Plumbing problems can be a real headache, but falling for widespread misconceptions often makes them even often makes them. You could be harming different plumbing fixtures, your faucets or plumbing appliances and not even know it! Let’s get the facts right on 10 common plumbing myths to stop avoidable from cropping up.
Myth 1: It's Okay to Throw Trash Away in the Toilet
It might look handy to flush tissues, napkins, cotton, sanitary items and other ‘seemingly’ flushable things down the toilet, but this is a bad choice. Toilets are only designed to handle human waste and bathroom tissue. Flushing other objects can cause blockages and costly repair work, so opt for the trash can for non-disposable things to avoid problems.
Myth 2: Flushable Wipes Are Safe to Flush
Despite what the label claims, flushable wipes are not safe for your plumbing. These wipes can't disintegrate like toilet paper and can obstruct your sewer pipe. Even if they get through your plumbing system, flushable wipes build up in the broader sewer system, worsening problems for sanitation workers. Thousands of tax dollars could be saved on sewer cleanup efforts each year if everyone disposed of flushable wipes in the trash.
Myth 3:
A large number of people believe their garbage disposal can break down it all, but that’s not true. Items like gristle, coffee grounds and shells of an egg can ruin the disposal or form another clog in your plumbing. Fat is especially well known for blocking drains. No matter how much you try and clear out the drain with boiling water, the Fat still hardens and causes problems. Pour hot grease into a hard container and throw it away once it cools.
Myth 4: Using Lemon Peels to Clean Garbage Disposals
Throwing lemon peels into the garbage disposal could give it a fresh scent for a while, but the acidity and fibrous nature of the peels can wear out the disposal's spinning blades. A better way to deodorize the garbage disposal is by tossing a handful of ice cubes helps remove oil and other buildup without damaging the blades. Common household items like baking soda and vinegar is another safe, thorough cleaning solution.
Myth 5: Sharpening Disposal Blades with Ice Cubes
First of all, garbage disposals don’t actually use sharp blades to break food down—they use grinding tools to break down food. Ice cubes may help freshen the disposal by breaking up buildup, so go ahead and crush a handful occasionally. Just don’t expect them to sharpen anything.
Myth 6: Newly Installed Water Heaters Don't Require Maintenance
Water heaters should be given regular maintenance to run at their best. Over time, residue can collect, lowering performance and potentially limiting your water heater’s total service life. Draining the tank and examining the water heater's anode rod annually are the most useful steps to keep the water heater in good shape.
Myth 7: Many Leaks Are Fixed by Tightening the Faucet
A leaking faucet generally indicates a worn-out seal or valve, not a loose handle. Over-tightening can damage the threads and exacerbate the problem. Instead of just muscling the handle down further, contact a plumber to fix the root cause.
Myth 8: Every Plumber Offers the Same Service
Plumbing services can vary significantly in quality. Licensing, experience and word of mouth can make a big difference in the success of your plumbing project. Choosing a low-cost plumber without the right credentials might end up costing you more in the long run.
Myth 9: DIY Plumbing Fixture Installation Is a Breeze
Setting up plumbing fixtures is more in-depth than just screwing on parts. Systems for residential plumbing are complex, and improper installation can cause leaks, water damage and the costly repairs that come with them. Minimize the risk of trouble by hiring a professional plumber for installing fixtures.
Myth 10: Problems Are Easy to Notice
A few plumbing problems can be difficult to detect until they start causing real trouble. A seemingly small leak might not be very obvious until it’s resulted in extensive structural damage. Regular plumbing inspections help catch hidden problems early and stop them from turning into an enormous headache.
Get Professional Plumbing Assistance
At Service Experts, we deliver high-quality assistance for all your plumbing concerns. Our professionals have the skills 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, we guarantee to make it right. Contact us today for affordable plumbing services at a fair rate.
