Let’s Debunk 10 Common Plumbing Myths

Trying to deal with a problematic plumbing system can be a real nuisance, but being tricked by common misconceptions makes them even worse. You might be harming your faucets, pipes or even major fixtures and not even realize it! Let’s set the record straight on 10 stubborn plumbing myths to stop preventable damage from occurring.

Myth 1: It’s Okay to Throw Trash Away in the Toilet 

It may look convenient to flush facial tissues, paper towels, cotton pads, sanitary items and other ‘seemingly’ flushable things down the drain, but that’s a bad idea. Toilets are only built to handle human waste and toilet paper. Flushing other objects can cause plumbing issues and pricey repairs, so opt for the trash can for unflushable objects to avoid trouble.

Myth 2: Flushable Wipes Are Okay to Use

Despite what the label claims, flushable wipes aren’t actually all that safe for your pipes. These wipes don’t disintegrate like toilet tissue and can block up your sewer pipe. Even if they can make it through your plumbing system, flushable wipes build up in the broader sewage system, worsening headaches for waste management. Your tax dollars might be saved on sewer cleanup projects each year if everyone threw away flushable wipes properly.

Myth 3: You Can Put Anything in the Garbage Disposal

Many people think the kitchen garbage disposal can handle anything, but that’s not the case. Things like chicken bones, coffee grinds and eggshells can clog the disposal or obstruct your drainage. Grease is especially well known for clogging drains. No matter how much you rinse the drain with boiling water, the fat gradually solidifies and causes problems. Pour hot grease into a hard container and throw it away once it cools. 

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

Throwing lemon peels into the garbage disposal might give it a fresh scent for a while, but the acid content and texture of the fibers of the peels can damage the disposal’s spinning blades. A better way to deodorize the garbage disposal is by sending a handful of ice into your oil and other debris without damaging the blades. Common household items like baking soda and white vinegar is another safe, thorough cleaning solution. 

Myth 5: You Can Sharpen Disposal Blades with Ice 

First of all, garbage disposals don’t actually use sharp cutting edges to break up food waste—they use grinding tools to pulverize food. Ice cubes may help clean the disposal by breaking up buildup, so go ahead and grind up a handful occasionally. Just don’t count on them to make the disposal sharper. 

Myth 6: Water Heaters Are Maintenance-Free Appliances 

Water heaters should be given a regular schedule of professional maintenance to operate as efficiently as possible. Over time, buildup can collect inside, decreasing efficiency and potentially limiting your water heater’s total service life. Flushing the tank and inspecting the anode rod once yearly are the most important steps to keep that water heater in good shape. 

Myth 7: Many Leaks Are Fixed by Tightening the Faucet 

A leaking faucet often indicates a worn-out gasket or cartridge, not a handle that’s come loose. Over-tightening may damage the threads and exacerbate the leak. Rather than muscling the handle down as far as possible, contact a plumber to repair 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 reputation can make a big difference in the quality of your plumbing project. Selecting an untrained plumber without the proper experience can end up costing you more over time.

Myth 9: Anyone Can Install Their Own Plumbing Fixtures

Setting up plumbing fixtures is more than just tightening screws. Plumbing systems are intricate, and improper installation can lead to leaks, flooding and the costly repairs that come with them. Save yourself the hassle by contacting a professional plumber for installation projects.

Myth 10: Plumbing Problems Always Announce Themselves

Some plumbing problems can be difficult to detect until they cause serious damage. A seemingly slight leak might not be noticeable until it’s caused widespread water damage. Professional plumbing inspections can help identify unseen problems earlier to help them from turning into an enormous headache.

Contact a Plumber for More Help

At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we deliver high-quality solutions for all your plumbing problems. Our plumbing technicians have the knowledge to keep everything working smoothly, from your toilet and sewer lines to the water heater and garbage disposal. If you are not completely happy with our work, you can count on us to resolve the issue. Contact us today for reliable plumbing services at a fair rate.