There is a world of misinformation out there. All over the internet, there may be “quick tricks” or “life hacks” to save you money on your plumbing care. While some of these “hacks” may seem like they resolve the issue, they may be causing your pipes and plumbing more damage in the long run. It’s always better to get a trained and knowledgeable plumber to look at your issues than try to find quick fixes.
Here are some of the biggest plumbing myths out there. Avoid these to prolong the life of your plumbing, or call Ace Plumbing, Electric, Heating & Air at (864) 210-5814 for any plumbing repairs.
1. “Flushable” wipes can go down the toilet.
You should never trust flushable wipes to dissolve down in your drains. The marketing behind them being “flushable” is that you can send them down a toilet. It does not necessarily mean that those wipes will break down in your septic tank. These wipes are one of the most common causes of clogged drains. Stick to toilet paper, or invest in a bidet.
2. Hot water can melt grease in the pipes.
You may have noticed that when you go to clean grease off of your kitchenware, it’s easier to clean with very hot water. If you are ever cooking with butter or other fats or oils, it should be a habit to toss the leftover grease straight into the trash. Try to avoid putting grease down your drains. It may seem to disappear, but it’ll only resolidify further down the pipes, causing a difficult blockage to remove later on.
3. Drain cleaner fluids are the best way to clean a pipeline.
The method of pouring liquid drain cleaner hurts not only your pipes but you as well. The cheap, store-bought cleaners can contain harmful chemicals that will slowly eat away not only the clog but your piping as well. And even worse, if your plumbing issue is due to a broken line somewhere, dumping chemicals down the drain won’t fix it.
4. A small drip isn’t a big issue.
These really don’t seem to be as big an issue as a flooding home or a burst pipe, but these small leaks can be easily overlooked, leading to bigger issues. Ignoring a small leak is easy to do but can result in many bad things, like an increased water bill or the creation of mold in tight spaces. We normally tend to think that small leaks won’t waste a ton of water, but a small drip every 10-15 seconds can equate to as much as 15 gallons a week.
5. Garbage disposals can take anything.
While sink disposals have sharp blades, it’s best not to stick everything you’re cooking with down there. Garbage disposals are good for small bits and pieces of food but can’t handle larger items. Some items like coffee grounds and onion skins can seem to be handled quite well but will eventually lead to a clog that you can’t get to. Fibrous foods like pumpkins and other gourds, potato skins, and even meat chunks can wreak havoc on the system and clog up the line as well. If it looks like a lot of food is going down your drain, just throw it away in the trash.
Have questions about your plumbing system? Ace is here for you.
Ace Plumbing, Electric, Heating & Air is a family-owned and run plumbing company in and around Easley, SC. Our experienced professionals are always available to help you with any repair or installation needs. We’re here to help when disaster strikes or when you need the knowledge to prevent foreseeable disasters. Don’t hesitate to call us today at (864) 210-5814! Another way to reach us is by filling out this service request form.
