Plumbing Myths: Debunking 10 Common Misconceptions and Mistakes

Plumbing problems can be a real hassle, but believing in popular misconceptions can make them even worse. You may be harming your plumbing’s taps, drains or even major fixtures and not even be aware of it! Let’s get the facts right on 10 common plumbing myths to stop avoidable damage from causing trouble. 

Myth #1: Plumbing Problems Always Announce Themselves

More insidious plumbing problems might be hard to notice until they escalate. A seemingly minor leak might not be very obvious until it’s resulted in extensive water damage. Routine plumbing inspections help identify hidden problems early and prevent them from becoming an enormous headache.

Myth #2: The Garbage Disposal Can “Dispose All”

Many people assume the kitchen garbage disposal can break down everything, but that’s not correct. Food waste like animal bones, coffee grinds and even small pieces of eggshell can damage the disposal or obstruct your pipes. Fat is particularly well known for blocking drains. No matter how much you try and clear out the sink with boiling water, the grease still hardens and causes plumbing issues. Pour hot grease into a sealable jar and dispose of it once it cools.

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

A leaking faucet often starts with a broken washer or cartridge, not a loose handle. Over-tightening could strip the threads and worsen the drip. Rather than tightening the handle down as far as possible, reach out to a plumber to repair the root cause.

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

Even with what the label claims, flushable wipes aren’t actually all that safe for your pipes. These wipes don’t break down like toilet tissue and can block up your sewer pipe. Even if they make it past your house’s plumbing, flushable wipes accumulate in the broader sewage system, leading to problems for utility workers. Your tax dollars can be saved on sewer cleanup projects each year if everyone threw away flushable wipes in the trash.

Myth #5: You Don’t Need to Maintain New Water Heaters

Water heaters need regular maintenance to work at their best. After enough time, buildup can accumulate, decreasing efficiency and shortening your water heater’s total service life. Flushing the tank and checking the water heater’s anode rod annually are the most helpful steps to keep that water heater in good shape.

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

It might seem handy to flush tissues, paper towels, cotton, feminine hygiene products and other ‘seemingly’ flushable things down the toilet drain, but it’s a bad choice. Toilets are only made to handle organic waste and toilet tissue. Flushing other objects can result in blockages and expensive repairs, so use the trash can for non-disposable objects to avoid any issues.

Myth #7: Using Lemon Peels to Clean Garbage Disposals

Putting lemon peels into the garbage disposal may make it smell better for a while, but the citric acid and fiber content of the peels can cause wear and tear on the blades used to break food down. The best way to deodorize your disposal is by tossing a handful of ice cubes down the, which helps remove fat and other debris without harming the blades. Sodium bicarbonate and white vinegar is another safer, more thorough cleaning solution.

Myth #8: Ice Cubes Sharpen Garbage Disposal Blades

First of all, garbage disposals don’t actually use sharp blades to break up food waste—they use grinders to break down food. Ice cubes can help freshen the disposal by removing debris, so feel free to break down a handful now and then. Just don’t wait for them to sharpen anything.

Myth #9: Anyone Can Install Their Own Plumbing Fixtures

Setting up plumbing fixtures is more in-depth than just tightening screws. Plumbing systems are complex, and improper placement can result in leaks, flooding and the high repair costs that come with them. Save yourself the hassle by contacting a professional plumber for fixture installation.

Myth #10: Every Plumber Offers the Same Service

Not all plumbers are created equal. Certification, work experience and reputation can make a big difference in the quality of your plumbing project. Opting for an untrained plumber without the appropriate background might end up costing you more time in the long run.

Call Ken Griffin Plumbing Services for Professional Plumbing Assistance

At Ken Griffin Plumbing Services, we deliver Expert services for all your plumbing needs. Our trained and certified plumbers have the expertise to keep everything moving smoothly, from your bathroom fixtures and sewer lines to your water heater and garbage disposal. If you’re not completely happy with our work, we guarantee to make it right. Contact us today for dependable plumbing services at an affordable price.