Let’s Debunk These 10 Common Plumbing Myths

Issues with your home’s plumbing can be a real nuisance, but falling for common misconceptions often makes them even more problematic. You might be harming your plumbing’s taps, drains or even major fixtures and not even realize it! Let’s clear up the confusion on 10 common plumbing myths to stop unnecessary damage from happening.

Myth 1: Toilets Are Suitable Trash Cans 

It might appear convenient to flush tissues, napkins, cotton, sanitary items and other ‘seemingly’ flushable items down the toilet drain, but it’s a bad decision. Toilets are only built to handle organic waste and toilet paper. Flushing other items can cause plumbing issues and costly repairs, so stick to the trash can for non-disposable things to avoid any issues.

Myth 2: Flushable Wipes Are Okay to Use

Despite what the box states, flushable wipes aren’t actually all that safe for your plumbing. These wipes won’t disintegrate like bath tissue and can block up your sewer pipe. Even if they get through your home’s plumbing, flushable wipes build up in the broader municipal sewer system, worsening headaches for waste management. Taxpayer dollars could be saved on sewer cleanup efforts each year if everyone disposed of flushable wipes properly.

Myth 3: The Garbage Disposal Can “Dispose All”

Lots of people think their garbage disposal can handle anything, but that’s not correct. Items like animal bones, used coffee grounds and shells of an egg can ruin the disposal or form another clog in your pipes. Oil is particularly notorious for clogging plumbing. No matter how much you flush the drain with hot water, the oil eventually hardens and causes problems. Pour hot grease into a container and dispose of it once it cools down. 

Myth 4: Using Lemon Peels to Clean Garbage Disposals 

Throwing lemon peels into the garbage disposal may freshen the scent for a while, but the acid content and texture of the fibers of the peels can damage the blades. The best way to deodorize the garbage disposal is by sending a handful of ice cubes into your fat and other debris without damaging the blades. Sodium bicarbonate and white vinegar is another safe, 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 up food waste—they use grinding tools to pulverize food. Ice cubes could help clean the disposal by knocking off debris, so feel free to crush a handful every so often. Just don’t expect them to sharpen anything. 

Myth 6: You Don’t Need to Maintain New Water Heaters 

Water heaters require regular maintenance to work as efficiently as possible. Over time, residue can accumulate, reducing efficiency and shortening your water heater’s total service life. Cleaning out the tank and inspecting the anode once yearly are the most beneficial steps to keep that water heater in good shape. 

Myth 7: Many Leaks Are Fixed by Tightening the Faucet 

A leaking faucet often indicates a broken washer or mechanism, not a handle that’s come loose. Over-tightening could wear out the threads and worsen the leak. Instead of just tightening the handle down further, call a plumber to repair the main issue. 

Myth 8: All Plumbers Are the Same

Not all plumbers are created equal. Certification, experience and reviews can make a big difference in the success of your plumbing job. Choosing a low-cost 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

Installing plumbing fixtures is more in-depth than just screwing on parts. Systems for residential plumbing are intricate, and improper placement can cause leaks, flooding and the high repair costs that come with them. Avoid the headache by calling a professional plumber for fixture installation.

Myth 10: Plumbing Problems Always Announce Themselves

A few plumbing problems are sometimes difficult to detect until they escalate. A seemingly slight leak might not be noticeable until it’s created widespread structural damage. Professional plumbing inspections are a good way to catch unseen problems earlier to stop them from turning into an enormous headache.

Get Professional Plumbing Assistance

At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we deliver Expert solutions for all your plumbing problems. Our trained and certified plumbers have the knowledge to keep everything moving 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 make it right. Contact us today for affordable plumbing services at fair, honest prices.