Debunking Plumbing Myths About Misconceptions and Common Mistakes

Plumbing problems can be a real hassle, but falling for common misconceptions can make them even more problematic. You might be harming your plumbing’s taps, pipes or even major fixtures and not even realize it! Let’s clear up the confusion on 10 common plumbing myths to stop avoidable problems from happening. 

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

Some plumbing problems might be hard to spot until they escalate. A seemingly slight leak might not be very obvious until it’s created extensive water damage. Professional plumbing inspections are a good way to identify hidden problems early and help them from turning into major headaches.

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

Many people think the kitchen garbage disposal can handle it all, but that’s not the case. Things like animal bones, coffee grinds and eggshells can clog the disposal or form another clog in your plumbing. Oil is particularly infamous for blocking plumbing. No matter how much you rinse the drain with hot water, the oil still congeals and causes clogs. Pour oil into a container and toss it out once it cools.

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

A leaking faucet often indicates a broken seal or valve, not a loose handle. Over-tightening may damage the threads and worsen the drip. Instead of tightening the handle down further, reach out to a plumber to fix the underlying problem.

Myth #4: Flushable Wipes Are Safe to Flush

Even with what the box states, flushable wipes are not safe for your plumbing. These wipes don’t disintegrate like toilet paper and can block up your sewer pipe. Even if they make it past your plumbing system, flushable wipes build up in the larger sewer system, worsening headaches for sanitation workers. Thousands of tax dollars could be saved on sewer cleanup costs each year if everyone threw away flushable wipes in the trash.

Myth #5: Water Heaters Are Maintenance-Free Appliances

Water heaters need routine maintenance to run as efficiently as possible. Over time, buildup can collect, lowering performance and reducing your water heater’s life span. Flushing the tank and examining the water heater’s anode rod once a year are the most important steps to keep that water heater in better working condition.

Myth #6: It’s Okay to Throw Trash Away in the Toilet

It may seem easy to flush facial tissues, napkins, cotton balls, feminine hygiene products and other ‘seemingly’ flushable items down the drain, but it’s a bad idea. Toilets are only built to handle human waste and toilet paper. Flushing other objects can lead to clogs and pricey repairs, so stick to the trash can for non-flushable items to avoid any issues.

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

Throwing lemon peels into the garbage disposal may make it smell better for a while, but the acidity and fibrous nature of the peels can damage the blades used to break food down. A safer way to clean your disposal is by putting a handful of ice into your, which washes away fat and other debris without harming the blades. Baking soda and vinegar is another safer, more thorough cleaning option.

Myth #8: Ice Cubes Sharpen Garbage Disposal Blades

First of all, garbage disposals don’t actually use sharp blades to break pieces of food down—they use duller metal to break down food. Ice cubes could help clean the disposal by knocking off debris, so go ahead and break down a handful every so often. Just don’t count on them to sharpen anything.

Myth #9: DIY Plumbing Fixture Installation Is a Breeze

Setting up plumbing fixtures involves more than hooking a few things up. Systems for residential plumbing are complex, and improper placement can lead to leaks, flooding and the expensive fixes that come with them. Avoid the headache by hiring a professional plumber for installing fixtures.

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, experience and reviews can make a big difference in the success of your plumbing service. Opting for a cheap plumber without the right experience might end up costing you more in the long run.

Trust McLoughlin Plumbing Heating & Cooling for Expert Support for Plumbing Services

At McLoughlin Plumbing Heating & Cooling, we offer Expert services for all your plumbing problems. Our professionals have the skills to keep everything running smoothly, from your bathroom fixtures and sewer lines to the water heater and garbage disposal. If you are not entirely happy with our work, we guarantee to resolve the issue. Contact us today for dependable plumbing services at fair, honest prices.