We like to believe what we hear. That’s a natural inclination, and when some myths have been around for years and years, it is common to believe them as facts. But, unfortunately, when it comes to the plumbing system of our house, several myths have been a part of our lives.
If you have been a believer, you are not alone. But, it’s time to burst the bubble! You will be surprised to know that many of them are the reason for most service calls for plumbers.
Here is a list of the top 8 plumbing myths. So get ready to be enlightened as we uncover all of them.
Myth 1: Putting A Brick In Your Toilet Will Save You Money
Everybody tries to save some bucks on utility bills. It’s great to do your best to conserve water as well as some money, but putting a brick in the toilet tank is not going to do it. Some have alleged that a brick can help you save money, while you may find some homeowners with accurate records to prove.
You may save a few bucks initially, but over time it can cost you a lot more. The simple reason is that the brick keeps your toilet from flushing correctly, which can affect the entire plumbing system over time.
Myth 2: Hot Water Can Melt The Grease And Dislodge Clogs
Hot water seems to be the best solution for our problems, especially when dealing with drain clogs. The most popular logic for this belief is that hot water can melt grease; thus, it can clear the drain clogs. Sure, it does that. But what often gets neglected is that once the grease is liquefied and travels to distant parts of the pipe, it cools and solidifies to initiate another stubborn buildup. As these clogs are far away, your regular drain snake will no longer effectively rescue your plumbing system.
Myth 3: Ice Can Sharpen The Blades Of Garbage Disposal Unit
It often gets perpetuated that ice cubes can sharpen the blades of garbage disposal units. You may find it difficult to wrap your head around it but still try it to get efficient results from your kitchen unit. Ice may be a bit helpful in solidifying any parts of melted grease on them, but that’s all it can do. It will not sharpen the so-called blades. Garbage disposal units lack blades but have impellers with teeth-like features to grind the garbage.
Myth 4: “Flushable Wipes” Exist
No matter what level of marketing you see around, do not believe that flushable wipes exist. You may be surprised to know that these are the most common culprits for toilet clogs. Wipes do not decompose the way toilet paper does. So, if you are using wipes, find a better place to dump them instead of your toilet.
Myth 5: In-Tank Cleaners Are Required To Keep Your Toilet Clean
Thanks to the marketing efforts of businesses selling in-tank cleaners, it is commonly believed that these chemicals are good at keeping your toilet clean. However, chemical tablets should never be placed in the tank or toilet because they can be pretty harmful.
Different parts of your toilet are made up of different materials. Some of them are too delicate to handle the damages caused by in-tank cleaners. If you have no other option but to use bleach or any other harsh chemicals for cleaning the toilet, flush it within 10 minutes. Please do not leave it overnight.
Myth 6: Harsh Chemicals Are Cleaning Essentials
There is a whole class of harsh chemical cleaners specifically designed for homeowners dealing with tough toilet clogs. Some of them work well, while others do more harm than good. Liquid drain cleaners are generally highly acidic. When you pour them into a clogged toilet and some of them stay in some region of the pipe for a long time, it can eat away the pipe.
It’s best to use a plunger or an auger to get rid of the clogs. When things are too difficult to deal with, call in a professional. Instead of trying unsafe DIY methods, leave the mess for the experts.
Myth 7: A Noisy Water Heater Needs To Be Replaced
If you hear unusual noises from your electric tankless water heater, it’s normal to feel frightened. All of us have heard stories of water heater explosions and the gruesome details. Although it’s never safe to ignore the noises, please don’t leave your sleep over it either. It may be because of the sediment buildup, and all you need is a cleaning service from top-rated local plumbers. An expert will also guide you when replacement is the best option.
Myth 8: Any Plumber Can Handle Repairs And Installations
Several plumbing contractors are out there, but not all of them can handle all kinds of repairs and installations. So you have to dig up the reputation and legal compliance of a plumber before hiring them for your plumbing emergencies.
