Let’s Debunk 10 Plumbing Misconceptions

Trying to deal with a problematic plumbing system can be a real headache, but being tricked by widespread misconceptions makes them even more frustrating to try and resolve. You might be harming your plumbing’s taps, drains or even major fixtures and not even know it! Let’s clear up the confusion on 10 common plumbing myths to stop preventable problems from occurring.

Myth 1: Toilets Make Great Garbage Cans 

It may seem handy to flush facial tissues, napkins, cotton balls, sanitary items and other ‘seemingly’ flushable items down the toilet drain, but this is a bad choice. Toilets are only designed to handle human waste and toilet paper. Flushing other objects can cause plumbing issues and costly repair work, so stick to the trash can for non-disposable items to avoid trouble.

Myth 2: Flushable Wipes Are Okay to Use

In spite of what the label claims, flushable wipes aren’t actually all that safe for your plumbing. These wipes won’t disintegrate like toilet tissue and can obstruct your sewer pipe. Even if they make it past your house’s plumbing, flushable wipes accumulate in the larger sewage system, causing headaches for utility workers. Taxpayer dollars can be saved on sewer cleanup costs each year if everyone threw away flushable wipes in the trash.

Myth 3: Garbage Disposals Can Handle Anything

Many people think their garbage disposal can handle it all, but that’s not the case. Food waste like gristle, used coffee grounds and even small pieces of eggshell can damage the disposal or form another clog in your plumbing. Grease is especially notorious for obstructing plumbing. No matter how much you try and clear out the sink with boiling water, the grease gradually solidifies and causes plumbing issues. Pour hot grease into a hard container and toss it out once it cools. 

Myth 4: Lemon Peels Clean Garbage Disposals 

Throwing lemon peels into the garbage disposal could give it a fresh scent for a while, but the acidity and fiber content of the peels can damage the blades used to break food down. A better way to clean your disposal is by putting a handful of ice washes away oil and other buildup without harming the blades. Sodium bicarbonate and white vinegar is another safer, more thorough option for cleaning the disposal. 

Myth 5: Ice Cubes Sharpen Garbage Disposal Blades 

First of all, garbage disposals don’t actually use sharp blades to break pieces of food down—they use grinding tools to break down food. Ice cubes could help clean the disposal by knocking off debris, so go ahead and crush a handful occasionally. Just don’t expect them to sharpen the blades. 

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

Water heaters should be given a regular schedule of professional maintenance to operate at their best. After enough time, buildup can collect, reducing efficiency and shortening your water heater’s max life span. Cleaning out the tank and checking the anode rod once yearly are the most helpful steps to keep the water heater in working order. 

Myth 7: You Can Fix Leaky Faucets by Tightening Them 

A leaking faucet often indicates a worn-out gasket or mechanism, not a loose fitting. Over-tightening may strip the threads and worsen the leak. Instead of muscling the handle down as far as possible, reach out to a plumber to repair the underlying problem. 

Myth 8: Every Plumber Offers the Same Service

Even though they’re all plumbers, you can’t just pick anyone out of the phone book. Credentials, experience and reviews can make a big difference in the success of your plumbing job. Opting for an untrained plumber without the proper background might end up costing you more in the long run.

Myth 9: DIY Plumbing Fixture Installation Is a Breeze

Putting in plumbing fixtures is more than just tightening screws. Systems for residential plumbing are intricate, and improper setup can cause leaks, flooding and the high repair costs that come with them. Avoid the headache by hiring a professional plumber for installation projects.

Myth 10: Problems Are Easy to Notice

Some plumbing problems can be hard to spot until they cause serious damage. A seemingly minor leak might not make itself known until it’s resulted in extensive water damage. Professional plumbing inspections help identify hidden problems earlier to help them from becoming an enormous headache.

Contact a Plumber for More Help

At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we deliver high-quality services for all your plumbing problems. Our trained and certified plumbers have the knowledge to keep everything running smoothly, from your fixtures and sewer lines to the water heater and garbage disposal. If you are not completely happy with our work, you can rely on us to fix it. Contact us today for dependable plumbing services at fair, honest prices.