Let’s Uncover 10 Plumbing Misconceptions
Plumbing problems can be a real hassle, but being tricked by widespread misconceptions can make them even more frustrating to try and resolve. You might be harming different plumbing fixtures, drains or plumbing appliances and not even be aware of it! Let’s clear up the confusion on 10 common plumbing myths to stop avoidable problems from cropping up.
Myth 1: Toilets Make Great Garbage Cans
It may look convenient to flush tissues, paper towels, cotton pads, feminine hygiene products and other ‘seemingly’ flushable items down the toilet drain, but this is a bad idea. Toilets are only made to handle organic waste and bathroom tissue. Flushing other items can lead to blockages and costly repair work, so use the trash can for unflushable objects to avoid any issues.
Myth 2: It’s Safe to Use Flushable Wipes
Despite what the packaging says, flushable wipes aren’t safe for your pipes. These wipes won’t decompose like toilet tissue and can clog your sewer pipe. Even if they make it past your plumbing system, flushable wipes build up in the broader municipal sewer system, worsening headaches for sanitation workers. Your tax dollars might be saved on sewer cleanup costs each year if everyone got rid of flushable wipes in the trash.
Myth 3: Garbage Disposals Can Handle Anything
Lots of people think their garbage disposal can handle it all, but that’s not the case. Food waste like chicken bones, coffee grinds and even small pieces of eggshell can damage the disposal or block your drainage. Oil is particularly well known for blocking pipes. No matter how much you rinse the sink with warm water, the fat eventually hardens and causes problems. Pour hot grease into a container and throw it away once it solidifies.
Myth 4: Using Lemon Peels to Clean Garbage Disposals
Throwing lemon peels into the garbage disposal could give it a fresh scent temporarily, but the acidity and fiber content of the peels can wear out the blades. A better way to clean the garbage disposal is by sending a handful of ice cubes in the disposal’s drain, which {helps remove fat and other buildup without damaging the blades. Common household items like baking soda and white vinegar is another safe, 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 grinders to pulverize food. Ice cubes can help freshen the disposal by breaking up buildup, so feel free to grind up a handful now and then. Just don’t expect them to sharpen anything.
Myth 6: You Don’t Need to Maintain New Water Heaters
Water heaters require routine maintenance to work as efficiently as possible. Over time, residue can accumulate, lowering performance and reducing your water heater’s max life span. Flushing the tank and examining the anode once a year are the most beneficial steps to keep your water heater in better working condition.
Myth 7: If a Faucet Leaks, Try Closing It Tighter
A leaking faucet generally suggests a damaged gasket or valve, not a loose fitting. Over-tightening can wear out the threads and exacerbate the leak. Instead of cranking the handle down further, reach out to a plumber to repair the underlying problem.
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. Credentials, work experience and reputation can make a big difference in the quality of your plumbing service. Selecting a low-cost plumber without the right experience could end up costing you more over time.
Myth 9: You Can Always Handle Your Own Plumbing Fixture Installation
Installing plumbing fixtures involves more than tightening screws. Plumbing systems are still somewhat complicated, 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 installation projects.
Myth 10: Plumbing Problems Always Announce Themselves
A few plumbing problems might be difficult to detect until they start causing real trouble. A seemingly small leak might not be very obvious until it’s caused widespread structural damage. Regular plumbing inspections help spot unseen problems early and stop them from turning into an expensive disaster.
Contact a Plumber for More Help
At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we deliver Expert solutions for all your plumbing concerns. Our plumbing technicians have the skills 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, you can rely on us to fix it. Contact us today for dependable plumbing services at a fair rate.
