Common Plumbing Myths

• You Don’t Need a Professional for DIY Repairs

Although some plumbing jobs may appear to be easy for DIYers, there are jobs that should be left to knowledgeable and experienced plumbers. Complex plumbing issues, such as broken water pipes, collapsed sewer lines, and tree root intrusion, should be left to a professional plumbing service.

• Use Ice Cubes to Sharpen Your Garbage Disposal Blades

You’ve probably heard that putting ice cubes down your garbage disposal helps sharpen the blades. This is not true because garbage disposals don’t have blades but instead have impellers that pulverize food waste into tiny bits. Another problem with ice cubes is that they can dull the impellers, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the appliance.

• Toilet Cleaning Tablets Are Safe and Effective

This is one myth that can actually cause serious damage to your toilet. Don’t believe the hype that toilet-cleaning tablets are the perfect way to clean your toilet. These tablets may contain bleach, which is known to corrode toilet parts. Instead of using bleach tablets, we recommend using white vinegar to clean your toilet.

• “Flushable” Wipes Exist

You may have noticed that different types of wipes are labeled as “flushable.” This is a marketing gimmick marketers use to generate interest in their brands. The truth is, there’s no such thing as “flushable” wipes. Unlike toilet paper, wipes absorb water instead of disintegrating and cause blockages. The same goes for baby diapers, paper towels, and feminine hygiene products. The only things that belong in your toilet are human waste and toilet paper. Resist the urge to flush non-flushable items such as medications, condoms, oil, grease, paint, and many more. If your toilet is clogged and your DIY efforts don’t seem to resolve the problem, call a professional plumbing repair service for help.

• Hot Water Can Wash Grease Safely Down the Drain

It’s easy to believe that hot water will melt grease and flow smoothly all the way to the septic tank or sewer system. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. Even though the grease may be in liquid form, it will eventually harden and clog your pipes. While one-time dumping may not cause a blockage, repeated dumping of grease, cooking fat, and oil in your kitchen sink will eventually clog your drains. Our plumbers recommend collecting grease, cooking fat, and oil in a heat-proof container and toss it in the garbage can.

• A Brick in the Toilet Tank Can Save You Money

We’re not sure who came up with this ridiculous myth, but it’s disheartening that many people have fallen for it and ended up damaging their toilets. We understand that everyone wants to save money on their monthly water bills, but putting a brick in the toilet tank is a terrible idea. Bricks can damage the components of your toilet tank and cost you a lot of money down the road. If you have an older and inefficient toilet, call a professional plumbing repair service to help you install a newer and more water-efficient toilet. It’s also a good idea to watch out for signs of toilet leaks and make repairs in a timely manner.

Looking For a Trusted Plumbing Service? Call Express Plumbing & Rooter for Your Plumbing Needs

Express Plumbing & Rooter is a reliable plumbing company offering a full range of residential and commercial plumbing services. Our skilled plumbers have years of plumbing experience, and they’re ready to help you with all of your plumbing needs.