Let’s Dispel 10 Plumbing Misconceptions

Trying to deal with a problematic plumbing system can be a real hassle, but being tricked by common misconceptions makes them even more problematic. You might be harming your plumbing’s taps, pipes or appliances and not even realize it! Let’s get the facts right on these 10 plumbing misconceptions to stop preventable damage from cropping up.

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

It may appear convenient to flush tissues, napkins, cotton, hygiene products and other ‘seemingly’ flushable items down the drain, but it’s a bad idea. Toilets are only built to handle human waste and toilet tissue. Flushing other items can lead to plumbing issues and costly repair work, so opt for the trash can for non-disposable items to avoid problems.

Myth 2: It’s Safe to Use Flushable Wipes

Despite what the box states, flushable wipes aren’t safe for your pipes. These wipes won’t break down like toilet tissue and can clog your sewer pipe. Even if they make it past your home’s plumbing, flushable wipes continue to collect in the wider sewer system, worsening headaches for sanitation workers. Your tax dollars could be saved on sewer cleanup costs each year if everyone disposed of flushable wipes in the trash.

Myth 3: The Garbage Disposal Can “Dispose All”

Many people think the kitchen garbage disposal can break down it all, but that’s not correct. Items like animal bones, used coffee grounds and eggshells can clog the disposal or form another clog in your plumbing. Grease is particularly well known for clogging pipes. No matter how much you rinse the drain with hot water, the fat still hardens and causes problems. Pour hot grease into a container and throw it away once it cools. 

Myth 4: You Can Clean Your Garbage Disposals with Lemon Peels 

Throwing lemon peels in your garbage disposal may make it smell better temporarily, but the acidity and fiber content of the peels can damage the blades used to break food down. A safer way to deodorize the garbage disposal is by putting a handful of ice cubes washes away fat and other gunk without harming the blades. Common household items like baking soda and white vinegar is another safe, thorough cleaning option. 

Myth 5: You Can Sharpen Disposal Blades with Ice 

First of all, garbage disposals don’t actually use sharp blades to break food down—they use grinders to smash food into smaller pieces. Ice cubes could help freshen the disposal by knocking off debris, so go ahead and grind up a handful every so often. Just don’t wait for them to make the disposal sharper. 

Myth 6: Newly Installed Water Heaters Don’t Require Maintenance 

Water heaters need routine maintenance to work as efficiently as possible. After enough time, buildup can collect inside, reducing efficiency and potentially limiting your water heater’s life span. Draining the tank and examining the anode once a year are the most important steps to keep the water heater in better working condition. 

Myth 7: Tightening a Leaking Faucet Will Stop the Drip 

A leaking faucet often starts with a broken washer or valve, not a loose handle. Over-tightening may damage the threads and worsen the drip. Instead of tightening the handle down further, reach out to a plumber to repair the underlying problem. 

Myth 8: All Plumbers Are the Same

Not all plumbers are created equal. Licensing, experience and reviews can make a big difference in the success of your plumbing project. Choosing a low-cost plumber without the proper background can end up costing you more in the long run.

Myth 9: DIY Plumbing Fixture Installation Is a Breeze

Setting up plumbing fixtures is more than just screwing on parts. Plumbing systems are still somewhat complicated, and improper placement can result in leaks, water damage and the costly repairs that come with them. Avoid the headache by calling a professional plumber for installing fixtures.

Myth 10: Problems Are Easy to Notice

Some plumbing problems might be difficult to detect until they escalate. A seemingly minor leak might not make itself known until it’s caused widespread structural damage. Regular plumbing inspections are a good way to spot growing problems early and help them from escalating into major headaches.

Get Professional Plumbing Assistance

At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we deliver high-quality solutions for all your plumbing needs. Our trained and certified plumbers have the skills to keep everything working smoothly, from your bathroom fixtures and sewer lines to your water heater and garbage disposal. If you are not completely happy with our work, you can rely on us to make it right. Contact us today for affordable plumbing services at a fair rate.