There are many dubious plumbing misconceptions out there. Some of them come from social media, whereas others come from previous generations. Unfortunately, they are often downright damaging to your plumbing system.
Find out below the common plumbing misconceptions that can burn through your wallet.
1. Leaking Faucets Are No Big Deal
Leaking faucets may be common but should not be ignored. A leaking faucet is a big deal and is by far the most troublesome home plumbing misconception. A household leak could waste around 10,000 gallons of water a year, or approximately what it takes to wash 270 loads of laundry. Fixing a leaking faucet right away will prevent water waste and could save you money on your water bill.
Therefore, it is vital to get your faucet fixed by a professional as soon as you notice the leak.
2. Bleach Keeps Your Toilet Sparkling
A common assumption is that bleach tablets keep your toilet fresh. However, bleach discreetly causes more harm than good to your toilet.
Bleach cleaning tablets destroy the working parts of your toilet and can go as far as corroding your entire toilet. The destruction forces you to call a professional plumber, which will cost you money.
If you choose to use bleach, make sure you clean it up quickly after use to avoid damaging the toilet parts.
3. Water in the Garbage Disposal Makes Waste a Non-Issue
Running water while using the garbage disposal seems like the perfect combo. The common assumption that running water will help all waste travel smoothly down the drain is far from the truth. Hard, thick waste like celery can damage your garbage disposal. Pouring water with waste doesn't help if the blockage already occurred.
The resulting damage will need professional plumbers and costs a lot to repair.
4. Boiling Water Helps Grease Go Down the Drain
Grease may seem harmless at first, but it becomes a problem as it builds up in the pipes. Accumulated grease in your pipes causes a blockage, which will prevent wastewater from draining away. The blockage causes wastewater to overflow.
Pouring grease alongside boiling water only helps moves the grease further down. Once the water cools, the grease will solidify and block the pipes. Grease is best disposed of in the garbage and not washed down the kitchen drain.
To unclog the greasy pipes, you might need to hire a professional, which will cost you money. Always throw grease in the trash or drain it into a dedicated grease jar.
5. Flushable Wipes Are Not a Plumbing Concern
Flushable wipes shouldn't be an issue to your toilet, right? Wrong! While flushable wipes easily move past the curved part of your toilet, they are likely to be stuck in the drainpipe. Because they do not disintegrate like toilet paper does, flushable wipes build up over time and clog your drain.
Flushable wipes can go as far as causing a flood in your home by creating a backup in the sewage system.
The damage caused by flushable wipes is often extensive and expensive to repair. Therefore, if you have to use flushable wipes, dispose of them in the garbage.
6. Plumbers Are Only Called When a Plumbing Problem Occurs
Sudden plumbing problems can be catastrophic, dangerous, stressful, and very expensive to fix. A regular plumbing inspection can help you spot problems before they become emergencies. Identifying a problem before it erupts can reduce the cost of the repair.
Regular plumbing maintenance can also help you prevent common plumbing issues. Scheduling periodic maintenance will also save you money by preventing a costlier plumbing issue.
Many of these misconceptions might seem true, but they might end up causing more problems. Plumbing can be troublesome, but it can save you so much on your expenses if done right. For assistance,
contact us to get your plumbing problem taken care of quickly and by a certified team. We look forward to working with you.
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