Our digital era allows people to spread information faster than in past years. However, this can work to your disadvantage, especially if you come across peddled myths that risk your plumbing system. At Southport Home Services, we recommend confirming all information about your plumbing with our plumbing experts to avoid damaging your fixtures. We have outlined some common myths so you will not fall into the trap of actualizing them.
You Can Dispose Flushable Wet Wipes in the Toilet
Manufacturers of sanitary items came up with flushable baby wipes, which many seem to throw down the drain. These products do not disintegrate in water like tissue paper and, therefore, pose a risk of causing a drain or sewer line clog. Though you may see them going down the drain, they will not dissolve in the water quickly enough. Therefore, even if they label them flushable, we advise all our clients not to dispose of them in the toilet.
Ice Cubes Sharpen Your Garbage Disposal
Many DIY enthusiasts promote throwing ice cubes down the drain to sharpen your garbage disposal. They mostly do this when the unit seems to work slower than usual. However, the unit has teeth-like structures that grind the food to tiny particles easily carried by water into the drains.
Therefore, the ice cubes cannot sharpen the disposal system since it has no blades. The teeth perform flawlessly, and any interference may cause them to malfunction. The ice cubes can only clean the teeth, which may reduce the amount of food particles stuck in the system.
You Can Use Lemons to Clean Your Garbage Disposal
Another common myth concerning garbage disposal is using lemons to clean the system. Lemons produce a sweet smell, making one think they have cleaned the unit. However, the main achievement of doing this is removing foul odors from the sink. Additionally, you may risk damaging your garbage disposal if you throw huge pieces or seeds down the drain. They will clog or even break the disposal system, thus costing you significant money in repairs.
A Brick in the Toilet Tank Will Help Conserve Water
Some years ago, we encountered many clients who put a brick inside their toilet tanks to reduce the water they hold. While many thought this to be a good way of saving money and conserving water, it usually led to several problems in the future. One major issue is that the brick begins breaking down when immersed in water. The particles may settle in the tank, and some travel down the drains, causing a clog.
Additionally, the brick causes you to flush the toilet with dirty water, which is unhygienic and can cause infections. Reduced water may also prevent proper wastewater flow into the sewer line, leading to slow drainage and, at times, clogs. Therefore, we discourage this tactic as a way to conserve water. It is better to invest in modern flushing systems that have more efficiency than risk damage to your toilet.
Hot Water Prevents Clogs
This myth keeps resurfacing since people know that hot water melts the grease in the sinks. However, the fat only melts in the sink when in contact with the heat. As the water travels into the drains, it continues cooling, and solidification occurs. Therefore, while you may have removed the grease from the sink, it will solidify in the drains or sewer lines and combine with other solids to clog the system. The best way to handle this is to remove all greasy foods before throwing the dishes into the sink or dishwasher.
Chemical Drain Cleaners Are Safe
Over our years of serving the community, we have encountered many homeowners who use liquid drain cleaners as an alternative for professional unclogging. These chemicals do more harm than good. First, you corrode the pipes with the harsh chemicals in the liquid. Therefore, you shorten your drains’ lifespan and may need a replacement soon.
Additionally, you risk harming your skin if the chemical spills on you without the proper protective gear. Others also increase their risk of harming themselves by using drain cleaners and a plunger simultaneously. A plunger exerts pressure on the drains and may cause the liquid to splash outwards and hurt you.
Instead of using chemical drain cleaners, our plumbers at [company name] recommend calling for professional drain cleaning. We use safe products and equipment to clear the mess without harming you or the pipes.
Your Water Heater Is About to Explode if It Begins Rumbling Noises
We usually find many scared customers who call for a plumbing emergency immediately after their heater begins producing a gurgling or bubbling noise. While it is crucial to ask for help promptly, you should not live in fear of your heater exploding. The gurgling noise happens due to sediments in the tank from the water minerals. If they accumulate over time, the air bubbles travel through them as the water heats and cause that unusual sound.
While the sediment may not cause the unit to explode, it affects its efficiency. The minerals may obstruct the pipes, causing a reduced hot water flow rate. Our plumbers quickly fix this problem by cleaning the heater’s tank and supply lines. Regular maintenance appointments are the most suitable time to do this task, thus preventing the layer from accumulating.
Plungers Can Fix All Clogs
Due to the prominence of DIY tactics, many homeowners believe they can fix all clogs with a plunger. However, this is not true. A plunger is useful when dealing with minor sink and toilet clogs. If something falls in the sink or toilet and obstructs wastewater flow, you can easily use a plunger and remove it. Nevertheless, this tactic may not help you when dealing with repetitive blockages.
When you encounter numerous clogs, you have a problem in the drains or sewer line, which requires professional drain cleaning. Some nasty clogs may develop over time due to hair, food particles, soap, sanitary products, and root invasion. Therefore, they need our expert training to assess the damage and get the appropriate technique.
Some of the symptoms that indicate the need for professional drain cleaning include the following:
- slow drainage
- smelly drains
- gurgling noises when draining
- sewer backup
- wet patches above the sewer line
Small Leaks Don’t Cause Damage
Leaks are among the top causes of water wastage in America. A small leak may waste gallons of water in a year, causing you to pay more utility bills. No matter the position of the leak, you shouldn’t ignore it. Additionally, leaks can cause structural damage, especially if the pipe is behind walls, below the house, or in the attic. The moisture gets absorbed into the wood, leading to warping and rotting. If it continues over time, this situation poses a considerable risk to the structure’s integrity.
Contact Us
At [company name], we advocate using reliable sources of information before executing any plumbing hacks. Our team has extensive experience in the industry and carries enough wealth of knowledge to help you protect your plumbing. We prioritize our customers’ needs and work hard to keep them comfortable and safe.
We also offer exceptional HVAC services to improve indoor comfort regardless of season. We install, repair, and maintain your HVAC units at affordable rates. Our services benefit residential and commercial building owners so that all Madison residents benefit from our excellence.
Talk to us today and book a session with [company name] experts for efficient and top-quality solutions.
