Let’s Debunk 10 Plumbing Misconceptions

Issues with your home’s plumbing can be a real nuisance, but being tricked by common misconceptions makes them even more frustrating to try and resolve. You might be harming different plumbing fixtures, pipes or appliances and not even know it! Let’s set the record straight on 10 common plumbing myths to stop preventable damage from happening.

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

It may look easy to flush tissues, paper towels, cotton pads, sanitary items and other ‘seemingly’ flushable items down the drain, but that’s a bad decision. Toilets are only made to handle organic waste and toilet tissue. Flushing other objects can result in clogs and pricey repairs, so stick to the trash can for non-flushable things to avoid any issues.

Myth 2: Flushable Wipes Are Okay to Use

In spite of what the packaging says, flushable wipes aren’t safe for your pipes. These wipes can’t disintegrate like bath tissue and can obstruct your sewer pipe. Even if they make it past your plumbing system, flushable wipes accumulate in the wider sewer system, causing headaches for utility workers. Your tax dollars can be saved on sewer cleanup costs each year if everyone disposed of flushable wipes in the trash.

Myth 3: Garbage Disposals Can Handle Anything

Many people believe the kitchen garbage disposal can break down anything, but that’s not correct. Things like animal bones, used coffee grounds and eggshells can clog the disposal or obstruct your pipes. Fat is especially infamous for clogging drains. No matter how much you flush the drain with hot water, the grease gradually hardens and causes clogs. Pour fat into a sealable jar and dispose of it once it cools. 

Myth 4: Using Lemon Peels to Clean Garbage Disposals 

Putting lemon peels into the garbage disposal might freshen the scent for a while, but the acidity and texture of the fibers of the peels can wear out the blades. A safer way to deodorize the garbage disposal is by tossing a handful of ice cleans out oil and other gunk without damaging the blades. Baking soda and white vinegar is another safer, more thorough cleaning option. 

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 clean the disposal by breaking up buildup, so feel free to crush a handful occasionally. Just don’t wait for them to sharpen the blades. 

Myth 6: Water Heaters Are Maintenance-Free Appliances 

Water heaters require routine maintenance to operate at their best. After enough time, residue can accumulate, reducing efficiency and potentially limiting your water heater’s life span. Flushing the tank and inspecting the water heater’s anode rod once yearly are the most beneficial steps to keep the water heater in good shape. 

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

A leaking faucet generally suggests a broken seal or valve, not a loose handle. Over-tightening may wear out the threads and worsen the drip. Instead of just cranking the handle down as far as possible, contact a plumber to repair the main issue. 

Myth 8: Every Plumber Offers the Same Service

Plumbing services can vary significantly in quality. Certification, work experience and reviews can make a big difference in the success of your plumbing job. Selecting a cheap plumber without the right credentials could end up costing you more in the long run.

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

Setting up plumbing fixtures is more than just screwing on parts. Plumbing systems are intricate, and improper placement can cause leaks, water damage and the expensive fixes that come with them. Minimize the risk of trouble by hiring a professional plumber for installing fixtures.

Myth 10: Plumbing Issues Are Always Obvious

More insidious plumbing problems can be hard to spot until they escalate. A seemingly slight leak might not be noticeable until it’s resulted in extensive water damage. Professional plumbing inspections can help catch hidden problems earlier to prevent them from turning into an expensive disaster.

Reach Out to a Plumber for Help

At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we offer Expert solutions for all your plumbing concerns. Our professionals have the skills to keep everything running smoothly, from your fixtures and sewer lines to the water heater and garbage disposal. If you are not totally happy with our work, we guarantee to make it right. Contact us today for affordable plumbing services at a fair rate.