As homeowners, we tend not to think about plumbing until we have a problem with it. It is easy to take running water and your water heater for granted, however, when something happens, what do you do? Do you fix it yourself or call a trusty plumber for help?
While trying to fix something yourself is fine, some people have a number of misconceptions about plumbing that can be detrimental when it comes to your home. Here we debunk some of these myths for you so you are in the know.
Myth: Putting a Brick in the Back of Your Toilet Bowl Will Help Save You Money
Bricks belong on the side of your house, not in your toilet. Most homeowners put a brick in the back of the toilet bowl as a way to use less water, but it can actually cause the opposite problem. Instead, a brick can break the toilet flapper, and make you flush twice, using more water than intended. Utilities experts say it’s better to find a plastic bottle, put sand in it and place it in the tank.
Myth: If Things Are Going Down the Drain, It Must Be Working Properly
Oh, how we wish this were true. Just because stuff is going down your drain, that doesn’t mean that it is in perfect working order. That waste can actually be accumulating and causing a clog without your even knowing it. This is why you should always invest in a drain cleaning service to see what is happening down there, even if things seem to be working fine.
Myth: Items That Say They Are Flushable Are Perfectly Fine to Go Down the Toilet
Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Even if these items say they are flushable on their packaging, then don’t tend to breakdown in the way toilet paper does. Baby wipes and moist towelettes are causing clogs in many cities. So do yourself and your plumbing a favor by tossing those wipes in the trash.
Myth: Ice Cubes Can Sharpen Garbage Disposal Blades
This is quite a popular rumor, but it is untrue. Garbage disposals actually don’t have blades, they have toothlike impellers that grind solids into liquids. So, putting a handful of ice into the disposal can do more damage than good.
Myth: If Your Drain Is Clogging Up, Just Run Hot Water Down It
Yes, hot water can temporarily melt grease if you’re washing dishes or rinsing a plate. However, this grease will then go on to coat the pipes and become a magnet for any other dirt and debris that goes down the drain, causing a clog in no time at all. To bypass this, simply use cold water, which will solidify the grease before it heads to the sewer.
Myth: It is OK to Use a Plunger to Fix a Sink
This isn’t always true, especially if you have a double sink. The plunger may fix one of the sinks and clog the other, which can just make a bigger headache than you need. So if your sink is clogged, always call a plumber for peace of mind. You’lll be fixing the issue at hand, and not causing others.
Myth: It is Always Best to Use Toilet Cleaners That Have Bleach In Them
While toilet cleaners with bleach can be helpful for cleaning the toilet bowl, the bleach can be harmful to the inner workings of the toilet. So go ahead and use it for cleaning if you are going to wash the bleach off right away, just make sure the bleach doesn’t sit in the bowl for more than five minutes.
Make sure you’re not guided by these common plumbing myths, and your plumbing will thank you!