Drip, drip, drip… Your faucet is dripping again and while this might not seem like a huge issue, the smallest leak can cause major problems including water waste.
A common plumbing myth is that little things like this won’t affect your home, but that simply isn’t true. This might make you wonder what other nonfacts you’ve been falling for.
Keep reading to learn common plumbing myths you don’t want to fall for.
Ice Cubes Sharpen Garbage Disposal Blades
If you think hard about it, it doesn’t make sense for ice to be able to sharpen the blades in a garbage disposal. The truth is that garbage disposals have two teeth like fractures called impellers, not blades.
This is one of the plumbing myths circulating because people use ice cubes to clean their disposal. The propellers in the garbage disposal turn solids into liquids without sharpening the “blades.”
Hot Water Melts Grease
Any professional plumber will tell you that you can’t put grease down your drain or it will cause clogs. While this is true, some believe that hot water melts grease and can prevent clogs.
Let’s get this straight once and for all. Hot water does not melt grease to prevent clogs. Once liquified grease hits your pipes, cools, solidifies, and builds up causing damage over time.
Flushable Wipes Are Really Flushable
In the plumbing industry, clogged pipes are often caused by flushable wipes. Even though a brand might advertise as “flushable,” they don’t break down the same way that toilet paper does.
Drain Cleaners Are Safe
While some drain cleaners are safe, it’s best to avoid liquid drain cleaners. This type of cleanser can eat away at your pipes. If you aren’t sure which cleaner to use, ask a residential plumber for recommendations.
We recommend using an auger or plunger.
Rumbling Water Heaters Will Explode
A smart homeowner knows that rumbling or gurgling sounds from a water heater aren’t a good sign, but this does not mean your water heater will explode.
If you hear odd noises coming from your water heater, it likely needs cleaning from the best plumbing company in your area. These sounds are often caused by excessive build-up inside the tank.
Don’t leave this issue unnoticed. Failing to have it cleaned or fixed can lead to premature failure.
In-Tank Cleaners Aren’t Harmful
Those blue little cleaners that turn your toilet water a cool color seem fine until they clog your toilet and cause it to overflow. Using in-tank cleaners causes toilet parts to wear out quickly.
Plumbing Myths You Don’t Want to Be Fooled By
If you’ve heard of any of these plumbing myths, you might have made the mistake of believing them. Don’t mess up your residential plumbing any longer!
Take what you’ve learned from this guide into consideration when caring for your home. If you aren’t sure what’s true and what’s a myth, ask a professional plumber for advice.
