Let’s Debunk These 10 Common Plumbing Myths
Plumbing problems can be a real headache, but falling for common misconceptions makes them even worse. You could be harming your faucets, drains or plumbing appliances and not even know it! Let’s set the record straight on 10 stubborn plumbing myths to stop avoidable problems from cropping up.
Myth 1: Toilets Make Great Garbage Cans
It may seem convenient to flush facial tissues, paper towels, cotton balls, feminine hygiene products and other ‘seemingly’ flushable items down the drain, but it’s a bad idea. Toilets are only designed to handle human waste and toilet paper. Flushing other items can lead to clogs and costly repair work, so use the trash can for non-flushable items to avoid any issues.
Myth 2: Flushable Wipes Are Safe to Flush
Despite what the packaging says, flushable wipes aren’t safe for your plumbing. These wipes won’t break down like toilet paper and can block up your sewer pipe. Even if they make it past your home’s plumbing, flushable wipes accumulate in the broader sewage system, worsening headaches for sanitation workers. Taxpayer 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”
Lots of people believe the kitchen garbage disposal can break down anything, but that’s not true. Items like chicken bones, coffee grounds and eggshells can damage the disposal or form another clog in your pipes. Grease is particularly infamous for clogging pipes. No matter how much you flush the drain with hot water, the grease still solidifies and causes problems. Pour hot grease into a container and throw it away once it cools.
Myth 4: Lemon Peels Clean Garbage Disposals
Putting lemon peels in your garbage disposal may freshen the scent for a while, but the acidity and fibrous nature of the peels can cause wear and tear on the disposal’s spinning blades. The best way to clean the garbage disposal is by sending a handful of ice cubes into your grease and other debris without breaking the blades. Baking soda and vinegar is another safer, more thorough option for cleaning the disposal.
Myth 5: Ice Cubes Sharpen Garbage Disposal Blades
First of all, garbage disposals don’t actually use sharp blades to break pieces of food down—they use duller metal to smash food into smaller pieces. Ice cubes could help clean the disposal by knocking off debris, so feel free to grind up a handful every so often. Just don’t count on them to sharpen anything.
Myth 6: Water Heaters Are Maintenance-Free Appliances
Water heaters require routine maintenance to operate as efficiently as possible. After enough time, sediment can collect inside, reducing efficiency and shortening your water heater’s life span. Flushing the tank and checking the anode rod annually are the most beneficial steps to keep the water heater in good shape.
Myth 7: If a Faucet Leaks, Try Closing It Tighter
A leaking faucet usually indicates a damaged washer or cartridge, not a loose handle. Over-tightening may strip the threads and worsen the leak. Instead of muscling the handle down as far as possible, call a plumber to fix the underlying problem.
Myth 8: All Plumbers Are the Same
Not all plumbers are created equal. Licensing, experience and reputation can make a big difference in the quality of your plumbing project. Choosing a cheap plumber without the proper credentials could end up costing you more in the long run.
Myth 9: It’s Easy to Install Plumbing Fixtures Yourself
Installing plumbing fixtures involves more than screwing on parts. Plumbing systems are complex, and improper installation can lead to leaks, water damage and the costly repairs that come with them. Save yourself the hassle by hiring a professional plumber for installation projects.
Myth 10: Plumbing Problems Always Announce Themselves
A few plumbing problems can be hard to spot until they start causing real trouble. A seemingly small leak might not make itself known until it’s caused extensive water damage. Routine plumbing inspections help catch hidden problems earlier to prevent them from becoming an enormous headache.
Contact a Plumber for More Help
At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we deliver professional solutions for all your plumbing concerns. Our trained and certified plumbers have the expertise to keep everything flowing smoothly, from your toilet and sewer lines to the 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 an affordable price.