from cropping up.
Myth 1: You Can Use Toilets as Trash Cans
It may look easy to flush tissues, napkins, cotton pads, hygiene products and other ‘seemingly’ flushable things down the toilet drain, but that’s a bad idea. Toilets are only designed to handle organic waste and bathroom tissue. Flushing other items can result in plumbing issues and pricey repairs, so stick to the trash can for non-disposable objects to avoid trouble.
Myth 2: Flushable Wipes Won’t Harm Your Plumbing
Even with what the packaging says, flushable wipes are not safe for your pipes and drainage. These wipes can’t break down like toilet tissue and can obstruct your sewer pipe. Even if they make it past your plumbing system, flushable wipes build up in the broader sewer system, leading to headaches for utility workers. Your tax dollars can be saved on sewer cleanup costs each year if everyone got rid of flushable wipes properly.
Myth 3: The Garbage Disposal Can “Dispose All”
A large number of people think their garbage disposal can handle everything, but that’s not the case. Food waste like chicken bones, coffee grinds and shells of an egg can ruin the disposal or obstruct your pipes. Grease is particularly notorious for blocking pipes. No matter how much you try and clear out the drain with hot water, the oil eventually hardens and causes problems. Pour hot grease into a sealable jar and dispose of it once it cools down.
Myth 4: Using Lemon Peels to Clean Garbage Disposals
Putting lemon peels in your garbage disposal may make it smell better for a while, but the acid content and fibrous nature of the peels can cause wear and tear on the disposal’s spinning blades. A better way to deodorize your disposal is by putting a handful of ice into your fat and other debris without breaking the blades. Baking soda and vinegar is another safer, more thorough cleaning solution.
Myth 5: Sharpening Disposal Blades with Ice Cubes
First of all, garbage disposals don’t actually use sharp spinning blades to break up food waste—they use duller metal to pulverize food. Ice cubes may help freshen the disposal by knocking off debris, so go ahead and crush 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 operate at their best. Over time, sediment can collect, lowering performance and shortening your water heater’s total service life. Cleaning out the tank and checking the anode rod annually are the most useful steps to keep the water heater in working order.
Myth 7: If a Faucet Leaks, Try Closing It Tighter
A leaking faucet generally suggests a damaged seal or cartridge, not a handle that’s come loose. Over-tightening could wear out the threads and worsen the problem. Instead of cranking the handle down as far as possible, reach out to a plumber to fix the root cause.
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, work experience and reviews can make a big difference in the quality of your plumbing job. Opting for a cheap plumber without the proper credentials can end up costing you more time in the long run.
Myth 9: It’s Easy to Install Plumbing Fixtures Yourself
Installing plumbing fixtures is more in-depth than just hooking a few things up. Systems for residential plumbing are complex, and improper installation can result in leaks, flooding and the high repair costs that come with them. Avoid the headache by calling a professional plumber for fixture installation.
Myth 10: Plumbing Issues Are Always Obvious
More insidious plumbing problems are sometimes difficult to detect until they cause serious damage. A seemingly minor leak might not make itself known until it’s created extensive structural damage. Regular plumbing inspections help identify hidden problems early and prevent them from becoming an expensive disaster.
Contact a Plumber for More Help
At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we deliver Expert services for all your plumbing problems. Our professionals have the expertise to keep everything running smoothly, from your toilet and sewer lines to the water heater and garbage disposal. If you are not completely happy with our work, we guarantee to resolve the issue. Contact us today for dependable plumbing services at an affordable price.
