Debunking 5 Plumbing Myths
September 29, 2023
In the modern age of social platforms, plumbing myths and misconceptions abound and continue to be prevalent. These myths can lead to confusion, wasted time, and even costly mistakes when homeowners attempt do-it-yourself (DIY) fixes based on misinformation
Unravel the truth behind five of the most common plumbing misconceptions, helping you separate fact from fiction and empowering you to make informed decisions about your home's plumbing needs.
1. You Can Flush Flushable Wipes
Despite popular belief, you should never dispose of flushable wipes down the toilet. Contrary to what their name implies, flushable wipes do not truly decompose in the toilet in a comparable way that tissue paper does, causing blockages in the drainage and sewage systems.
Along with disposable towels and feminine hygiene items, flushable wipes are one of the most typical culprits in drain obstructions. These flushable wipes include a substance that is not soluble in water. Thus, flushing them won't cause them to dissolve quickly. Before they disintegrate, they can accumulate in the drainage systems and cause a blockage, costing a household or business money to fix.
Even though they may be marked as flushable, carefully review the label for any particular disposal requirements. Remember to only flush down human waste and toilet paper.
2. A Brick in Your Toilet Tank Saves Water
Although a brick may appear to save only a small bit of water, it might actually result in long-term problems that end up incurring more costs. Over time, deterioration of the brick can impact the drainage lines and the toilet's flush system, leading to expensive repairs.
Install a high-efficiency water conservation model instead of an older, inefficient one to reduce toilet water usage. Bricks are not intended for use in the tank's specifications and can vary how much water it can contain, which can impact how effectively and successfully the toilet functions.
3. Minor Leaks Are Not a Problem
Regardless of how little a leak is, it results in water waste and higher water bills. These modest leaks are also certain to worsen over time if they are ignored, leading to more severe damage. A leak might increase your water bill, but its persistent wetness can also encourage mold growth in cupboards and under sinks. Any supporting components and cabinets close to the leak may also develop wood rot.
Even though it can seem insignificant, immediately repair a leaky plumbing component. When considered alongside the price of repiping a whole house, repairing a broken faucet is often a quick and affordable fix.
4. Hot Water Can Solve Grease Clog Problems
Even though pouring hot water into a drain may seem to dissolve grease, when the grease becomes cool, it can cover the inside of the pipes and act as a surface for additional obstructions like food particles, sludge, and debris. These obstructions may accumulate over time and result in a blockage.
Never discard grease down the sink to eliminate problems. Instead, allow the grease to congeal in the pan or pot before wiping it with an absorbent paper towel and throwing it in the garbage.
Never attempt to remove a clog with boiling water because the water's temperature might rise to unsafe levels for use in the plumbing system, possibly melting the wax seal on the toilet or causing polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes to flex and fracture.
5. Drain Cleaners Are Safe for Use Despite the temptation to choose a store-bought drain cleaning product as a quick and efficient repair, these chemical substances are extremely potent and can seriously harm pipes and other plumbing equipment.
In addition to being toxic and perhaps harmful to your health, these cleansers are occasionally ineffective and, when used incorrectly, can even aggravate existing clogs. Furthermore, because the caustic ingredients in these cleaners have the potential to destroy pipelines and fixtures, they will often result in more expensive issues down the road.
Contact O'Fallon Sewer Service for plumbing services in St. Charles, Lincoln, and Warren Counties.
1. You Can Flush Flushable Wipes
Despite popular belief, you should never dispose of flushable wipes down the toilet. Contrary to what their name implies, flushable wipes do not truly decompose in the toilet in a comparable way that tissue paper does, causing blockages in the drainage and sewage systems.
Along with disposable towels and feminine hygiene items, flushable wipes are one of the most typical culprits in drain obstructions. These flushable wipes include a substance that is not soluble in water. Thus, flushing them won't cause them to dissolve quickly. Before they disintegrate, they can accumulate in the drainage systems and cause a blockage, costing a household or business money to fix.
Even though they may be marked as flushable, carefully review the label for any particular disposal requirements. Remember to only flush down human waste and toilet paper.
2. A Brick in Your Toilet Tank Saves Water
Although a brick may appear to save only a small bit of water, it might actually result in long-term problems that end up incurring more costs. Over time, deterioration of the brick can impact the drainage lines and the toilet's flush system, leading to expensive repairs.
Install a high-efficiency water conservation model instead of an older, inefficient one to reduce toilet water usage. Bricks are not intended for use in the tank's specifications and can vary how much water it can contain, which can impact how effectively and successfully the toilet functions.
3. Minor Leaks Are Not a Problem
Regardless of how little a leak is, it results in water waste and higher water bills. These modest leaks are also certain to worsen over time if they are ignored, leading to more severe damage. A leak might increase your water bill, but its persistent wetness can also encourage mold growth in cupboards and under sinks. Any supporting components and cabinets close to the leak may also develop wood rot.
Even though it can seem insignificant, immediately repair a leaky plumbing component. When considered alongside the price of repiping a whole house, repairing a broken faucet is often a quick and affordable fix.
4. Hot Water Can Solve Grease Clog Problems
Even though pouring hot water into a drain may seem to dissolve grease, when the grease becomes cool, it can cover the inside of the pipes and act as a surface for additional obstructions like food particles, sludge, and debris. These obstructions may accumulate over time and result in a blockage.
Never discard grease down the sink to eliminate problems. Instead, allow the grease to congeal in the pan or pot before wiping it with an absorbent paper towel and throwing it in the garbage.
Never attempt to remove a clog with boiling water because the water's temperature might rise to unsafe levels for use in the plumbing system, possibly melting the wax seal on the toilet or causing polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes to flex and fracture.
5. Drain Cleaners Are Safe for Use Despite the temptation to choose a store-bought drain cleaning product as a quick and efficient repair, these chemical substances are extremely potent and can seriously harm pipes and other plumbing equipment.
In addition to being toxic and perhaps harmful to your health, these cleansers are occasionally ineffective and, when used incorrectly, can even aggravate existing clogs. Furthermore, because the caustic ingredients in these cleaners have the potential to destroy pipelines and fixtures, they will often result in more expensive issues down the road.
Contact O'Fallon Sewer Service for plumbing services in St. Charles, Lincoln, and Warren Counties.
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