Let’s Dispel 10 Common Plumbing Myths

Trying to deal with a problematic plumbing system can be a real hassle, but believing in widespread misconceptions makes them even more frustrating to try and resolve. You could be harming your faucets, drains or even major fixtures and not even know it! Let’s clear up the confusion on these 10 plumbing misconceptions to stop unnecessary problems from occurring.

Myth 1: Toilets Make Great Garbage Cans 

It might appear handy to flush facial tissues, paper towels, cotton, sanitary items and other ‘seemingly’ flushable objects down the toilet, but it’s a bad decision. Toilets are only designed to handle human waste and bathroom tissue. Flushing other items can lead to blockages and costly repair work, so stick to the trash can for non-flushable items to avoid trouble.

Myth 2: Flushable Wipes Are Safe to Flush

In spite of what the packaging says, flushable wipes are not safe for your pipes. These wipes can’t break down like toilet tissue and can block up your sewer pipe. Even if they make it past your home’s plumbing, flushable wipes continue to collect in the broader sewer system, worsening headaches for waste management. Thousands of tax dollars might be saved on sewer cleanup projects each year if everyone disposed of flushable wipes in the trash.

Myth 3: The Garbage Disposal Can “Dispose All”

A large number of people believe the kitchen garbage disposal can handle it all, but that’s not correct. Things like chicken bones, coffee grounds and even small pieces of eggshell can ruin the disposal or obstruct your plumbing. Oil is particularly well known for blocking pipes. No matter how much you flush the pipes with hot water, the fat gradually solidifies and causes clogs. Pour oil into a container and throw it away once it cools. 

Myth 4: Lemon Peels Clean Garbage Disposals 

Putting lemon peels into the garbage disposal may give it a fresh scent for a while, but the citric acid and fiber content of the peels can damage the blades. A better way to clean the garbage disposal is by putting a handful of ice cubes down the grease and other debris without harming the blades. Baking soda and 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 blades to break pieces of food down—they use duller metal to smash food into smaller pieces. Ice cubes can help freshen the disposal by knocking off debris, so go ahead and crush a handful now and then. Just don’t expect them to make the disposal sharper. 

Myth 6: Water Heaters Are Maintenance-Free Appliances 

Water heaters need a regular schedule of professional maintenance to run at their best. After enough time, residue can collect, reducing efficiency and potentially limiting your water heater’s life span. Flushing the tank and examining the anode rod once yearly are the most helpful steps to keep that water heater in good shape. 

Myth 7: Many Leaks Are Fixed by Tightening the Faucet 

A leaking faucet often suggests a damaged gasket or cartridge, not a loose handle. Over-tightening may strip the threads and exacerbate the leak. Instead of just tightening the handle down as far as possible, contact a plumber to address the main issue. 

Myth 8: All Plumbers Are the Same

Not all plumbers are created equal. Certification, a work background and reviews can make a big difference in the quality of your plumbing job. Choosing an untrained plumber without the appropriate credentials might end up costing you more in the long run.

Myth 9: You Can Always Handle Your Own Plumbing Fixture Installation

Setting up plumbing fixtures is more than just hooking a few things up. Systems for residential plumbing are complex, and improper placement can lead to leaks, water damage and the costly repairs that come with them. Avoid the headache by hiring a professional plumber for installing fixtures.

Myth 10: Plumbing Issues Are Always Obvious

A few plumbing problems are sometimes hard to spot until they start causing real trouble. A seemingly small leak might not make itself known until it’s created significant water damage. Routine plumbing inspections can help identify growing problems earlier to help them from becoming an enormous headache.

Reach Out to a Plumber for Help

At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we provide Expert assistance for all your plumbing concerns. Our trained and certified plumbers have the expertise to keep everything flowing smoothly, from your toilet 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 resolve the issue. Contact us today for reliable plumbing services at a fair rate.