Plumbing Myths: Debunking Common Plumbing Misconceptions
Trying to deal with a problematic plumbing system can be a real headache, but believing in popular misconceptions often makes them even more frustrating to try and resolve. You may be harming different plumbing fixtures, drains or appliances and not even be aware of it! Let’s set the record straight on 10 common plumbing myths to stop avoidable problems from cropping up.
Myth #1: Problems Are Easy to Notice
Some plumbing problems are sometimes hard to spot until they cause serious damage. A seemingly slight leak might not be very obvious until it’s created extensive water damage. Routine plumbing inspections can help catch unseen problems early and help them from becoming major headaches.
Myth #2: Garbage Disposals Can Handle Anything
Lots of people believe their garbage disposal can break down it all, but that’s not the case. Food waste like animal bones, used coffee grounds and even small pieces of eggshell can clog the disposal or form another clog in your pipes. Grease is particularly notorious for blocking pipes. No matter how much you try and clear out the sink with hot water, the oil gradually congeals and causes problems. Pour fat into a container and throw it away once it cools down.
Myth #3: Tightening a Leaking Faucet Will Stop the Drip
A leaking faucet often indicates a worn-out gasket or cartridge, not a handle that’s come loose. Over-tightening can strip the threads and exacerbate the drip. Instead of muscling the handle down further, call a plumber to fix the root cause.
Myth #4: Flushable Wipes Are Safe to Flush
Despite what the packaging says, flushable wipes are not safe for your pipes and drainage. These wipes won’t decompose like toilet paper and can clog your sewer pipe. Even if they make it past your plumbing system, flushable wipes accumulate in the larger sewage system, worsening headaches for sanitation workers. Your tax dollars might be saved on sewer cleanup efforts each year if everyone threw away flushable wipes in the trash.
Myth #5: You Don’t Need to Maintain New Water Heaters
Water heaters need a regular schedule of professional maintenance to operate as efficiently as possible. Over time, buildup can collect inside, reducing efficiency and shortening your water heater’s total service life. Draining the tank and inspecting the anode once yearly are the most helpful steps to keep your water heater in good shape.
Myth #6: You Can Use Toilets as Trash Cans
It might look handy to flush face tissues, paper towels, cotton pads, sanitary items and other ‘seemingly’ flushable objects down the drain, but it’s a bad choice. Toilets are only made to handle organic waste and toilet tissue. Flushing other objects can cause blockages and costly repairs, so use the trash can for non-disposable objects to avoid any issues.
Myth #7: Using Lemon Peels to Clean Garbage Disposals
Tossing a few lemon peels into the garbage disposal may freshen the scent for a while, but the acid content and fiber content of the peels can wear out the disposal’s spinning blades. The best way to deodorize your disposal is by putting a handful of ice cubes into your, which cleans out fat and other gunk without breaking the blades. Sodium bicarbonate and vinegar is another safer, more thorough cleaning solution.
Myth #8: Sharpening Disposal Blades with Ice Cubes
First of all, garbage disposals don’t actually use sharp cutting edges to break pieces of food down—they use grinding tools to break down food. Ice cubes can help freshen the disposal by removing debris, so go ahead and break down a handful occasionally. Just don’t count on them to sharpen the blades.
Myth #9: It’s Easy to Install Plumbing Fixtures Yourself
Installing plumbing fixtures involves more than tightening screws. Plumbing systems are intricate, and improper installation can cause leaks, water damage and the costly repairs that come with them. Save yourself the hassle by hiring a professional plumber for installation projects.
Myth #10: All Plumbers Are the Same
Not all plumbers are created equal. Licensing, work experience and word of mouth can make a big difference in the success of your plumbing job. Selecting an untrained plumber without the proper credentials might end up costing you more over time.
Contact McLoughlin Plumbing Heating & Cooling for Expert Support for Plumbing Services
At McLoughlin Plumbing Heating & Cooling, we deliver Expert assistance for all your plumbing concerns. Our plumbing technicians have the expertise to keep everything running smoothly, from your bathroom fixtures and sewer lines to your water heater and garbage disposal. If you are not entirely happy with our work, we guarantee to make it right. Contact us today for affordable plumbing services at an affordable price.
