Let’s Dispel 10 Common Plumbing Myths

Issues with your home’s plumbing can be a real hassle, but falling for popular misconceptions can make them even worse. You could be harming different plumbing fixtures, drains or plumbing appliances and not even realize it! Let’s set the record straight on 10 common plumbing myths to stop avoidable problems from occurring.

Myth 1: Toilets Make Great Garbage Cans 

It may appear easy to flush facial tissues, paper towels, cotton balls, feminine hygiene products and other ‘seemingly’ flushable items down the toilet drain, but that’s a bad decision. Toilets are only made to handle human waste and toilet paper. Flushing other objects can result in blockages and pricey repair work, so opt for the trash can for unflushable things to avoid problems.

Myth 2: Flushable Wipes Are Safe to Flush

Despite what the label claims, flushable wipes are not safe for your pipes and drainage. These wipes can’t break down like toilet paper and can obstruct your sewer pipe. Even if they make it past your house’s plumbing, flushable wipes build up in the broader municipal sewer system, leading to headaches for sanitation workers. Your tax dollars can be saved on sewer cleanup projects each year if everyone got rid of flushable wipes properly.

Myth 3: Garbage Disposals Can Handle Anything

A large number of people think the kitchen garbage disposal can break down it all, but that’s not true. Things like gristle, coffee grinds and even small pieces of eggshell can ruin the disposal or form another clog in your plumbing. Oil is especially infamous for obstructing drains. No matter how much you try and clear out the drain with boiling water, the grease gradually solidifies and causes problems. Pour hot grease into a sealable jar and toss it out once it cools down. 

Myth 4: Using Lemon Peels to Clean Garbage Disposals 

Tossing a few lemon peels into the garbage disposal may freshen the scent temporarily, but the acid content and fiber content of the peels can cause wear and tear on the blades used to break food down. A better way to clean the garbage disposal is by tossing a handful of ice cleans out grease and other buildup without damaging the blades. Common household items like baking soda and vinegar is another safe, thorough cleaning option. 

Myth 5: Sharpening Disposal Blades with Ice Cubes 

First of all, garbage disposals don’t actually use sharp blades to break food down—they use duller metal to break down food. Ice cubes can help freshen the disposal by breaking up buildup, so feel free to crush a handful now and then. Just don’t wait for them to make the disposal sharper. 

Myth 6: Water Heaters Are Maintenance-Free Appliances 

Water heaters should be given regular maintenance to run at their best. After enough time, residue can accumulate, reducing efficiency and potentially limiting your water heater’s life span. Cleaning out the tank and checking the anode once a year are the most useful steps to keep your water heater in working order. 

Myth 7: Tightening a Leaking Faucet Will Stop the Drip 

A leaking faucet usually indicates a broken seal or valve, not a loose handle. Over-tightening could strip the threads and worsen the leak. Instead of just cranking the handle down further, reach out to a plumber to repair the root cause. 

Myth 8: All Plumbing Services Are the Same

Plumbing services can vary significantly in quality. Credentials, work experience and reviews can make a big difference in the success of your plumbing project. Choosing a cheap plumber without the proper background can end up costing you more over time.

Myth 9: Anyone Can Install Their Own Plumbing Fixtures

Installing plumbing fixtures involves more than hooking a few things up. Plumbing systems are intricate, and improper placement can result in leaks, water damage and the expensive fixes that come with them. Minimize the risk of trouble by calling a professional plumber for fixture installation.

Myth 10: You’ll Know When You Have a Plumbing Problem

More insidious plumbing problems can be hard to notice until they escalate. A seemingly slight leak might not make itself known until it’s created widespread structural damage. Regular plumbing inspections are a good way to catch growing problems early and prevent them from becoming an expensive disaster.

Reach Out to a Plumber for Help

At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we offer professional solutions for all your plumbing problems. Our trained and certified plumbers have the skills to keep everything moving smoothly, from your bathroom fixtures and sewer lines to your water heater and garbage disposal. If you’re not entirely happy with our work, we guarantee to resolve the issue. Contact us today for reliable plumbing services at an affordable price.