Let’s Uncover These 10 Common Plumbing Myths

Trying to deal with a problematic plumbing system can be a real nuisance, but believing in common misconceptions often makes them even more problematic. You may be harming your faucets, pipes or even major fixtures and not even realize it! Let’s set the record straight on 10 common plumbing myths to stop unnecessary problems from happening.

Myth 1: You Can Use Toilets as Trash Cans 

It might appear easy to flush face tissues, napkins, cotton, sanitary items and other ‘seemingly’ flushable objects down the toilet drain, but it’s a bad idea. Toilets are only designed to handle human waste and toilet paper. Flushing other items can result in blockages and costly repairs, so opt for the trash can for non-disposable things to avoid problems.

Myth 2: Flushable Wipes Won’t Harm Your Plumbing

In spite of what the label claims, flushable wipes aren’t safe for your pipes. These wipes won’t break down like toilet paper and can clog your sewer pipe. Even if they can make it through your plumbing system, flushable wipes build up in the broader municipal sewer system, worsening problems for sanitation workers. Thousands of tax dollars could be saved on sewer cleanup projects each year if everyone disposed of flushable wipes properly.

Myth 3: The Garbage Disposal Can “Dispose All”

A large number of people think the kitchen garbage disposal can break down anything, but that’s not correct. Food waste like chicken bones, coffee grinds and even small pieces of eggshell can damage the disposal or block your plumbing. Oil is particularly well known for obstructing plumbing. No matter how much you rinse the drain with boiling water, the fat still hardens and causes clogs. Pour fat into a sealable jar and throw it away once it cools down. 

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

Tossing a few lemon peels into the garbage disposal might make it smell better temporarily, but the acid content and fibrous nature of the peels can wear out the blades used to break food down. A safer way to deodorize the garbage disposal is by sending a handful of ice into your fat and other debris without breaking the blades. Sodium bicarbonate and white vinegar is another safe, thorough option for cleaning the disposal. 

Myth 5: 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 grinders to pulverize food. Ice cubes may help freshen the disposal by removing debris, so go ahead and break down a handful every so often. Just don’t expect them to make the disposal sharper. 

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

Water heaters should be given routine maintenance to run at their best. After enough time, buildup can collect inside, reducing efficiency and reducing your water heater’s total service life. Draining the tank and checking the anode annually are the most important steps to keep that water heater in working order. 

Myth 7: If a Faucet Leaks, Try Closing It Tighter 

A leaking faucet generally starts with a broken washer or mechanism, not a handle that’s come loose. Over-tightening can strip the threads and exacerbate the problem. Instead of muscling the handle down further, call a plumber to fix the root cause. 

Myth 8: All Plumbing Services Are the Same

Plumbing services can vary significantly in quality. Licensing, a work background and word of mouth can make a big difference in the quality of your plumbing job. Choosing a low-cost plumber without the proper experience might end up costing you more over time.

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

Setting up plumbing fixtures involves more than screwing on parts. Systems for residential plumbing are intricate, and improper placement can result in leaks, water damage and the high repair costs that come with them. Avoid the headache by calling a professional plumber for installing fixtures.

Myth 10: Plumbing Problems Always Announce Themselves

Some plumbing problems are sometimes hard to notice until they start causing real trouble. A seemingly slight leak might not make itself known until it’s created widespread water damage. Routine plumbing inspections help spot hidden problems earlier to prevent them from escalating into major headaches.

Reach Out to a Plumber for Help

At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we provide Expert services for all your plumbing needs. Our plumbing technicians have the expertise to keep everything working smoothly, from your toilet and sewer lines to the water heater and garbage disposal. If you’re not completely happy with our work, you can count on us to resolve the issue. Contact us today for affordable plumbing services at fair, honest prices.