Let’s Dispel 10 Plumbing Misconceptions

Trying to deal with a problematic plumbing system can be a real nuisance, but falling for widespread misconceptions can make them even more frustrating to try and resolve. You might be harming your faucets, pipes or even major fixtures and not even know it! Let’s set the record straight on 10 stubborn plumbing myths to stop preventable problems from cropping up.

Myth 1: Toilets Are Suitable Trash Cans 

It might seem handy to flush face tissues, paper towels, cotton balls, sanitary items and other ‘seemingly’ flushable things down the drain, but it’s a bad idea. Toilets are only made to handle human waste and bathroom tissue. Flushing other objects can result in blockages and pricey repairs, so opt for the trash can for non-flushable things to avoid problems.

Myth 2: Flushable Wipes Won’t Harm Your Plumbing

Despite what the box states, flushable wipes aren’t safe for your pipes. These wipes can’t decompose like bath tissue and can clog your sewer pipe. Even if they make it past your home’s plumbing, flushable wipes continue to collect in the broader sewer system, causing problems for waste management. Taxpayer dollars can be saved on sewer cleanup efforts each year if everyone got rid of flushable wipes in the trash.

Myth 3: Garbage Disposals Can Handle Anything

A large number of people believe the kitchen garbage disposal can handle it all, but that’s not the case. Items like gristle, coffee grounds and eggshells can clog the disposal or form another clog in your pipes. Grease is especially well known for clogging plumbing. No matter how much you try and clear out the drain with hot water, the grease eventually solidifies and causes problems. Pour oil into a sealable jar and toss it out once it cools down. 

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

Tossing a few lemon peels in your garbage disposal may give it a fresh scent for a while, but the citric acid and fiber content of the peels can wear out the blades used to break food down. A better way to clean your disposal is by sending a handful of ice down the grease and other debris without breaking the blades. Common household items like baking soda and white 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 break down food. Ice cubes may help clean the disposal by removing debris, so feel free to break down a handful now and then. Just don’t wait for them to sharpen the blades. 

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

Water heaters need regular maintenance to run at their best. Over time, buildup can collect inside, decreasing efficiency and potentially limiting your water heater’s max life span. Flushing the tank and inspecting the anode rod once yearly are the most beneficial steps to keep your water heater in good shape. 

Myth 7: Many Leaks Are Fixed by Tightening the Faucet 

A leaking faucet generally suggests a damaged washer or valve, not a loose fitting. Over-tightening may wear out the threads and exacerbate the drip. Instead of tightening the handle down as far as possible, contact a plumber to fix the main issue. 

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. Licensing, a work background and word of mouth can make a big difference in the success of your plumbing job. Opting for an untrained plumber without the appropriate credentials could end up costing you more in the long run.

Myth 9: It’s Easy to Install Plumbing Fixtures Yourself

Putting in plumbing fixtures involves more than tightening screws. Plumbing systems are still somewhat complicated, and improper installation can result in leaks, water damage and the costly repairs that come with them. Save yourself the hassle by calling a professional plumber for installing fixtures.

Myth 10: Plumbing Problems Always Announce Themselves

More insidious plumbing problems can be hard to notice until they escalate. A seemingly slight leak might not be very obvious until it’s created extensive water damage. Regular plumbing inspections help catch unseen problems earlier to prevent them from escalating into an expensive disaster.

Get Professional Plumbing Assistance

At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we offer high-quality assistance for all your plumbing needs. Our professionals have the skills to keep everything working smoothly, from your fixtures and sewer lines to your water heater and garbage disposal. If you are not completely happy with our work, we guarantee to resolve the issue. Contact us today for dependable plumbing services at a fair rate.