Let’s Debunk These 10 Common Plumbing Myths

Plumbing problems can be a real headache, but being tricked by popular misconceptions can make them even worse. You could be harming your plumbing’s taps, pipes or even major fixtures and not even know it! Let’s set the record straight on these 10 plumbing misconceptions to stop avoidable damage from occurring.

Myth 1: You Can Use Toilets as Trash Cans 

It may seem handy to flush tissues, paper towels, cotton pads, hygiene products and other ‘seemingly’ flushable items down the drain, but that’s a bad decision. Toilets are only designed to handle organic waste and toilet paper. Flushing other objects can lead to blockages and costly repair work, so use the trash can for non-flushable objects to avoid problems.

Myth 2: Flushable Wipes Won’t Harm Your Plumbing

Even with what the label claims, flushable wipes aren’t actually all that safe for your pipes and drainage. These wipes won’t decompose like bath tissue and can clog your sewer pipe. Even if they get through your house’s plumbing, flushable wipes accumulate in the wider sewage system, worsening headaches for waste management. Thousands of tax dollars can be saved on sewer cleanup efforts each year if everyone got rid of flushable wipes in the trash.

Myth 3: You Can Put Anything in the Garbage Disposal

Many people think their garbage disposal can break down everything, but that’s not correct. Food waste like animal bones, coffee grounds and eggshells can clog the disposal or block your pipes. Fat is particularly notorious for blocking drains. No matter how much you rinse the pipes with hot water, the grease still hardens and causes problems. Pour hot grease into a container and dispose of it once it cools. 

Myth 4: Using Lemon Peels to Clean Garbage Disposals 

Putting lemon peels in your garbage disposal might freshen the scent for a while, but the acidity and texture of the fibers of the peels can cause wear and tear on the disposal’s spinning blades. A safer way to deodorize your disposal is by sending a handful of ice in the disposal’s drain, which {helps remove fat and other buildup without breaking the blades. Sodium bicarbonate and vinegar is another safer, more thorough option for cleaning the disposal. 

Myth 5: Sharpening Disposal Blades with Ice Cubes 

First of all, garbage disposals don’t actually use sharp blades to break up food waste—they use grinding tools to break down food. Ice cubes may help freshen the disposal by breaking up buildup, so feel free to break down a handful now and then. Just don’t wait for them to sharpen the blades. 

Myth 6: Water Heaters Are Maintenance-Free Appliances 

Water heaters require regular maintenance to run at their best. Over time, sediment can accumulate, reducing efficiency and shortening your water heater’s life span. Flushing the tank and checking the water heater’s anode rod once yearly are the most important 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 gasket or mechanism, not a handle that’s come loose. Over-tightening could wear out the threads and worsen the drip. Instead of tightening the handle down as far as possible, call a plumber to address the root cause. 

Myth 8: All Plumbers Are the Same

Not all plumbers are created equal. Licensing, experience and reviews can make a big difference in the quality of your plumbing project. Selecting an untrained plumber without the appropriate background might end up costing you more time in the long run.

Myth 9: DIY Plumbing Fixture Installation Is a Breeze

Installing plumbing fixtures is more in-depth than just hooking a few things up. Systems for residential plumbing are complex, and improper setup can cause leaks, flooding and the high repair costs that come with them. Minimize the risk of trouble by contacting a professional plumber for installation projects.

Myth 10: Plumbing Issues Are Always Obvious

Some plumbing problems are sometimes difficult to detect until they escalate. A seemingly slight leak might not be very obvious until it’s caused widespread water damage. Routine plumbing inspections are a good way to identify hidden problems earlier to stop them from turning into an expensive disaster.

Reach Out to a Plumber for Help

At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we deliver professional services for all your plumbing concerns. Our trained and certified plumbers have the knowledge to keep everything flowing smoothly, from your bathroom fixtures and sewer lines to your water heater and garbage disposal. If you are not totally happy with our work, you can rely on us to fix it. Contact us today for affordable plumbing services at an affordable price.