Let’s Uncover 10 Plumbing Misconceptions
Plumbing problems can be a real nuisance, but being tricked by common misconceptions can make them even more frustrating to try and resolve. You might be harming your plumbing’s taps, pipes or appliances and not even be aware of it! Let’s clear up the confusion on 10 common plumbing myths to stop unnecessary damage from happening.
Myth 1: You Can Use Toilets as Trash Cans
It might appear handy to flush facial tissues, napkins, cotton, sanitary items and other ‘seemingly’ flushable things down the drain, but that’s a bad decision. Toilets are only made to handle human waste and bathroom tissue. Flushing other objects can lead to clogs and expensive repair work, so use the trash can for unflushable objects to avoid trouble.
Myth 2: Flushable Wipes Are Safe to Flush
Even with what the packaging says, flushable wipes are not safe for your pipes. These wipes won’t break down like toilet paper and can clog your sewer pipe. Even if they get through your plumbing system, flushable wipes continue to collect in the broader sewage system, causing headaches for utility workers. Thousands of tax dollars might be saved on sewer cleanup projects each year if everyone threw away flushable wipes in the trash.
Myth 3: You Can Put Anything in the Garbage Disposal
A large number of people think the kitchen garbage disposal can handle it all, but that’s not the case. Items like chicken bones, coffee grounds and eggshells can damage the disposal or obstruct your drainage. Fat is particularly well known for obstructing drains. No matter how much you flush the drain with warm water, the fat eventually hardens and causes clogs. Pour oil into a container and toss it out once it solidifies.
Myth 4: You Can Clean Your Garbage Disposals with Lemon Peels
Putting lemon peels into the garbage disposal could freshen the scent temporarily, but the acidity and texture of the fibers of the peels can damage the blades. A better way to freshen the garbage disposal is by tossing a handful of ice cubes down the oil and other gunk without harming the blades. Sodium bicarbonate and white vinegar is another safe, thorough cleaning solution.
Myth 5: You Can Sharpen Disposal Blades with Ice
First of all, garbage disposals don’t actually use sharp spinning blades to break pieces of food down—they use grinding tools to pulverize food. Ice cubes can help freshen the disposal by knocking off debris, so go ahead and grind up a handful occasionally. Just don’t count on them to sharpen anything.
Myth 6: You Don’t Need to Maintain New Water Heaters
Water heaters should be given regular maintenance to operate at their best. Over time, sediment can collect, decreasing efficiency and reducing your water heater’s total service life. Draining the tank and inspecting the anode rod once a year are the most beneficial steps to keep the water heater in better working condition.
Myth 7: Many Leaks Are Fixed by Tightening the Faucet
A leaking faucet generally indicates a broken seal or valve, not a loose handle. Over-tightening can wear out the threads and exacerbate the drip. Instead of just tightening the handle down as far as possible, contact a plumber to address the root cause.
Myth 8: Every Plumber Offers the Same Service
Not all plumbers are created equal. Credentials, work experience and word of mouth can make a big difference in the quality of your plumbing project. Choosing a cheap plumber without the appropriate experience can end up costing you more time in the long run.
Myth 9: You Can Always Handle Your Own Plumbing Fixture Installation
Putting in plumbing fixtures involves more than screwing on parts. Plumbing systems are still somewhat complicated, and improper setup can cause leaks, water damage and the expensive fixes that come with them. Minimize the risk of trouble by hiring a professional plumber for fixture installation.
Myth 10: Problems Are Easy to Notice
A few plumbing problems can be hard to spot until they escalate. A seemingly minor leak might not make itself known until it’s caused extensive structural damage. Professional plumbing inspections are a good way to catch unseen problems early and stop them from becoming major headaches.
Reach Out to a Plumber for Help
At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we offer Expert assistance for all your plumbing concerns. Our plumbing technicians have the skills to keep everything moving smoothly, from your bathroom fixtures and sewer lines to your water heater and garbage disposal. If you are not completely happy with our work, you can count on us to fix it. Contact us today for affordable plumbing services at an affordable price.
