Debunking Plumbing Myths About 10 Common Misconceptions and Mistakes

Issues with your home’s plumbing can be a real hassle, but believing in popular misconceptions makes them even more problematic. You could be harming your faucets, pipes or even major fixtures and not even be aware of it! Let’s clear up the confusion on 10 stubborn plumbing myths to stop preventable problems from cropping up. 

Myth #1: You’ll Know When You Have a Plumbing Problem

More insidious plumbing problems are sometimes difficult to detect until they escalate. A seemingly slight leak might not be noticeable until it’s resulted in extensive structural damage. Regular plumbing inspections help spot hidden problems early and help them from turning into an expensive disaster.

Myth #2: Garbage Disposals Can Handle Anything

A large number of people assume their garbage disposal can handle anything, but that’s not the case. Food waste like animal bones, coffee grounds and eggshells can damage the disposal or form another clog in your drainage. Grease is particularly notorious for blocking pipes. No matter how much you rinse the drain with hot water, the grease eventually hardens and causes clogs. Pour fat into a sealable jar and throw it away once it cools down.

Myth #3: You Can Fix Leaky Faucets by Tightening Them

A leaking faucet generally starts with a worn-out washer or cartridge, not a handle that’s come loose. Over-tightening may damage the threads and worsen the leak. Instead of just tightening the handle down further, contact a plumber to address the main issue.

Myth #4: Flushable Wipes Won’t Harm Your Plumbing

In spite of what the packaging says, flushable wipes are not safe for your pipes and drainage. These wipes won’t break down like toilet tissue and can block up your sewer pipe. Even if they can make it through your home’s plumbing, flushable wipes accumulate in the larger sewer system, causing headaches for utility workers. Your tax dollars can be saved on sewer cleanup efforts each year if everyone got rid of flushable wipes in the trash.

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

Water heaters need routine maintenance to operate as efficiently as possible. After enough time, buildup can accumulate, decreasing efficiency and potentially limiting your water heater’s total service life. Cleaning out the tank and inspecting the anode once a year are the most helpful steps to keep your water heater in working order.

Myth #6: Toilets Are Suitable Trash Cans

It may seem handy to flush face tissues, paper towels, cotton pads, feminine hygiene products and other ‘seemingly’ flushable items down the drain, but it’s a bad idea. Toilets are only built to handle organic waste and bathroom tissue. Flushing other objects can result in clogs and costly repair work, so opt for the trash can for non-disposable things to avoid trouble.

Myth #7: Lemon Peels Clean Garbage Disposals

Throwing lemon peels in your garbage disposal could give it a fresh scent temporarily, but the citric acid and texture of the fibers of the peels can cause wear and tear on the blades. The best way to clean the garbage disposal is by tossing a handful of ice in the disposal’s drain, which helps remove fat and other gunk without damaging the blades. Baking soda and white vinegar is another safer, more thorough cleaning solution.

Myth #8: 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 break down food. Ice cubes could help clean the disposal by breaking up buildup, so feel free to grind up a handful now and then. Just don’t expect them to make the disposal sharper.

Myth #9: You Can Always Handle Your Own Plumbing Fixture Installation

Putting in plumbing fixtures is more than just hooking a few things up. Systems for residential plumbing are complex, and improper setup can lead to leaks, flooding and the high repair costs that come with them. Save yourself the hassle by hiring a professional plumber for fixture installation.

Myth #10: Every Plumber Offers the Same Service

Even though they’re all plumbers, you can’t just pick anyone out of the phone book. Certification, work experience and reputation can make a big difference in the quality of your plumbing job. Choosing an untrained plumber without the proper experience might end up costing you more time in the long run.

Call Crawford Services for Expert Support for Plumbing Services

At Crawford Services, we deliver Expert services for all your plumbing problems. Our professionals have the knowledge to keep everything working smoothly, from your toilet and sewer lines to your water heater and garbage disposal. If you are not completely happy with our work, you can rely on us to make it right. Contact us today for reliable plumbing services at a fair rate.