Let’s Uncover These 10 Common Plumbing Myths

Trying to deal with a problematic plumbing system can be a real hassle, but being tricked by widespread misconceptions can make them even more problematic. You could be harming your plumbing’s taps, drains or plumbing appliances and not even know it! Let’s get the facts right on 10 stubborn plumbing myths to stop avoidable damage from happening.

Myth 1: Toilets Are Suitable Trash Cans 

It may seem convenient to flush tissues, paper towels, cotton pads, feminine hygiene products and other ‘seemingly’ flushable objects down the toilet, but this is a bad decision. Toilets are only built to handle organic waste and toilet paper. Flushing other objects can cause plumbing issues and expensive repair work, so use the trash can for unflushable items to avoid problems.

Myth 2: Flushable Wipes Are Safe to Flush

In spite of what the packaging says, flushable wipes are not safe for your pipes. These wipes won’t disintegrate like bath tissue and can block up your sewer pipe. Even if they can make it through your house’s plumbing, flushable wipes continue to collect in the larger municipal sewer system, leading to headaches for sanitation workers. Taxpayer dollars can be saved on sewer cleanup projects each year if everyone disposed of flushable wipes in the trash.

Myth 3: You Can Put Anything in the Garbage Disposal

A large number of people assume their garbage disposal can break down everything, but that’s not correct. Food waste like chicken bones, used coffee grounds and shells of an egg can ruin the disposal or form another clog in your plumbing. Fat is particularly well known for obstructing plumbing. No matter how much you try and clear out the drain with boiling water, the grease eventually solidifies and causes plumbing issues. Pour fat into a hard container and throw it away once it cools. 

Myth 4: Using Lemon Peels to Clean Garbage Disposals 

Throwing lemon peels in your garbage disposal could give it a fresh scent temporarily, but the acid content and texture of the fibers of the peels can wear out the blades used to break food down. A better way to deodorize the garbage disposal is by tossing a handful of ice cubes down the oil and other debris without harming the blades. Sodium bicarbonate and vinegar is another safer, more 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 cutting edges to break food down—they use duller metal to smash food into smaller pieces. Ice cubes can help clean the disposal by breaking up buildup, so feel free to grind up a handful every so often. Just don’t count on them to sharpen the blades. 

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

Water heaters need regular maintenance to operate as efficiently as possible. After enough time, sediment can collect, reducing efficiency and shortening your water heater’s life span. Flushing the tank and examining the anode once yearly are the most helpful steps to keep that water heater in working order. 

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

A leaking faucet often indicates a damaged gasket or mechanism, not a handle that’s come loose. Over-tightening could wear out the threads and exacerbate the leak. Instead of just muscling the handle down further, contact a plumber to address the underlying problem. 

Myth 8: All Plumbers Are the Same

Even though they’re all plumbers, you can’t just pick anyone out of the phone book. Certification, a work background and reviews can make a big difference in the quality of your plumbing job. Selecting a cheap plumber without the proper background might end up costing you more in the long run.

Myth 9: DIY Plumbing Fixture Installation Is a Breeze

Setting up plumbing fixtures is more in-depth than just screwing on parts. Plumbing systems are still somewhat complicated, and improper setup can cause leaks, water damage and the costly repairs that come with them. Minimize the risk of trouble by contacting a professional plumber for fixture installation.

Myth 10: Plumbing Problems Always Announce Themselves

A few plumbing problems can be hard to notice until they escalate. A seemingly small leak might not make itself known until it’s created extensive water damage. Regular plumbing inspections are a good way to catch growing problems early and help them from becoming major headaches.

Reach Out to a Plumber for Help

At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we offer high-quality solutions for all your plumbing concerns. Our trained and certified plumbers have the skills to keep everything moving smoothly, from your fixtures and sewer lines to your water heater and garbage disposal. If you are not totally happy with our work, we guarantee to make it right. Contact us today for dependable plumbing services at fair, honest prices.