Myths About Plumbing: Common Plumbing Misconceptions
Trying to deal with a problematic plumbing system can be a real hassle, but being tricked by common misconceptions often makes them even more problematic. You might be harming your faucets, pipes or plumbing appliances and not even realize it! Let’s get the facts right on 10 stubborn plumbing myths to stop avoidable problems from happening.
Myth #1: Plumbing Problems Always Announce Themselves
A few plumbing problems are sometimes hard to notice until they cause serious damage. A seemingly small leak might not be noticeable until it’s created significant structural damage. Professional plumbing inspections are a good way to catch unseen problems early and stop them from turning into an expensive disaster.
Myth #2: Garbage Disposals Can Handle Anything
Many people assume the kitchen garbage disposal can break down anything, but that’s not correct. Things like gristle, coffee grounds and shells of an egg can clog the disposal or block your pipes. Fat is especially notorious for blocking plumbing. No matter how much you try and clear out the pipes with hot water, the oil gradually hardens and causes plumbing issues. Pour hot grease into a container and toss it out once it cools.
Myth #3: You Can Fix Leaky Faucets by Tightening Them
A leaking faucet often suggests a broken washer or mechanism, not a loose fitting. Over-tightening can wear out the threads and worsen the problem. Instead of just tightening the handle down further, contact a plumber to fix the underlying problem.
Myth #4: It’s Safe to Use Flushable Wipes
In spite of what the label claims, flushable wipes are not safe for your pipes and drainage. These wipes won’t disintegrate like bath tissue and can clog your sewer pipe. Even if they make it past your plumbing system, flushable wipes continue to collect in the larger sewage system, worsening headaches for sanitation workers. Taxpayer dollars might be saved on sewer cleanup efforts each year if everyone disposed of flushable wipes properly.
Myth #5: Water Heaters Are Maintenance-Free Appliances
Water heaters should be given regular maintenance to operate at their best. After enough time, sediment can collect inside, decreasing efficiency and shortening your water heater’s life span. Draining the tank and examining the anode once a year are the most useful steps to keep your water heater in working order.
Myth #6: It’s Okay to Throw Trash Away in the Toilet
It might look handy to flush face tissues, paper towels, cotton balls, hygiene products and other ‘seemingly’ flushable objects down the toilet drain, but it’s a bad idea. Toilets are only built to handle human waste and toilet tissue. Flushing other items can result in blockages and expensive repair work, so opt for the trash can for non-disposable objects to avoid trouble.
Myth #7: Using Lemon Peels to Clean Garbage Disposals
Tossing a few lemon peels in your garbage disposal might make it smell better temporarily, but the acid content and texture of the fibers of the peels can wear out the blades used to break food down. The best way to deodorize your disposal is by sending a handful of ice cubes down the, which washes away grease and other buildup without harming the blades. Common household items like baking soda and vinegar is another safe, thorough option for cleaning the disposal.
Myth #8: 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 duller metal to smash food into smaller pieces. Ice cubes could help freshen the disposal by removing debris, so feel free to grind up a handful now and then. Just don’t wait for them to make the disposal sharper.
Myth #9: Anyone Can Install Their Own Plumbing Fixtures
Putting in plumbing fixtures is more than just screwing on parts. Systems for residential plumbing are complex, and improper placement can result in leaks, water damage and the costly repairs that come with them. Avoid the headache by contacting a professional plumber for fixture installation.
Myth #10: All Plumbing Services Are the Same
Not all plumbers are created equal. Licensing, work experience and reviews can make a big difference in the success of your plumbing service. Opting for a cheap plumber without the proper background might end up costing you more over time.
Trust Hays Cooling, Heating & Plumbing for Expert Support for Plumbing Services
At Hays Cooling, Heating & Plumbing, we offer high-quality solutions for all your plumbing needs. Our trained and certified plumbers have the expertise to keep everything working smoothly, from your bathroom fixtures and sewer lines to the water heater and garbage disposal. If you are not entirely happy with our work, you can rely on us to fix it. Contact us today for affordable plumbing services at a fair rate.
