11 Plumbing Myths That Might Cost You Money

It's possible to do more harm than good to your plumbing system if you try certain "tricks" you are told. Despite their benign nature, some plumbing myths spread inaccurate information. Mesa Plumbing Company is here to dispel some common plumbing myths that might cost you money.

Plumbing Myths

The following are common misconceptions about plumbing and heating systems that you should avoid:

1. A Plunger Can Solve All Your Plumbing Issues

   You can easily remove small and loose debris from pipes with a plunger. However, these plungers cannot handle tough clogs such as mineral buildup or significant obstructions. Consider a piece of more powerful plumbing equipment if you are dealing with something more substantial than a piece of food or toilet tissue.

   Home comfort should be your priority. Instead of dealing with major plumbing issues on your own, call a professional plumbing company and let them inspect properly.

2. Nothing Can Get Through Your Pipes

   Don't be mistaken! Rats, those pesky little rodents, can get into your house through the sewer and pipes. They follow the smell of food in the drains and end up in the toilet. Never flush food down the toilet and only small amounts of food down the drains to avoid this.

3. Leaving the Dripping Faucet Unattended

   Fixing a leaky faucet is well worth your time and money if you value both water and money. Even a small trickle might waste 500 gallons of water within a year. This type of leak can save you money on your water bill. In most cases, all it takes is a quick inspection of the connections, gaskets, and washers to find the problem. If you are stumped, consult a professional plumbing company. They will help you track down the source of the problem.

4. Only Block Drains Need to be Cleaned

   Even though a drain or toilet appears to be regularly working, there might still be a blockage in the line. A partial clog, sediment accumulation on the pipe wall, or another problem with your plumbing could be the culprit. You know you have a clog when you flush the toilet and water comes up from the sink or bathtub.

5. Installing an Indestructible Water Heater

   When water is heated to a high temperature, it generates a lot of pressure, which can cause damage. A TPR (temperature and pressure relief) valve is installed in every modern water heater. However, if it malfunctions, the water heater can explode.

6. Flushing Tablets with Bleach

   Within 10 minutes of putting bleach on your toilet, you should clean it up. The consequences could be dire if you don't intervene sooner rather than later. The toilet's working parts will ultimately disintegrate due to the bleach. Your entire toilet could be corroded, and you'll need to hire a plumber in the near future. Bleach can be expensive, so use extreme caution while working with it to save money.

7. Dumping Disposable Wipes into the Drain

   Flushable wipes, especially baby wipes, cause drainage clogs. Anything that doesn't appear to be flushable is most likely not. Even if they appear to be flushable, be sure to read the label for any information on how thoroughly they dissolve. Similarly, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, and other supposedly flushable products belong in the trash.

8. Rumbling Water Heaters Will Explode

   It isn't unsafe as long as the water heater isn't interfering with any electrical connections. You don't need to be alarmed if the heater makes strange rumbling noises but doesn't create any other difficulties.

   This unusual noise is caused by the water heater's heat trying to get through several sediment layers. The layers at the bottom of the tank are the product of years of use. There is some auditory discomfort from the air bubbles that are released. However, that does not mean that the heater will explode.

9. Garbage Disposal Systems Have Blades

   The idea that garbage disposals have blades is part of an urban legend. Impellers in garbage disposals, which resemble teeth, are cleaned with ice cubes. However, this has nothing to do with sharpening the impellers.

   They will help you clean your blades. After making an omelet, you can also throw the eggshells down the garbage disposal. You won't have to do anything extra to get cleaner impellers.

10. Adding Grease to Boiling Water

    You should not add grease to the boiling water. As with the sink and the piping system, drinking hot water does not unclog our arteries and eliminate excess fat. No grease should ever be flushed down the toilet. In the worst-case scenario, you will have to deal with a total breakdown of the drainage system.

    You should dispose of the fatty residue, far away from any pipes; otherwise, it can clog the pipeline. However, using cold water helps the disposal motor work more efficiently. As a result, the grease does not become clogged in any pipes as it floats to the larger sewers.

11. Tossing Everything Down the Drain

    Many issues that are not immediately apparent in the drainage system can cause significant issues in the future. "Out of sight, out of mind" doesn't apply in the plumbing world. Pasta and rice can cause clogs in pipes, making it impossible for other trash to travel through them without obstructing them. It would help to flush out the garbage built up in the pipes with water, making drainage less efficient.

Final Words

A plumber is a need for most plumbing projects that aren't simple. While repairing a dripping faucet or cleaning the pipes isn't that difficult, anything more requires expert supervision, if not professional abilities. Before doing any repairs on your own, always get the advice of a reputable and experienced plumbing company. Getting into situations where you don't have the means to get out of will save you a lot of time and effort.