Myths About Plumbing: Common Plumbing Misconceptions
Trying to deal with a problematic plumbing system can be a real headache, but being tricked by common misconceptions often makes them even more frustrating to try and resolve. You could be harming your faucets, drains or appliances and not even know it! Let’s set the record straight on 10 common plumbing myths to stop avoidable damage from causing trouble.
Myth #1: Problems Are Easy to Notice
A few plumbing problems might be hard to notice until they cause serious damage. A seemingly small leak might not make itself known until it’s resulted in widespread structural damage. Routine plumbing inspections are a good way to spot unseen problems early and help them from escalating into major headaches.
Myth #2: The Garbage Disposal Can “Dispose All”
A large number of people assume the kitchen garbage disposal can break down anything, but that’s not true. Items like gristle, coffee grounds and shells of an egg can ruin the disposal or block your drainage. Grease is especially notorious for clogging drains. No matter how much you rinse the sink with hot water, the fat eventually congeals and causes clogs. Pour fat into a hard container and toss it out once it cools.
Myth #3: If a Faucet Leaks, Try Closing It Tighter
A leaking faucet usually suggests a broken washer or mechanism, not a handle that’s come loose. Over-tightening could strip the threads and worsen the leak. Rather than cranking the handle down further, reach out to a plumber to repair the root cause.
Myth #4: Flushable Wipes Are Safe to Flush
Despite what the packaging says, flushable wipes aren’t actually all that safe for your plumbing. These wipes don’t disintegrate like bath tissue and can block up your sewer pipe. Even if they can make it through your home’s plumbing, flushable wipes continue to collect in the broader sewer system, leading to problems for waste management. Thousands of tax dollars can be saved on sewer cleanup projects each year if everyone threw away flushable wipes properly.
Myth #5: Newly Installed Water Heaters Don’t Require Maintenance
Water heaters need regular maintenance to operate as efficiently as possible. Over time, buildup can collect, lowering performance and potentially limiting your water heater’s life span. Flushing the tank and inspecting the anode rod annually are the most helpful steps to keep that water heater in working order.
Myth #6: Toilets Make Great Garbage Cans
It may appear handy to flush facial tissues, paper towels, cotton pads, sanitary items and other ‘seemingly’ flushable things down the drain, but that’s a bad choice. Toilets are only made to handle organic waste and toilet paper. Flushing other items can lead to plumbing issues and expensive repair work, so stick to the trash can for non-disposable things to avoid problems.
Myth #7: Using Lemon Peels to Clean Garbage Disposals
Putting lemon peels into the garbage disposal may give it a fresh scent for a while, but the acidity and fibrous nature of the peels can cause wear and tear on the blades. A safer way to freshen the garbage disposal is by tossing a handful of ice into your, which helps remove oil and other gunk without harming the blades. Common household items like baking soda and vinegar is another safer, more thorough cleaning option.
Myth #8: You Can Sharpen Disposal Blades with Ice
First of all, garbage disposals don’t actually use sharp blades to break pieces of food down—they use grinding tools to pulverize food. Ice cubes may help freshen the disposal by knocking off debris, so go ahead and break down a handful now and then. Just don’t expect them to make the disposal sharper.
Myth #9: DIY Plumbing Fixture Installation Is a Breeze
Setting up plumbing fixtures involves more than tightening screws. Systems for residential plumbing are intricate, and improper installation can lead to leaks, flooding and the expensive fixes that come with them. Avoid the headache by hiring a professional plumber for installing fixtures.
Myth #10: 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 quality of your plumbing job. Selecting a low-cost plumber without the proper background can end up costing you more in the long run.
Call Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, Inc. for Expert Support for Plumbing Services
At Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, Inc., we offer high-quality solutions for all your plumbing problems. Our plumbing technicians have the knowledge to keep everything working smoothly, from your bathroom fixtures and sewer lines to your water heater and garbage disposal. If you’re not totally happy with our work, we guarantee to resolve the issue. Contact us today for dependable plumbing services at fair, honest prices.
