Plumbing is among the oldest professions; as such, it’s not surprising that there is a lot of misinformation. Inexperienced homeowners fall for absurd myths that cause plumbing disasters in their homes. Most people use the internet as a resource for their problems, including plumbing.
Unfortunately, not all ‘hacks’ or home remedies on the internet are accurate; thus, you may end up with unresolved issues or even serious problems in the future if you blindly apply those tips without consulting a plumber. Modern plumbing technology has helped bust most of these plumbing myths. This blog post discusses common plumbing myths to help homeowners in Las Vegas, NV, keep their homes safe.
“Flushable” Wipes are Flushable
This is the most misleading information used by some companies to make more sales. Flushable wipes don’t dissolve in water like toilet paper. Instead, they take a long time to disintegrate because they are designed with polyester, synthetic materials, and plastics that can’t break down. If you use them daily, you risk destroying your pipes due to clogging. When you’ve blocked pipes, you’ll need to call a technician to unblock the plumbing system, which can be expensive and time-consuming.
Even if you successfully flush them down your toilet, they will clog the sewers. In fact, Las Vegas city uses tens of thousands of dollars every year to clear the pipes of blocked items, including flushable wipes. Plumbers advise homeowners to only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet.
Lemon Peels and Ice Cubes Sharpen Garbage Disposal “Blades”
It’s funny that some folks think that ice cubes and lemon peels make the “blades” of a garbage disposal sharper. Here’s the hilarious part; garbage disposals don’t even have “blades.” Instead, they are built with impellers that look like teeth, which grind solids into liquid.
You can’t sharpen impellers, and lemon peels are acidic; thus, they corrode these features, leading to clogging. Also, ice cubes can’t sharpen impellers but can clean them.
Hot Water Prevents Clogs by Melting Grease
No matter how much hot water you pour on your drainage, you’ll still end up with a clogged kitchen sink in the future. Grease is like a magnet formed from hair and food bits that eventually clog the pipes. Therefore, regardless of how hot the grease is, it will cool, solidify, and eventually build up once inside the drain pipes.
Calling your local plumber in Las Vegas, NV, can help you escape this future problem as the pro will clear the line. The cold water solution is also useful as it solidifies the grease before it reaches the sewer and enables it to float to the city sewer.
A Brick in the Tank of the Toilet Saves Water and Money
Brick is supposed to help you save money using less water, but it can cause toilet issues. Bricks help conserve a little bit of water per flush but the fact that bricks decay is dangerous because it can damage your toilet mechanism.
Also, your toilet needs a certain amount of water to flush properly. Bricks reduce the amount of water available for flushing; this could cause the brick to break apart, causing serious issues inside your toilet.
Fortunately, safer solutions for conserving water in the bathroom include installing high-efficiency toilets. If you live in Las Vegas, NV, you could have your plumber help you decide on the best toilet that can help you save water and money.
Orange Peels Aromatize Drains
Chucking orange peels down the drain makes it smell better for a shorter time, but the smell worsens afterward. The peels can make blades dull over time due to the presence of citrus acid in lemon.
Also, the citric acid corrodes metal parts of the drainage system, causing it to break in the long run. You can also consult a professional plumber to make your drains smell better.
Any Plumbing Technician Can Handle Your Issues
Some people believe that all plumbing professionals are the same and can handle all types of plumbing issues. But you’ll be surprised that plumber differs in expertise and knowledge; thus, it’s important to check reviews and ratings before hiring them.
Although most technicians are licensed, some specialize in a certain area, for instance, gas lines; hence, it’s important that you find the right expert when you have a specific issue.
Liquid Drain Cleaners are Safe
Liquid drain manufacturers have convinced most homeowners that using chemical drain cleaners in their pipes is safe and effective. While these chemicals are effective on small clogs, they are also strong enough to destroy plumbing pipes and the materials around your toilet, bathtub, or sink.
Instead of using these harsh liquid drain cleaners to remove minor clogs, you should clear them using a solution of baking soda, vinegar, and boiling water. If you have bigger clogs, you should seek the help of a licensed plumber.
You Can Ignore a Small Leak
False. Did you know over one trillion gallons of water is wasted annually because of household leaks? So do not ignore that slow drip in your house unless you want to pay a hefty water bill and end up with mold and mildew problems.
Also, that minor leak causes cabinets and supporting structures to rot. Most leaking faucets do not need a plumber to fix them as they are relatively easy to repair.
Reach Out to Craig’s Plumbing to Learn More
With a lot of misleading information, homeowners need basic plumbing knowledge to avoid falling victim to the above-discussed myths. Since the blog has cleared most plumbing myths, you can now maintain your plumbing system without a problem.
When it’s time for your annual maintenance, contact Craig’s Plumbing. Since 1987 we’ve been servicing homes and businesses throughout Las Vegas; thus, you can rely on us for your plumbing issues. Our plumbers can help you with water line repair, garbage disposal replacement, kitchen plumbing remodeling, home plumbing inspections, and plumbing maintenance. If you’ve got a plumbing issue, hit us up right away.
