Let’s Dispel 10 Plumbing Misconceptions
Plumbing problems can be a real nuisance, but believing in widespread misconceptions often makes them even more problematic. You may be harming different plumbing fixtures, pipes or appliances and not even realize it! Let’s clear up the confusion on these 10 plumbing misconceptions to stop preventable damage from happening.
Myth 1: You Can Use Toilets as Trash Cans
It might seem handy to flush tissues, napkins, cotton balls, hygiene products and other ‘seemingly’ flushable items down the drain, but this is a bad idea. Toilets are only made to handle organic waste and toilet tissue. Flushing other objects can cause blockages and costly repairs, so stick to the trash can for unflushable items to avoid trouble.
Myth 2: Flushable Wipes Are Okay to Use
Even with what the packaging says, flushable wipes aren’t actually all that safe for your pipes and drainage. These wipes won’t disintegrate like toilet tissue and can clog your sewer pipe. Even if they get through your house’s plumbing, flushable wipes continue to collect in the wider sewer system, leading to problems for waste management. Your tax dollars could be saved on sewer cleanup costs each year if everyone threw away flushable wipes in the trash.
Myth 3: The Garbage Disposal Can “Dispose All”
Many people assume their garbage disposal can handle anything, but that’s not the case. Food waste like gristle, coffee grounds and shells of an egg can clog the disposal or obstruct your drainage. Oil is particularly well known for blocking drains. No matter how much you flush the sink with boiling water, the oil eventually congeals and causes problems. Pour hot grease into a container and throw it away once it cools.
Myth 4: Using Lemon Peels to Clean Garbage Disposals
Tossing a few lemon peels in your garbage disposal might give it a fresh scent for a while, but the citric acid and fibrous nature of the peels can cause wear and tear on the blades used to break food down. A safer way to deodorize the garbage disposal is by putting a handful of ice cleans out fat and other gunk without damaging the blades. Common household items like baking soda and white vinegar is another safe, thorough cleaning solution.
Myth 5: Sharpening Disposal Blades with Ice Cubes
First of all, garbage disposals don’t actually use sharp spinning blades to break pieces of food down—they use grinders to break down food. Ice cubes can help clean the disposal by removing debris, so go ahead and crush a handful now and then. Just don’t count on them to sharpen anything.
Myth 6: Newly Installed Water Heaters Don’t Require Maintenance
Water heaters need a regular schedule of professional maintenance to operate as efficiently as possible. Over time, sediment can accumulate, reducing efficiency and reducing your water heater’s max life span. Cleaning out the tank and checking the water heater’s anode rod once a year are the most important steps to keep the water heater in better working condition.
Myth 7: If a Faucet Leaks, Try Closing It Tighter
A leaking faucet usually starts with a worn-out seal or cartridge, not a handle that’s come loose. Over-tightening could strip the threads and worsen the problem. Rather than tightening the handle down further, reach out to a plumber to address the root cause.
Myth 8: All Plumbing Services Are the Same
Plumbing services can vary significantly in quality. Certification, a work background and reputation can make a big difference in the quality of your plumbing job. Choosing a cheap plumber without the appropriate background might end up costing you more in the long run.
Myth 9: It’s Easy to Install Plumbing Fixtures Yourself
Putting in plumbing fixtures is more in-depth than just hooking a few things up. Plumbing systems are intricate, and improper setup can cause leaks, water damage and the high repair costs 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 are sometimes difficult to detect until they escalate. A seemingly minor leak might not be very obvious until it’s caused extensive structural damage. Routine plumbing inspections help identify growing problems earlier to help them from escalating into an enormous headache.
Get Professional Plumbing Assistance
At Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts, we deliver professional assistance for all your plumbing problems. Our professionals have the expertise to keep everything flowing smoothly, from your fixtures and sewer lines to the water heater and garbage disposal. If you’re not completely happy with our work, we guarantee to fix it. Contact us today for affordable plumbing services at fair, honest prices.