Myths About Plumbing: Common Plumbing Misconceptions 

Plumbing problems can be a real hassle, but believing in common misconceptions often makes them even more problematic. You may be harming your plumbing’s taps, drains or appliances and not even realize it! Let’s clear up the confusion on 10 common plumbing myths to stop avoidable damage from happening. 

Myth #1: Plumbing Problems Always Announce Themselves 

Some plumbing problems might be difficult to detect until they escalate. A seemingly small leak might not make itself known until it’s created extensive structural damage. Professional plumbing inspections can help identify hidden problems earlier to prevent them from becoming major headaches. 

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

Lots of people assume the kitchen garbage disposal can break down it all, but that’s not the case. Items like gristle, coffee grounds and eggshells can ruin the disposal or block your pipes. Fat is especially well known for blocking plumbing. No matter how much you try and clear out the pipes with boiling water, the grease gradually hardens and causes problems. Pour oil into a hard container and toss it out once it cools. 

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

A leaking faucet usually suggests a damaged washer or cartridge, not a handle that’s come loose. Over-tightening can damage the threads and exacerbate the drip. Instead of tightening the handle down as far as possible, reach out to a plumber to address the main issue. 

Myth #4: It’s Safe to Use Flushable Wipes 

In spite of what the box states, flushable wipes aren’t actually all that safe for your plumbing. These wipes don’t disintegrate like bath tissue and can obstruct your sewer pipe. Even if they can make it through your plumbing system, flushable wipes accumulate in the broader municipal sewer system, causing headaches for sanitation workers. Your tax dollars might be saved on sewer cleanup costs each year if everyone disposed of flushable wipes in the trash. 

Myth #5: Water Heaters Are Maintenance-Free Appliances 

Water heaters should be given routine maintenance to operate as efficiently as possible. After enough time, sediment can collect, lowering performance and potentially limiting your water heater’s total service life. Cleaning out the tank and inspecting the water heater’s anode rod once a year are the most helpful steps to keep that water heater in working order. 

Myth #6: Toilets Are Suitable Trash Cans 

It might appear easy to flush tissues, napkins, cotton, sanitary items and other ‘seemingly’ flushable items down the toilet, but it’s a bad decision. Toilets are only designed to handle organic waste and bathroom tissue. Flushing other items can lead to plumbing issues and pricey repairs, so opt for the trash can for unflushable items to avoid any issues. 

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

Putting lemon peels in your garbage disposal could make it smell better temporarily, but the acid content and texture of the fibers of the peels can cause wear and tear on the disposal’s spinning blades. The best way to deodorize your disposal is by putting a handful of ice cubes into your, which cleans out oil and other gunk without damaging the blades. Baking soda and white vinegar is another safe, thorough cleaning solution. 

Myth #8: Ice Cubes Sharpen Garbage Disposal Blades 

First of all, garbage disposals don’t actually use sharp spinning blades to break up food waste—they use grinding tools to break down food. Ice cubes can help freshen the disposal by breaking up buildup, so feel free to grind up a handful occasionally. Just don’t count on them to sharpen the blades. 

Myth #9: Anyone Can Install Their Own Plumbing Fixtures 

Setting up plumbing fixtures is more in-depth than just tightening screws. Plumbing systems are intricate, and improper setup can lead to leaks, flooding and the expensive fixes that come with them. Avoid the headache by calling a professional plumber for installing fixtures. 

Myth #10: All Plumbers Are the Same

Even though they’re all plumbers, you can’t just pick anyone out of the phone book. Certification, experience and word of mouth can make a big difference in the quality of your plumbing project. Opting for an untrained plumber without the appropriate 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 offer Expert solutions for all your plumbing needs. Our plumbing technicians have the skills to keep everything moving smoothly, from your toilet and sewer lines to the water heater and garbage disposal. If you’re not totally happy with our work, you can rely on us to resolve the issue. Contact us today for dependable plumbing services at a fair rate.