We don’t tend to think of our plumbing very often because it’s out of sight and if operating correctly, there’s no reason to! However, underneath your appliances is a complicated network of lines and pipes that keep your house running smoothly. To avoid accidentally causing damage to your plumbing system, Mr. Plumber has listed 5 of the most common misconceptions or myths – busted!
5. Small Leaks Are Okay
The most common leaks are found in dripping faucets, toilets, and leaking valves. Leaks like this are typically simple to fix, so you should have them looked at as soon as possible. A little drip seems harmless, but they quickly can wrack up a massive water bill over time. Having some plumbing maintenance done will save you money in the long run. According to the EPA, one drip per second can waste more than 3000 gallons yearly!
4. Flushable Wipes are Flushable
Contrary to their name, flushable wipes are not safely flushable! Unlike toilet paper, which is designed to disintegrate in water, flushable wipes do not fully break down in the same way. When using them, you risk clogging your pipes and the sewage system of your residential area. Even if the wipes flush, they might create plumbing issues deeper in the system. To avoid this, you should only ever flush human waste and toilet paper.
3. Placing A Brick in Your Toilet Tank Saves Money
Putting a brick in your toilet may save a small amount of water since the brick takes up more tank capacity, which creates fewer gallons per flush. However, toilets are designed to require a certain amount of water to flush properly. Doing this can interfere with its functioning properly, such as messing up the hydraulic system it utilizes to operate. The best way to save water is to check that there are no leaks.
2. Drain Cleaners Are Safe
Drain cleaners contain a plethora of harmful chemicals. If used too much, they can erode your pipes. Most importantly, they’re a serious health hazard if accidentally consumed or touched. Your eyes are especially vulnerable to the chemicals in drain cleaners, which may lead to severe injuries. If you mix drain cleaners with other products, you might risk a dangerous chemical combination. Next time you encounter a clog, opting for a plunger is better.
1. If It Goes Down, It’ll Stay Down
Many think that if the materials they flush in their toilets and sinks go down, there’s no problem. Depending on what is being flushed, this may be true! However, you might slowly clog your pipes over time, causing a huge buildup. Other Times, you might overestimate what your drain can handle and plug it instantaneously. If you notice that your water is taking longer than usual to go down, there might be a backup in your pipes.
Plumbing Fixed Right
We know there’s a lot of misleading information out there, which is why it’s crucial to learn basic plumbing knowledge to avoid these myths. They often lead to unintentional damage. Luckily, we’re here to dispel any misconceptions. If you find yourself in need of professional plumbing maintenance, call Mr. Plumber today!
