Let’s Uncover 10 Plumbing Misconceptions
Plumbing problems can be a real hassle, but believing in popular misconceptions often makes them even worse. You might be harming different plumbing fixtures, pipes or appliances and not even know it! Let’s set the record straight on these 10 plumbing misconceptions to stop unnecessary damage from happening.
Myth 1: Toilets Are Suitable Trash Cans
It might seem convenient to flush face tissues, paper towels, cotton, sanitary items and other ‘seemingly’ flushable things down the toilet drain, but that’s a bad choice. Toilets are only built to handle organic waste and bathroom tissue. Flushing other items can cause plumbing issues and pricey repairs, so use the trash can for non-disposable things to avoid problems.
Myth 2: Flushable Wipes Won’t Harm Your Plumbing
Despite what the packaging says, flushable wipes aren’t actually all that safe for your pipes. These wipes won’t decompose like bath tissue and can block up your sewer pipe. Even if they make it past your home’s plumbing, flushable wipes accumulate in the broader municipal sewer system, worsening problems for utility workers. Your tax dollars might be saved on sewer cleanup projects each year if everyone threw away flushable wipes in the trash.
Myth 3: You Can Put Anything in the Garbage Disposal
Lots of people think their garbage disposal can break down anything, but that’s not true. Food waste like chicken bones, coffee grinds and even small pieces of eggshell can clog the disposal or obstruct your drainage. Fat is especially notorious for clogging plumbing. No matter how much you flush the pipes with hot water, the oil eventually hardens and causes problems. Pour hot grease into a sealable jar and toss it out once it cools.
Myth 4: Using Lemon Peels to Clean Garbage Disposals
Putting lemon peels into the garbage disposal may give it a fresh scent temporarily, but the acidity and fiber content of the peels can damage the blades. A safer way to freshen your disposal is by putting a handful of ice cubes down the oil and other buildup without harming the blades. Baking soda 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 duller metal to pulverize food. Ice cubes could help freshen the disposal by removing debris, so feel free to crush a handful now and then. Just don’t expect them to sharpen the blades.
Myth 6: Newly Installed Water Heaters Don’t Require Maintenance
Water heaters need routine maintenance to run as efficiently as possible. Over time, buildup can collect, reducing efficiency and shortening your water heater’s life span. Draining the tank and checking the water heater’s anode rod once yearly are the most useful steps to keep your water heater in good shape.
Myth 7: Many Leaks Are Fixed by Tightening the Faucet
A leaking faucet generally suggests a worn-out washer or valve, not a loose fitting. Over-tightening may wear out the threads and exacerbate the drip. Rather than cranking the handle down further, contact a plumber to repair the root cause.
Myth 8: All Plumbers Are the Same
Not all plumbers are created equal. Credentials, a work background and reviews can make a big difference in the quality of your plumbing project. Selecting a low-cost plumber without the right experience could end up costing you more in the long run.
Myth 9: DIY Plumbing Fixture Installation Is a Breeze
Putting in plumbing fixtures is more than just hooking a few things up. Systems for residential plumbing are complex, and improper installation can cause leaks, flooding and the expensive fixes that come with them. Save yourself the hassle by calling a professional plumber for fixture installation.
Myth 10: Plumbing Problems Always Announce Themselves
More insidious plumbing problems might be hard to spot until they escalate. A seemingly slight leak might not be noticeable until it’s created extensive water damage. Regular plumbing inspections can help spot growing problems early and help them from escalating into an expensive disaster.
Contact a Plumber for More Help
At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we provide Expert solutions for all your plumbing needs. Our trained and certified plumbers have the knowledge to keep everything running smoothly, from your fixtures and sewer lines to the water heater and garbage disposal. If you’re not entirely happy with our work, you can rely on us to make it right. Contact us today for reliable plumbing services at a fair rate.
