Common Myths
Plumbing is a necessary element of any home or business, though often not well understood. Most people don’t think about the intricacies of their plumbing system until or less something goes wrong. In this case, it’s usually not prudent to try a hack you saw on a Reddit thread or watch a YouTube video in an attempt to tackle the issue yourself.
We’ve encountered our share of myths and misconceptions related to plumbing. Some of them can cause a great deal of worry and expense. As information is power, we put together this primer on plumbing facts (in no particular order) so you can separate fact from fiction:
Myth 1: Hair is the main cause of clogged drains.
Hair clumps are hard on drains, but they’re not the only source of issues. Grease, soap scum, baby wipes and food particles can wreak havoc on pipes, too. To get ahead of clogs, it’s important to dispose of hair and other debris. Never pour grease down the drain. The same goes for flushable wipes, which really aren’t designed for this context. Toss them in the garbage and save yourself the trouble.
Myth 2: You should flush the toilet to prevent it from clogging.
Extra flushes will not address clogs. You actually might make the problem worse by putting more strain on the system. If you have this chronic issue, you more than likely have something else going on. It could be a blockage in the sewer line. In this case, it’s best to call in an expert to diagnose the problem.
Myth 3: You can use a plunger to unclog any drain.
You might luck out most of the time, but more insidious blockages could give you trouble. If the clog is significant, you might need a drain snake. When in doubt, call a professional plumber to avoid a further complication.
Myth 4: You can use baking soda and vinegar to unclog any drain.
Baking soda and vinegar can break up minor clogs, but it’s not meant to be used in all cases. Serious clogs might require a professional plumber to resolve.
Myth 5: You can use bleach to disinfect your pipes.
Bleach, by its nature, is acidic and can cause your pipes to corrode. Instead, you should rely on a mild cleaning solution or a vetted commercial drain cleaner to address smells.
Myth 6: You can fix a leaky faucet yourself.
A leaky faucet may be a DIY job, but it’s important to know what you’re doing or you could make the problem worse. When in doubt, it’s best to save yourself the hassle and call a professional plumber.
Myth 7: You should flush the toilet after every use.
This really isn’t necessary, but it can be a matter of personal preference and cleanliness.
Myth 8: You can use a plunger to unclog a toilet.
This is the go-to way to unclog a toilet, but you need to use the correct type. A plunger with a flange is the way to go.
Myth 9: You can use a drain snake to unclog a toilet.
This is a bad idea. A drain snake can ruin the toilet bowl and create issues in the plumbing system.
Myth 10: You can use a plunger to unclog a bathtub drain.
This won’t cause an issue, however you need to use a plunger specifically designed for use in bathtubs. A plunger with a flange isn’t compatible with bathtub drains.
Myth 11: It’s OK to ignore a small leak.
You might think it’s fine to prolong a fix, but even the smallest leak can pose serious consequences. Per the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), residential leaks are associated with more than 1 trillion gallons of water annually. A leaky faucet will increase your water bill and could cause property damage if not addressed.
If you’re worried about a leak it’s best to call a professional plumber to take care of the problem so you don’t have a disaster on your hands later.
Myth 12: For hot water heaters, “under warranty” is the same thing as “free repair.”
If your hot water heater is under 10 years old, warranty coverage may apply. This provision pays for the cost of untimely repairs. However, there are different types of warranty coverage: labor, parts, and tank or parts and tank only. In the first scenario, the manufacturer will cover the full cost of repair costs as dictated by the complete warranty. With respect to the latter, the manufacturer will eat the costs of parts only. In this case, you’d be responsible for labor. When making any large purchase be sure you understand all of the terms and conditions, so you don’t panic when something goes amiss.
Myth 13: Any plumber can handle my issue.
Not all plumbers bring the same quality, expertise, experience, and reputation to the job. This isn’t the time to cut corners to save a buck or two. Choosing a low-cost contractor could result in more money in the end because you’d have to pay to fix shoddy work. You also risk your personal safety by going with a cheap option. Do your research and make sure the person is licensed, bonded and insured.
Myth 14: Placing a brick in your toilet tank is a smart way to save water and money.
This one is not grounded in any truth. Placing such a heavy foreign option could damage your infrastructure. If you’re concerned about keeping your monthly bill reasonable, you should buy and install a newer and more efficient toilet. Then hire us to do the installation.
Bad advice can cost you. Instead, look to our team for guidance, so you can protect your home, your health and your pocketbook. On that note, we’re licensed in Indiana and Michigan and have decades of experience to handle any job. We can handle your residential plumbing needs in Northeast Indiana. We also install water heaters, water softeners, and can fix that leaky pipe in your basement. If you have questions or would like to arrange for a free quote, call 800.621.6679.