As is the case with many other industries, the plumbing world is no stranger to it’s fair share of myths. As we grow up, there are so many different household tips and tricks that seem to get passed down from generation to generation. While some of these are definitely useful and can be applied to daily life, that certainly isn’t the case with all of them.
On this week’s plumbing blog, we’re going to take an inside look at a few of these tips that are actually more “myth” than “fact.” Before getting started though, we would like to welcome any new visitors to our website. Stine-Nichols Plumbing is a full-service plumbing company based out of North Kansas City, MO that offers everything from residential and commercial to new construction plumbing services. Since opening our shop back in 2014, we have always taken pride in providing reliable and professional plumbing services at an affordable price. With that all being said, let’s hop right in and debunk some popular plumbing myths.
Myth #1: Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
Have you ever had a faucet that constantly had a slow drip? Maybe you’ve had a toilet that constantly runs? How much of an impact can these small leaks even have? After all, you’ll probably wonder if it’s even worth calling a plumber out to get them fixed. Well, you might be surprised by just how much water is being wasted by that dripping faucet. Rather than procrastinating on the repair, it’s important to avoid letting it sit for too long.
Before we move on to the next point though, let’s back up this idea with some statistics from the EPA. They report that “the average household’s leaks can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water wasted every day and ten percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day. Common types of leaks found in the home are worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and other leaking valves.” In other words, many of the leaks accounting for these ever-growing water bills are matters that could likely be fixed in just 15 minutes by a professional plumber!
Myth #2: Water Heaters Won’t Explode
Is there a more terrifying plumbing emergency than a water heater exploding? Outside of a flooded basement, it might be tough to come up with one! While it doesn’t happen all that often, an exploding water heater is a possibility if you don’t maintain your heater. As you might guess, the main reason behind this possible scenario is too much pressure built up. This excess pressure is supposed to be released through the pressure relief valve, hence why it is such an integral component.
What warning signs should you look out for? Popping noises from too much sediment build-up at the bottom of your tank, poor installation practices and brownish-colored water are a few of the more common ones! In addition, if you have a gas-powered water heater, a gas leak is another thing to be mindful of, as that can create some extremely serious problems!
Myth #3: Lemon or Orange Peels Help the Garbage Disposal
Next on our list of myths is the idea that lemon or orange peels are actually good for the garbage disposal. While they certainly have a pleasant smell to them, they aren’t going to be able to sharpen the blades of your garbage disposal. In fact, depending on the thickness of the peels, you may actually be doing more harm than good. Try using some ice cubes or a mixture of water/vinegar first!
Did you know that the citric acid remaining on the peels is also capable of corroding the garbage disposal blades as well? Yikes!
Myth #4: Flushable Wipes Can Be Flushed
Flushable wipes should be able to be flushed, right? After all, why else would they advertise them as being “flushable” wipes? Unfortunately, that is not true and often a major reason why flushable wipes end up causing clogs! Even though “flushable wipes” do eventually break down over time, the truth is they take much longer to do that in comparison to toilet paper. Hence why we often run into wet wipes and baby wipes as the culprit behind serious clogs!
A perfect rule of thumb to live by when it comes to your toilet is understanding that the only things you can flush down it is toilet paper and human waste. Anything else will set you up for a potential future clog.
Myth #5: You’re Safe to Use Drain Cleaners
If you walk down the cleaning aisles at Walmart or Target, chances are you’ll come across more than a few different drain cleaners. If there’s so many different brands on the retail shelves, they have to be safe at your own home, right? Unfortunately, that is not true! While they may seemingly solve the issue at the time, the truth is they could be causing more harm than good. First off, it’s best to know how chemical drain cleaners actually work. When it hits the clog, there is a chemical reaction that creates heat and essentially liquifies the clogged substance. Unfortunately, in doing so, it can also be causing damage to your pipes with this heat and may start eating away at them as well. If it’s only used a few times, chances are it won’t cause any serious issues right away, but continued use could spell future problems.
Including other issues like possible fixture damage, we recommend leaving drain cleaning up to a licensed plumber. They’ll have the tools and expertise necessary to clear the clog without using harmful chemicals.
To learn more about the dangers associated with using chemical drain cleaners, check out our blog HERE. It dives deeper into the topic and explains why it is so important to unclog drains the right way!
Myth #6: Plumbing Repairs Can Easily Be Turned into DIY Weekend Jobs
Having personally been involved in the plumbing world for over 40 years, it’s safe to say I’ve come across my fair share of lackluster plumbing repairs. In fact, we are often called to come out and fix these repairs shortly after they’re made. While there are certainly some plumbing projects that can be turned into a DIY job (such as replacing a flapper), we generally recommend leaving repairs or replacements up to an experienced professional. Trust us, it’s worth it for the peace of mind knowing that everything is set up correctly!
Myth #7: Boiling Water Can Help Move Grease Down the Drain
Our final plumbing myth deals with grease. As you’ve likely heard on many occasions, grease is never good for your drains. Once it cools off, it will harden and start creating clogs shortly after. Unfortunately, there’s a myth that states if you mix the grease with boiling water, the grease will remain as a liquid long enough to go through your drains. This is simply not true, as it will still cause problems. Whenever you’re dealing with grease, pour it into a jar and then throw it away once it’s cooled and solidified.
Call the Kansas City Plumbing Experts
Do any of these myths resemble something you’ve been told before? When it comes to residential plumbing, it’s safe to say there are more than a few myths or misconceptions that’ve been passed down over the years. On this week’s blog, I wanted to cover a few of the more popular ones and debunk them with some everyday plumbing knowledge. If you live in the Kansas City area and need a professional plumber to assist on an upcoming project, we would be happy to help. Big or small, Stine-Nichols Plumbing is committed to providing reliable and long-lasting plumbing solutions at an affordable price. Give us a call today at (816) 348-3481 to speak with one of our plumbing experts!