Your home has essential systems that serve you and your family every single day. However, you might not think about them until something goes wrong. The plumbing setup in your home is one such system. When an issue arises, you might scramble to solve the issue as quickly as you can. Unfortunately, a lot of homeowners follow tips that are based more on myth than reality. Plumbing misinformation can result in needless strain on your home’s components, water damage, and costly repairs. Separating fact from fiction can better prepare you for your home’s next plumbing problem and prevent many future complications.
Myth 1: A Draining Sink Can’t Have a Clog
Many homeowners believe that a sink or tub that still drains water doesn’t have any clogs. Complete blockages do stop water from draining, but slow-moving drains might have the first stages of a clog. Soap scum, food particles, grease, and hair accumulate in pipes over time, eventually creating partial blockages that slow down the flow of water. Ignoring a slow drain can create more significant issues later, ranging from a full-blown clog to pipe damage. If a plunger or plumbing snake doesn’t dislodge the buildup, you might have persistent issues that need professional treatment.
Myth 2: Lemons Clean Garbage Disposals
Have you ever seen someone place lemon slices down their garbage disposal to clean it and make it smell better? The lemon scent certainly masks unpleasant odors, but the slices don’t necessarily remove grease buildup or clean the disposal. As a matter of fact, citrus is acidic and can corrode appliances over time. Ice cubes are a better choice for cleaning a garbage disposal because they can knock debris from the blades. Follow up with a cold-water flush from your faucet to splash away remaining food particles.
Myth 3: Flushable Wipes Go Down Safely
Many retail products advertised as “flushable” really aren’t. They might go down your toilet successfully, but they don’t usually adequately break down in water. If they do, it’s rarely quick. Your pipes can get blocked, wreaking havoc on municipal sewer systems. Toilets are only for human waste and toilet paper, which is intentionally designed for quick disintegration. So-called flushable wipes, feminine hygiene products, paper towels, and wipes should go in the trash to avoid backups.
Myth 4: Water Heaters Are All Alike
Not every water heater works the same way. They don’t have universal standards for installation, operation, and maintenance. The truth is that they vary drastically in terms of size, efficiency, and power source, which can be electric, solar, or gas. There are even tankless water heaters that warm up water on demand instead of storing water in a reservoir until needed. Make sure your home has the right kind of water heater for your needs.
Myth 5: Plumbers Utilize Chemical Cleaners
Many homeowners resort to harsh chemical drain cleaners to try and fix clog problems. Unfortunately, these products might do more harm than actual good. They frequently have caustic chemicals and potent acids that might corrode pipes, especially if the pipes are metal or older in age. Chemical drain cleaners can be dangerous to handle, and they release toxic fumes. Plumbers prefer mechanical methods, including hydro jetting, augers, and drain snakes, to unclog your pipes without hurting them. If your home has frequent clogs, a plumber can help you identify the underlying cause.
Myth 6: Older Homes Naturally Have Lower Water Pressure
Older pipes might accumulate mineral deposits or suffer corrosion that reduces water flow, but low pressure isn’t something that you have to live with. Low water pressure might indicate bigger problems, including blockages, corrosion, and leaks. Professional assessment is crucial to determining the cause and then remedying it. You might need a pipe replacement, or you may need adjustments to your pressure regulator or cleaning of the faucet aerators.
Myth 7: Duct Tape Fixes Everything
Duct tape has a reputation for quickly fixing plenty of household problems, but plumbing shouldn’t be on the list. It might stop a smaller leak temporarily, but it’s no long-term solution. Duct tape doesn’t hold up to water exposure or constant pressure. Proper plumbing materials, including waterproof pipe sealants or pipe clamps, are better for plumbing issues until a professional can address the root cause.
Myth 8: Leaky Faucets Are Just Minor Annoyances
Modern life is full of responsibilities and problems, so a small faucet drip is easy to ignore when your usage and water pressure are okay. Unfortunately, a slow drip can waste thousands of gallons of water over the course of a year. It might indicate worn-down valves, seals, or washers. Have a plumber fix the issue promptly to reduce costs, save water, and prevent damage.
Myth 9: Always Use Hot Water for a Garbage Disposal
You should always run your water when operating a garbage disposal. However, many homeowners incorrectly believe that hot water does a better job of breaking down food particles and grease. Unfortunately, hot water can liquefy grease. That might seem advantageous at first, but it can make the grease solidify and stick to your pipes when it cools later down the line. Use cold water instead.
Myth 10: Plumbers Are All the Same
Plumbers have different levels of specialization, experience, and training. Many plumbers might work specifically on residential systems, while others deal with industrial or commercial plumbing. Picking a qualified, licensed plumber is crucial to making sure your work happens right and up to code.
Myth 11: You Should Use a Brick in Your Toilet Tank to Save Water
Some homeowners place a brick in their toilet tank to displace water. It physically reduces how much water is used with each flush because less water is necessary to fill the tank back up. While it might save as much as a half-gallon of water for each flush, it’s risking needless damage. Bricks erode over time and can damage your plumbing. A sealed water bottle can achieve the same effect, or you can have a modern low-flow toilet installed.
Myth 12: Every Water Leak Is Visible
Leaks can happen in hidden areas, including your walls, floor, and roof. The good news is that hidden leaks might still produce telltale signs other than what you can see. Listen for the sounds of running water or dripping noises when fixtures aren’t in use. Sniff around for musty odors and check your water bill for sudden and unexplained increases.
Professional Plumbers Have Truthful Solutions
Many plumbing situations are better off in the hands of industry professionals. The experts at Delta Mechanical are ready to help anyone living in our service areas:
- Phoenix, AZ
- Sacramento and San Diego, CA
- Tampa, Jacksonville, Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Houston, TX
- Denver and Colorado Springs, CO
- Las Vegas, NV
Our comprehensive services include boilers, drain services, gas lines, leak detection, repiping, repairs, sewer lines, sump pumps, and water treatment systems. Count on us for kitchen and bathroom installation, upgrades, and remodeling. We also service tank and tankless water heaters.
Contact Delta Mechanical for all your plumbing and water heater needs.
