Let’s Uncover 10 Plumbing Misconceptions

Issues with your home’s plumbing can be a real hassle, but being tricked by widespread misconceptions can make them even worse. You may be harming your plumbing’s taps, drains or appliances and not even be aware of it! Let’s get the facts right on 10 stubborn plumbing myths to stop unnecessary problems from cropping up.

Myth 1: Toilets Are Suitable Trash Cans 

It might look handy to flush tissues, napkins, cotton, sanitary items and other ‘seemingly’ flushable objects down the toilet drain, but it’s a bad choice. Toilets are only designed to handle human waste and toilet tissue. Flushing other objects can result in blockages and costly repairs, so opt for the trash can for unflushable things to avoid any issues.

Myth 2: Flushable Wipes Won’t Harm Your Plumbing

In spite of what the label claims, flushable wipes aren’t safe for your pipes. These wipes won’t disintegrate like toilet tissue and can clog your sewer pipe. Even if they get through your house’s plumbing, flushable wipes accumulate in the larger municipal sewer system, leading to headaches for utility workers. Thousands of tax dollars might be saved on sewer cleanup costs each year if everyone disposed of flushable wipes in the trash.

Myth 3: Garbage Disposals Can Handle Anything

Lots of people assume their garbage disposal can break down it all, but that’s not the case. Things like animal bones, coffee grounds and shells of an egg can ruin the disposal or obstruct your plumbing. Grease is especially well known for clogging drains. No matter how much you flush the pipes with hot water, the grease gradually solidifies and causes clogs. Pour fat into a sealable jar and toss it out once it solidifies. 

Myth 4: Using Lemon Peels to Clean Garbage Disposals 

Putting lemon peels in your garbage disposal might make it smell better temporarily, but the acidity and fibrous nature of the peels can damage the disposal’s spinning blades. A better way to deodorize the garbage disposal is by tossing a handful of ice cubes cleans out grease and other buildup without breaking the blades. Baking soda and white vinegar is another safe, thorough cleaning solution. 

Myth 5: Ice Cubes Sharpen Garbage Disposal Blades 

First of all, garbage disposals don’t actually use sharp cutting edges to break up food waste—they use grinders to smash food into smaller pieces. Ice cubes can help freshen the disposal by removing debris, so feel free to crush a handful every so often. Just don’t wait for them to sharpen the blades. 

Myth 6: Water Heaters Are Maintenance-Free Appliances 

Water heaters need a regular schedule of professional maintenance to operate as efficiently as possible. After enough time, buildup can accumulate, lowering performance and shortening your water heater’s life span. Draining the tank and checking the water heater’s anode rod once yearly are the most helpful steps to keep your water heater in good shape. 

Myth 7: If a Faucet Leaks, Try Closing It Tighter 

A leaking faucet often suggests a damaged washer or cartridge, not a loose fitting. Over-tightening may wear out the threads and worsen the leak. Rather than muscling the handle down as far as possible, contact a plumber to repair the main issue. 

Myth 8: Every Plumber Offers the Same Service

Plumbing services can vary significantly in quality. Certification, a work background and word of mouth can make a big difference in the quality of your plumbing project. Opting for a cheap plumber without the proper experience might end up costing you more time in the long run.

Myth 9: You Can Always Handle Your Own Plumbing Fixture Installation

Installing plumbing fixtures is more in-depth than just tightening screws. Systems for residential plumbing are intricate, and improper placement can cause leaks, flooding and the expensive fixes that come with them. Minimize the risk of trouble by contacting a professional plumber for fixture installation.

Myth 10: Plumbing Issues Are Always Obvious

More insidious plumbing problems can be difficult to detect until they cause serious damage. A seemingly minor leak might not be noticeable until it’s resulted in widespread structural damage. Professional plumbing inspections can help spot growing problems early and help them from escalating into an enormous headache.

Get Professional Plumbing Assistance

At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we deliver Expert services for all your plumbing problems. Our professionals have the skills to keep everything flowing smoothly, from your fixtures and sewer lines to your water heater and garbage disposal. If you are not completely happy with our work, we guarantee to resolve the issue. Contact us today for affordable plumbing services at an affordable price.