Biggest Plumbing Myths

There are a lot of misconceptions about plumbing that lead homeowners to create more trouble than necessary. It is important to know which popular plumbing myths are simply myths and not based on anything factual. Here is a closer look at the biggest plumbing myths.

Myth: You can safely pour grease down a drain after mixing it with hot water

It does not matter what form of grease you put down the drain because it is eventually going to congeal. That heightens the change of a clog. Hot, or boiling, water might appear to liquefy grease, but there is no way to safely put grease down your drain. Always dispose of your grease by other means.

Myth: Flushable wipes are Flushable

The only manufactured product intended to be flushed in toilets is toilet paper. Any kind of wipes should be disposed of in other ways. Baby wipes are also not meant to be flushed down a toilet as this is a major reason for household clogs.

Myth: Water heaters that make noise need to be replaced

A water heater that has a bit of rattling going on is not a reason for immediate replacement. That is normally just a sign of sediment buildup inside the water heater. This can be fixed with some simple maintenance and does not require the purchase of a new unit.

Myth: Liquid drain cleaners should be regularly used

While a liquid drain cleaner may be successful in breaking up a clog, regular use of this product can cause more damage than good. That is because the chemicals used in liquid drain cleaners will start to produce corrosion. This will steadily diminish the integrity of your drain lines over the long haul.

Myth: A Leaky faucet is not an issue

A faucet that is leaking is symptomatic of a bigger problem. That problem may not be a super expensive one, but it is still a problem. A leaking faucet is just like a leak in a ceiling in that it is evidence of another problem that should be attended to right away.

Myth: Preventative maintenance is not necessary

There are so many potential problems that can affect your plumbing if they are not addressed early on. It is wise for homeowners to invest in regular plumbing maintenance because the major problems that start out as minor ones can be very expensive to fix.