Let’s Dispel 10 Common Plumbing Myths

Trying to deal with a problematic plumbing system can be a real nuisance, but falling for common misconceptions makes them even more frustrating to try and resolve. You might be harming your plumbing’s taps, drains or plumbing appliances and not even be aware of it! Let’s clear up the confusion on 10 common plumbing myths to stop preventable problems from happening.

Myth 1: It’s Okay to Throw Trash Away in the Toilet 

It might look convenient to flush facial tissues, paper towels, cotton balls, hygiene products and other ‘seemingly’ flushable objects down the toilet, but this is a bad idea. Toilets are only made to handle organic waste and toilet paper. Flushing other objects can result in plumbing issues and expensive repair work, so use the trash can for unflushable objects to avoid any issues.

Myth 2: Flushable Wipes Won’t Harm Your Plumbing

In spite of what the box states, flushable wipes aren’t actually all that safe for your plumbing. These wipes won’t decompose like toilet paper and can block up your sewer pipe. Even if they make it past your plumbing system, flushable wipes continue to collect in the larger sewage system, causing headaches for sanitation workers. Your tax dollars could be saved on sewer cleanup costs each year if everyone disposed of flushable wipes properly.

Myth 3: You Can Put Anything in the Garbage Disposal

Many people believe their garbage disposal can break down anything, but that’s not the case. Food waste like gristle, coffee grinds and eggshells can clog the disposal or obstruct your plumbing. Fat is particularly well known for clogging pipes. No matter how much you try and clear out the sink with boiling water, the fat eventually solidifies and causes plumbing issues. Pour oil into a sealable jar and dispose of it once it cools down. 

Myth 4: You Can Clean Your Garbage Disposals with Lemon Peels 

Throwing lemon peels into the garbage disposal might give it a fresh scent temporarily, but the acid content and texture of the fibers of the peels can cause wear and tear on the blades. A safer way to deodorize your disposal is by sending a handful of ice cubes cleans out fat and other buildup without damaging the blades. Baking soda and white vinegar is another safer, more thorough option for cleaning the disposal. 

Myth 5: Ice Cubes Sharpen Garbage Disposal Blades 

First of all, garbage disposals don’t actually use sharp spinning blades to break pieces of food down—they use grinders to break down food. Ice cubes may help freshen the disposal by breaking up buildup, so feel free to crush a handful every so often. Just don’t count on them to sharpen anything. 

Myth 6: Water Heaters Are Maintenance-Free Appliances 

Water heaters require regular maintenance to run at their best. After enough time, sediment can accumulate, reducing efficiency and reducing your water heater’s life span. Flushing the tank and inspecting the anode rod annually are the most helpful steps to keep the water heater in working order. 

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

A leaking faucet generally indicates a damaged seal or valve, not a handle that’s come loose. Over-tightening could strip the threads and worsen the drip. Instead of cranking the handle down further, reach out to a plumber to address the main issue. 

Myth 8: All Plumbers Are the Same

Even though they’re all plumbers, you can’t just pick anyone out of the phone book. Certification, a work background and word of mouth can make a big difference in the quality of your plumbing project. Choosing a low-cost plumber without the proper experience could end up costing you more over time.

Myth 9: It’s Easy to Install Plumbing Fixtures Yourself

Putting in plumbing fixtures involves more than hooking a few things up. Systems for residential plumbing are still somewhat complicated, and improper installation can result in leaks, flooding and the costly repairs that come with them. Avoid the headache by contacting a professional plumber for fixture installation.

Myth 10: Problems Are Easy to Notice

More insidious plumbing problems might be hard to spot until they start causing real trouble. A seemingly small leak might not be very obvious until it’s caused significant water damage. Routine plumbing inspections are a good way to catch growing problems earlier to prevent them from becoming major headaches.

Get Professional Plumbing Assistance

At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we offer Expert solutions for all your plumbing concerns. Our trained and certified plumbers have the skills to keep everything working smoothly, from your toilet and sewer lines to your water heater and garbage disposal. If you are not totally happy with our work, you can count on us to make it right. Contact us today for reliable plumbing services at a fair rate.