Let’s Dispel 10 Common Plumbing Myths
Plumbing problems can be a real headache, but believing in common misconceptions can make them even worse. You could be harming different plumbing fixtures, drains or appliances and not even realize it! Let’s get the facts right on these 10 plumbing misconceptions to stop avoidable damage from cropping up.
Myth 1: Toilets Are Suitable Trash Cans
It may look handy to flush facial tissues, paper towels, cotton balls, feminine hygiene products and other ‘seemingly’ flushable items down the toilet drain, but that’s a bad choice. Toilets are only designed to handle organic waste and toilet tissue. Flushing other items can result in blockages and expensive repair work, so opt for the trash can for non-disposable objects to avoid trouble.
Myth 2: It’s Safe to Use Flushable Wipes
Despite what the label claims, flushable wipes are not safe for your plumbing. These wipes won’t disintegrate like toilet paper and can obstruct your sewer pipe. Even if they get through your home’s plumbing, flushable wipes accumulate in the broader sewer system, leading to problems for waste management. Your tax dollars can be saved on sewer cleanup projects each year if everyone disposed of flushable wipes properly.
Myth 3: Garbage Disposals Can Handle Anything
A large number of people think their garbage disposal can break down it all, but that’s not the case. Food waste like chicken bones, coffee grounds and shells of an egg can ruin the disposal or block your pipes. Oil is particularly notorious for clogging drains. No matter how much you flush the sink with boiling water, the grease eventually congeals and causes problems. Pour fat into a container and dispose of it once it cools.
Myth 4: Lemon Peels Clean Garbage Disposals
Tossing a few lemon peels in your garbage disposal may give it a fresh scent temporarily, but the citric acid and fibrous nature of the peels can cause wear and tear on the disposal’s spinning blades. A better way to clean the garbage disposal is by putting a handful of ice in the disposal’s drain, which {helps remove grease and other buildup without breaking the blades. Common household items like baking soda and vinegar is another safer, more thorough cleaning option.
Myth 5: You Can Sharpen Disposal Blades with Ice
First of all, garbage disposals don’t actually use sharp cutting edges to break pieces of food down—they use duller metal to break down food. Ice cubes can help clean the disposal by knocking off debris, so go ahead and grind up a handful now and then. Just don’t expect them to make the disposal sharper.
Myth 6: You Don’t Need to Maintain New Water Heaters
Water heaters should be given regular maintenance to operate as efficiently as possible. Over time, sediment can accumulate, lowering performance and reducing your water heater’s life span. Flushing the tank and examining the anode once a year are the most helpful steps to keep your water heater in good shape.
Myth 7: Tightening a Leaking Faucet Will Stop the Drip
A leaking faucet usually suggests a damaged washer or valve, not a loose fitting. Over-tightening may strip the threads and exacerbate the problem. Rather than tightening the handle down further, contact a plumber to repair the root cause.
Myth 8: All Plumbers Are the Same
Plumbing services can vary significantly in quality. Credentials, work experience and word of mouth can make a big difference in the success of your plumbing project. Choosing a cheap plumber without the appropriate experience might end up costing you more time 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 intricate, and improper placement can lead to leaks, flooding and the high repair costs that come with them. Avoid the headache by calling a professional plumber for fixture installation.
Myth 10: Plumbing Problems Always Announce Themselves
A few plumbing problems are sometimes difficult to detect until they start causing real trouble. A seemingly small leak might not be noticeable until it’s caused significant water damage. Professional plumbing inspections are a good way to identify hidden problems early and stop them from becoming an expensive disaster.
Reach Out to a Plumber for Help
At McKinley Heating Service Experts, we provide professional assistance for all your plumbing concerns. Our plumbing technicians have the expertise to keep everything moving smoothly, from your bathroom fixtures and sewer lines to your water heater and garbage disposal. If you’re not entirely happy with our work, you can rely on us to make it right. Contact us today for dependable plumbing services at an affordable price.
