Let’s Debunk These 10 Common Plumbing Myths

Issues with your home’s plumbing can be a real nuisance, but believing in widespread misconceptions makes them even worse. You might be harming your faucets, drains or plumbing appliances and not even realize it! Let’s get the facts right on these 10 plumbing misconceptions to stop preventable damage from occurring.

Myth 1: Toilets Make Great Garbage Cans 

It may seem convenient to flush face tissues, napkins, cotton pads, sanitary items and other ‘seemingly’ flushable things down the toilet drain, but this is a bad idea. Toilets are only built to handle human waste and toilet tissue. Flushing other items can cause clogs and costly repairs, so opt for the trash can for non-flushable items to avoid trouble.

Myth 2: Flushable Wipes Are Safe to Flush

In spite of what the label claims, flushable wipes aren’t safe for your plumbing. These wipes won’t decompose like bath tissue and can obstruct your sewer pipe. Even if they make it past your house’s plumbing, flushable wipes continue to collect in the larger sewer system, worsening headaches for sanitation workers. Thousands of tax dollars can be saved on sewer cleanup projects each year if everyone threw away flushable wipes properly.

Myth 3: You Can Put Anything in the Garbage Disposal

Lots of people think the kitchen garbage disposal can break down it all, but that’s not true. Food waste like chicken bones, coffee grounds and even small pieces of eggshell can damage the disposal or obstruct your pipes. Fat is particularly well known for blocking plumbing. No matter how much you rinse the pipes with hot water, the fat gradually solidifies and causes problems. Pour hot grease into a container and throw it away once it solidifies. 

Myth 4: Lemon Peels Clean Garbage Disposals 

Tossing a few lemon peels in your garbage disposal may give it a fresh scent temporarily, but the citric acid and fiber content of the peels can cause wear and tear on the blades used to break food down. A safer way to deodorize the garbage disposal is by sending a handful of ice cubes washes away oil and other debris without breaking the blades. Baking soda and white vinegar is another safer, more thorough cleaning solution. 

Myth 5: You Can Sharpen Disposal Blades with Ice 

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 could help freshen the disposal by breaking up buildup, so feel free to grind up a handful occasionally. Just don’t count on them to make the disposal sharper. 

Myth 6: Water Heaters Are Maintenance-Free Appliances 

Water heaters need routine maintenance to run at their best. After enough time, residue can collect inside, reducing efficiency and shortening your water heater’s max life span. Cleaning out the tank and inspecting the anode once yearly are the most beneficial steps to keep the water heater in working order. 

Myth 7: Tightening a Leaking Faucet Will Stop the Drip 

A leaking faucet often suggests a broken seal or valve, not a loose handle. Over-tightening can strip the threads and exacerbate the drip. Instead of tightening the handle down further, call a plumber to repair the root cause. 

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, a work background and reputation can make a big difference in the success of your plumbing project. Selecting a low-cost plumber without the right background might end up costing you more time in the long run.

Myth 9: DIY Plumbing Fixture Installation Is a Breeze

Putting in plumbing fixtures is more than just hooking a few things up. Plumbing systems are intricate, and improper placement can lead to leaks, water damage and the expensive fixes that come with them. Save yourself the hassle by contacting a professional plumber for installing fixtures.

Myth 10: Plumbing Problems Always Announce Themselves

A few plumbing problems are sometimes hard to spot until they escalate. A seemingly slight leak might not be noticeable until it’s created widespread water damage. Routine plumbing inspections help identify hidden problems earlier to prevent them from becoming an expensive disaster.

Get Professional Plumbing Assistance

At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we offer professional services for all your plumbing problems. Our professionals have the expertise to keep everything moving smoothly, from your bathroom fixtures and sewer lines to your water heater and garbage disposal. If you’re not totally happy with our work, you can count on us to resolve the issue. Contact us today for affordable plumbing services at fair, honest prices.