Let’s Dispel 10 Plumbing Misconceptions

Issues with your home’s plumbing can be a real hassle, but falling for widespread misconceptions makes them even worse. You could be harming your plumbing’s taps, drains or even major fixtures and not even know it! Let’s get the facts right on these 10 plumbing misconceptions to stop unnecessary problems from happening. 

Myth #1: Problems Are Easy to Notice

More insidious plumbing problems can be hard to notice until they start causing real trouble. A seemingly minor leak might not be very obvious until it’s caused significant water damage. Regular plumbing inspections help catch unseen problems early and help them from turning into an expensive disaster.

Myth #2: You Can Put Anything in the Garbage Disposal

Many people assume the kitchen garbage disposal can break down it all, but that’s not the case. Things like chicken bones, coffee grounds and eggshells can clog the disposal or obstruct your drainage. Grease is particularly infamous for clogging drains. No matter how much you try and clear out the pipes with warm water, the oil eventually hardens and causes plumbing issues. Pour fat into a hard container and dispose of it once it cools down.

Myth #3: If a Faucet Leaks, Try Closing It Tighter

A leaking faucet generally suggests a broken gasket or mechanism, not a loose fitting. Over-tightening can wear out the threads and exacerbate the problem. Instead of tightening the handle down as far as possible, reach out to a plumber to address the underlying problem.

Myth #4: Flushable Wipes Are Okay to Use

In spite of what the box states, flushable wipes are not safe for your plumbing. These wipes can’t decompose like bath tissue and can obstruct your sewer pipe. Even if they get through your house’s plumbing, flushable wipes build up in the wider sewer system, causing headaches for utility workers. Taxpayer dollars might be saved on sewer cleanup efforts each year if everyone threw away flushable wipes in the trash.

Myth #5: Newly Installed Water Heaters Don’t Require Maintenance

Water heaters should be given regular maintenance to operate at their best. Over time, sediment can accumulate, lowering performance and shortening your water heater’s max life span. Flushing the tank and checking the water heater’s anode rod once a year are the most useful steps to keep your water heater in better working condition.

Myth #6: Toilets Make Great Garbage Cans

It might look handy to flush face tissues, napkins, cotton pads, feminine hygiene products and other ‘seemingly’ flushable things down the drain, but this is a bad idea. Toilets are only made to handle organic waste and toilet tissue. Flushing other items can cause clogs and costly repair work, so stick to the trash can for non-disposable objects to avoid any issues.

Myth #7: You Can Clean Your Garbage Disposals with Lemon Peels

Tossing a few lemon peels in your garbage disposal may freshen the scent temporarily, but the acid content and fibrous nature of the peels can cause wear and tear on the blades used to break food down. A safer way to freshen the garbage disposal is by putting a handful of ice in the disposal’s drain, which helps remove grease and other buildup without damaging the blades. Baking soda and white vinegar is another safe, thorough cleaning option.

Myth #8: 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 grinding tools to smash food into smaller pieces. Ice cubes can help clean the disposal by knocking off debris, so feel free to crush a handful now and then. Just don’t expect them to sharpen the blades.

Myth #9: Anyone Can Install Their Own Plumbing Fixtures

Putting in plumbing fixtures involves more than hooking a few things up. Plumbing systems are still somewhat complicated, and improper setup can lead to leaks, flooding and the expensive fixes that come with them. Avoid the headache by hiring a professional plumber for fixture installation.

Myth #10: All Plumbers Are the Same

Not all plumbers are created equal. Credentials, a work background and word of mouth can make a big difference in the quality of your plumbing service. Opting for a low-cost plumber without the right credentials could end up costing you more over time.

Call Xtra Mile for Expert Support for Plumbing Services

At Xtra Mile, we offer professional assistance for all your plumbing concerns. Our trained and certified plumbers have the expertise to keep everything moving smoothly, from your toilet and sewer lines to your water heater and garbage disposal. If you’re not entirely happy with our work, you can rely on us to fix it. Contact us today for dependable plumbing services at an affordable price.