Let’s Dispel 10 Plumbing Misconceptions
Trying to deal with a problematic plumbing system can be a real hassle, but being tricked by popular misconceptions can make them even more problematic. You could be harming your faucets, drains or even major fixtures and not even know it! Let’s get the facts right on 10 common plumbing myths to stop unnecessary problems from occurring.
Myth 1: Toilets Make Great Garbage Cans
It may look convenient to flush facial tissues, paper towels, cotton, sanitary items and other ‘seemingly’ flushable objects down the toilet drain, but that’s a bad choice. Toilets are only built to handle human waste and toilet paper. Flushing other objects can cause clogs and costly repair work, so opt for the trash can for unflushable items to avoid any issues.
Myth 2: Flushable Wipes Are Okay to Use
Despite what the packaging says, flushable wipes are not safe for your pipes. These wipes can’t decompose like toilet tissue and can obstruct your sewer pipe. Even if they make it past your plumbing system, flushable wipes continue to collect in the broader sewer system, causing headaches for waste management. Taxpayer dollars might be saved on sewer cleanup efforts each year if everyone got rid of flushable wipes properly.
Myth 3: The Garbage Disposal Can “Dispose All”
A large number of people think the kitchen garbage disposal can handle anything, but that’s not the case. Food waste like gristle, used coffee grounds and eggshells can ruin the disposal or form another clog in your pipes. Fat is particularly well known for blocking plumbing. No matter how much you flush the sink with hot water, the oil eventually solidifies and causes clogs. Pour hot grease into a sealable jar and toss it out once it cools.
Myth 4: You Can Clean Your Garbage Disposals with Lemon Peels
Tossing a few lemon peels in your garbage disposal might freshen the scent temporarily, but the acid content and texture of the fibers of the peels can damage the blades used to break food down. The best way to freshen the garbage disposal is by putting a handful of ice into your oil and other gunk without breaking the blades. Common household items like baking soda and white 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 cutting edges to break food down—they use grinding tools to break down food. Ice cubes can help freshen the disposal by breaking up buildup, so feel free to crush a handful every so often. Just don’t wait for them to make the disposal sharper.
Myth 6: You Don’t Need to Maintain New Water Heaters
Water heaters should be given a regular schedule of professional maintenance to operate as efficiently as possible. Over time, sediment can accumulate, lowering performance and potentially limiting your water heater’s total service life. Cleaning out the tank and inspecting the anode once yearly are the most beneficial steps to keep the water heater in better working condition.
Myth 7: If a Faucet Leaks, Try Closing It Tighter
A leaking faucet often indicates a worn-out washer or valve, not a loose handle. Over-tightening may damage the threads and worsen the problem. Rather than tightening the handle down as far as possible, reach out to a plumber to address the main issue.
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. Licensing, experience and word of mouth can make a big difference in the success of your plumbing project. Choosing a cheap plumber without the right credentials might end up costing you more over time.
Myth 9: DIY Plumbing Fixture Installation Is a Breeze
Installing plumbing fixtures is more than just tightening screws. Systems for residential plumbing are still somewhat complicated, and improper setup can cause leaks, flooding and the high repair costs that come with them. Save yourself the hassle by contacting a professional plumber for installation projects.
Myth 10: You’ll Know When You Have a Plumbing Problem
More insidious plumbing problems might be difficult to detect until they escalate. A seemingly small leak might not make itself known until it’s resulted in significant structural damage. Routine plumbing inspections help catch hidden problems earlier to help them from becoming major headaches.
Contact a Plumber for More Help
At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we provide professional services for all your plumbing problems. Our plumbing technicians have the expertise to keep everything moving smoothly, from your fixtures and sewer lines to the water heater and garbage disposal. If you are not completely happy with our work, you can count on us to resolve the issue. Contact us today for reliable plumbing services at a fair rate.
