5 Plumbing Myths

In today’s fast-paced world, we can access information or send an email that has a broad reach within seconds. While this increased ability to share information has many benefits, it also means that misinformation spreads. When it comes to plumbing, we see many common myths circulating across these channels.

At face value, believing these misconceptions may not seem like a big deal, but that is far from the truth. When put into practice, these fallacies can result in serious damage to your plumbing system and leave you with an outrageous repair bill.

It is important to address some of the most common plumbing myths. Here we explain why they do not work and what you should do to keep your home’s plumbing in tip-top shape.

Commercial Plumbing Drain Cleaners Are Safe

When faced with a clogged toilet or sink, your first reaction might be to grab a plunger. This common household tool can be quite effective at clearing minor blockages in your drain system, allowing water to flow normally. However, plungers are often outmatched by more severe obstructions in your pipe.

When this happens, many homeowners opt to use a commercial drain cleaner, which is often perceived as a safe alternative to hiring a plumber. These drain cleaners often do more harm than good since they contain caustic chemicals. Not only can they damage your pipes, but they may not be effective at clearing the pipe.

If you used a drain cleaner that failed to get rid of the obstruction, then the professional must contend with this dangerous substance. This can make it difficult to repair your drain and often results in a more costly service.

The best approach is to contact a professional plumbing repair company, should your plunger fail to resolve the clog. This can save you a lot of time and money in the long run.

No Backup, No Problem

While normal water drainage is always a good sign, it does not necessarily mean that your home’s plumbing system is in good condition. Most of the time, plumbing issues develop slowly and can go unnoticed until they display a catastrophic failure. Once this happens you will need an emergency plumbing service to prevent serious water damage.

To prevent issues with your plumbing system, your pipes should be inspected. If you live in an older home or have never performed an inspection, then you should schedule one as soon as possible.

You can take a few preventative steps to keep your home’s pipes in great working order. Regular pipe cleaning should occur every 18 months to get rid of any partial blockages in the system. This is often performed with a device known as a jetter, which uses pressurized water to clean your pipes.

Anything Can Be Flushed

As a homeowner, one of the worst mistakes you can make is to flush foreign objects down the toilet. Since your toilet forcefully pushes waste and water down the drain, many people believe that it can handle objects that are too big for a sink. This is simply not true.

The following are some commonly flushed items that will cause you headaches:

• Diapers
• Hair
• Coffee waste
• Oils
• Grease
• Q-tips/cotton balls
• Makeup products
• Paper Towels
• Feminine hygiene items
• Wipes labeled “flushable”

That’s right, flushable wipes are not all that flushable. In fact, they can cause severe blockage in your drain pipes. Once that happens, you will need a professional to unclog your drain lines.

You should never flush anything down your toilet other than normal waste and toilet paper. Doing so will require the use of a plumber repair service to undo the damage. When in doubt, throw it out.

Ice Sharpens Garbage Disposals

Some homeowners believe that throwing ice cubes into the garbage disposal sharpens the blades. This myth comes from a misunderstanding of how the disposal works.

You may be surprised to learn that your home’s garbage disposal does not have blades at all. It actually grinds up food using a device called an impeller plate.

When food waste makes it into your drain, it is collected in a grinding chamber. Turning on the disposal activates the impeller plate, which forces food against the wall of the chamber and breaks it into tiny pieces. The impeller plate has two rigid metal pieces, also called impellers.

Contrary to the myth, grinding ice damages the metal. Typically, you should only use your disposal to get rid of soft food waste.

Hard food, such as shells, bone chips, and ice, should not be run through the disposal. If you do, you will be replacing your disposal sooner than later. You might even need to contract an emergency plumber contractor, as a damaged disposal can leak and harm your home.

A Gurgling Water Heater Is About to Explode

Hearing gurgling or bubbling sounds coming from your water heater should not be ignored. However, it is not a certain sign that your water heater is about to blow. Most of the time, these noises are caused by sediment build-up within your water heater. The water is forced through the lines that causes these strange sound effects.

If your water heater is not working as it should or has started gurgling, then it is time to contact your local emergency plumber. Your water heater is in need of maintenance or may even be due for replacement. Swapping out your old unit for an energy-efficient one will save you money and ensure that you have all the hot water you need for that long morning shower.

Commercial Plumber in Charlotte, NC

If you are concerned that your home’s plumbing system is not working as it should, then you need to contact Superior Plumbing & Drains, LLC. Our experienced professionals provide prompt and affordable residential and commercial plumbing repair in Charlotte, NC.