Let’s Debunk 10 Plumbing Misconceptions

Issues with your home’s plumbing can be a real nuisance, but believing in widespread misconceptions can make them even more frustrating to try and resolve. You might be harming your plumbing’s taps, pipes or plumbing appliances and not even know it! Let’s set the record straight on these 10 plumbing misconceptions to stop preventable problems from occurring.

Myth 1: You Can Use Toilets as Trash Cans 

It may look easy to flush facial tissues, paper towels, cotton, feminine hygiene products and other ‘seemingly’ flushable items down the toilet drain, but that’s a bad choice. Toilets are only built to handle organic waste and toilet paper. Flushing other objects can result in plumbing issues and expensive repair work, so use the trash can for non-disposable objects to avoid any issues.

Myth 2: Flushable Wipes Are Safe to Flush

Even with what the box states, flushable wipes aren’t safe for your pipes and drainage. These wipes can’t break down like bath tissue and can block up your sewer pipe. Even if they can make it through your plumbing system, flushable wipes build up in the larger sewage system, worsening headaches for waste management. Taxpayer dollars might be saved on sewer cleanup efforts each year if everyone got rid of flushable wipes properly.

Myth 3: The Garbage Disposal Can “Dispose All”

Lots of people think the kitchen garbage disposal can handle anything, but that’s not correct. Things like animal bones, used coffee grounds and eggshells can clog the disposal or block your plumbing. Fat is especially infamous for obstructing plumbing. No matter how much you flush the sink with hot water, the oil still congeals and causes clogs. Pour hot grease into a hard container and toss it out once it solidifies. 

Myth 4: Lemon Peels Clean Garbage Disposals 

Tossing a few lemon peels into the garbage disposal could make it smell better for a while, but the acid content and fibrous nature of the peels can damage the disposal’s spinning blades. A better way to freshen your disposal is by tossing a handful of ice into your oil and other debris without breaking the blades. Sodium bicarbonate and vinegar is another safe, thorough option for cleaning the disposal. 

Myth 5: Ice Cubes Sharpen Garbage Disposal Blades 

First of all, garbage disposals don’t actually use sharp cutting edges to break pieces of food down—they use grinders to break down food. Ice cubes could help freshen the disposal by knocking off debris, so feel free to crush a handful now and then. Just don’t count on them to make the disposal sharper. 

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

Water heaters require routine maintenance to work as efficiently as possible. After enough time, residue can accumulate, lowering performance and potentially limiting your water heater’s life span. Draining the tank and checking the water heater’s anode rod once a year are the most important steps to keep the water heater in working order. 

Myth 7: Many Leaks Are Fixed by Tightening the Faucet 

A leaking faucet often indicates a worn-out washer or cartridge, not a loose fitting. Over-tightening may wear out the threads and exacerbate the drip. Instead of muscling the handle down as far as possible, reach out to a plumber to fix the main issue. 

Myth 8: All Plumbers Are the Same

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 quality of your plumbing service. Selecting an untrained plumber without the appropriate experience could end up costing you more time in the long run.

Myth 9: DIY Plumbing Fixture Installation Is a Breeze

Putting in plumbing fixtures involves more than hooking a few things up. Systems for residential plumbing are still somewhat complicated, and improper installation can cause leaks, flooding and the high repair costs that come with them. Minimize the risk of trouble by calling a professional plumber for installing fixtures.

Myth 10: You’ll Know When You Have a Plumbing Problem

Some plumbing problems can be hard to spot until they start causing real trouble. A seemingly minor leak might not be very obvious until it’s caused extensive structural damage. Routine plumbing inspections help identify growing problems early and stop them from turning into major headaches.

Reach Out to a Plumber for Help

At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we offer professional assistance for all your plumbing needs. Our professionals have the knowledge to keep everything flowing smoothly, from your 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 affordable plumbing services at fair, honest prices.