In the world of plumbing, there’s a lot of information and misinformation floating around. As a result, many homeowners are led to believe various myths and misconceptions that can lead to unnecessary expenses or even damage to their plumbing system. This blog post aims to debunk some of these common misconceptions, providing you with accurate information so you can make better decisions about your home’s plumbing.
Myth 1: Lemons Clean Your Garbage Disposal
One common myth is that running lemons through your garbage disposal will help clean it. While lemons may leave your kitchen smelling fresh, they do little in terms of cleaning the disposal unit itself. The citric acid from the lemons can actually corrode the metal components over time. Instead, use a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap to clean your garbage disposal properly.
Myth 2: Running Water While Using The Disposal Helps Waste Travel Smoothly
Many people believe that running water while using their garbage disposal helps waste travel smoothly down the drain pipes. However, this isn’t always true for all types of waste – especially for harder materials like bones or fruit pits which could potentially damage the blades or cause clogs in your pipes regardless if water is running or not.
Myth 3: All Plumbers Are The Same
There’s also a misconception that all plumbers offer similar levels of expertise and quality service which couldn’t be further from reality. Like any other profession, there are varying degrees of skill and experience among plumbers – some may specialize in certain areas while others might provide general services only.
Myth 4: Plumbing Fixtures Don’t Need Regular Maintenance
Another common myth is thinking that once installed, plumbing fixtures don’t require regular maintenance until something breaks down or malfunctions. In fact, regular maintenance can prevent major issues and extend the lifespan of your plumbing system.
Myth 5: You Can Flush Anything Down The Toilet
One of the most damaging myths is that toilets can handle anything you flush down them. In truth, toilets are not designed to dispose of many items people commonly flush like baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, or even excess toilet paper. These items can cause serious clogs and damage to your plumbing system.
Myth 6: Store-Bought Drain Cleaners Are Safe For Your Pipes
Many homeowners believe that store-bought drain cleaners are safe for their pipes but this is not always true. These chemicals are often very harsh and can corrode your pipes over time leading to leaks or even pipe bursts.
Myth 7: Small Leaks Aren’t A Big Deal
Lastly, there’s a misconception that small leaks aren’t a big deal. However, these minor leaks can lead to major water wastage over time and might be an indication of a larger problem within your plumbing system.
In conclusion, it’s important for homeowners to educate themselves about their home’s plumbing in order to avoid falling victim to these common misconceptions. By knowing the facts, you’ll be able to maintain your home’s plumbing more effectively and potentially save money on unnecessary repairs in the long run.