There are plenty of harmless plumbing myths out there, such as claiming that drains empty counterclockwise south of the equator. Unfortunately, for every harmless myth, there’s one that, if exercised, could end up damaging your plumbing system.
To help you avoid the need for costly repairs, the plumbers at our plumbing company, Sunshine Plumbing and Gas, have taken the time to debunk ten of the most common harmful plumbing myths.
Contact us today to schedule plumbing services!
It’s Fine To Pour Hot Grease Down A Drain
Never pour grease down a drain, even if it’s still in it’s hot, liquid form. Hot grease will coat and deteriorate a drain’s interior, increasing the likelihood of a burst pipe. Instead of pouring grease down the drain, wipe it up with a paper towel or empty it into an aluminum can.
Putting Citrus Fruit Peels Down The Drain Is Good For Your Garbage Disposal
Sure, placing the peels of a lemon or orange down your drains may improve the kitchen’s scent, but it won’t improve the garbage disposal’s function. In fact, they may have an adverse effect, as thick, bulky peels could damage the disposal or dull its blades.
Cat Litter Can Be Flushed
As litter is water-soluble many would expect that it could be flushed with no problem. However, cat litter can wreak havoc on your plumbing system, as well as expose you to toxic parasites that may exist in a cat’s waste.
Wire Hangers Work As Makeshift Drain Snakes
There is no surer way to scratch up a pipe’s interior than to stick a wire coat hanger down its drain. Worse yet, scratches in a pipe will catch debris and increase the rate of harmful buildup, ultimately leading to more frequent clogs.
Flushable Wipes Are Safe To Flush
Given the name, one would expect this to be true. However, just because something can go down a toilet’s drain doesn’t necessarily mean it should. The biodegradability of flushable wipes is less than ideal, and over time they may back up your plumbing system.
Loud Noises From A Water Heater Means It Might Explode
No need to run for cover; noisy water heaters are typically just suffering from an excess of sediment from hard water sloshing around inside the tank. To avoid sediment build-up, it’s best to schedule regular water heater services from an experienced Ocala plumber.
Placing A Brick In A Toilet’s Tank Will Save Water & Money
Not only will doing this not save you money, but it may end up costing you. Over time, bricks placed in a tank will deteriorate, and their debris will harm the toilet’s flapper. Also, placing an item in a toilet’s tank may damage it to the point that it requires two flushes on average, and therefore more water usage.
Bleach Tablets Keep The Toilet Clean
Harsh chemical tablets will only harm a toilet. Consistent doses of bleach can destroy a toilet’s inner mechanisms in only a few months. It’s always preferable to use cleaners specifically designed for toilets just to be safe.
Ice Cubes Sharpen Garbage Disposal Blades
Ice cubes will not sharpen garbage disposal blades. At most, they’ll give them a light wash. However, if washing the blades is all you’re going for, there are plenty of cleaning products that will do a more effective job.
Faucets With A Slow Drip Aren’t A Problem
A leak of any kind, even one as seemingly insignificant as a slowly dripping faucet, will hike up a home’s utility bills. Additionally, that drip will slowly but surely produce wear and tear on plumbing fixtures. Save yourself money by scheduling faucet repairs for leaky fixtures.