When it comes to home plumbing, there鈥檚 no shortage of advice out there鈥攆rom well-meaning neighbors to internet 鈥渉acks.鈥� But not everything you hear is true鈥攁nd in some cases, these common plumbing myths could be setting you up for costly repairs down the line.
Let鈥檚 break down some of the most widespread misconceptions and what you actually need to know to keep your plumbing in good shape.
Fact: Even the 鈥渇lushable鈥� ones can clog your pipes.
Many products labeled as 鈥渇lushable鈥� don鈥檛 break down the same way toilet paper does. Over time, they can build up in your pipes, leading to blockages and backups鈥攏ot to mention the strain they put on municipal sewer systems. Stick to toilet paper, and toss wipes in the trash instead.
Fact: It鈥檚 often a sign of a growing problem.
A slow drain might seem like a minor annoyance, but it usually means a clog is forming somewhere in your pipes. Ignoring it can lead to more severe blockages, backups, or even damage to your plumbing. Address it early to save yourself the headache (and cost) of a major repair.
Fact: Water helps鈥攂ut it鈥檚 not a catch-all solution.
While water can help move waste through the disposal, it doesn鈥檛 prevent all clogs鈥攅specially if you鈥檙e putting in items like grease, eggshells, coffee grounds, or fibrous vegetables (think celery or potato peels). Be mindful of what goes in, even if you鈥檙e running water.
Fact: They smell nice, but they don鈥檛 clean the unit.
Lemons can make your disposal smell fresher temporarily, but they don鈥檛 actually clean the blades or remove built-up gunk. In fact, the citric acid can corrode metal components over time. For a more effective clean, use a mix of baking soda and vinegar followed by hot water.
Fact: Those harsh chemicals can do more harm than good.
Chemical drain cleaners might seem like a quick fix, but they can damage your pipes鈥攅specially if used repeatedly. They also don鈥檛 always remove the full clog, which means it鈥檚 likely to return. When in doubt, go with a plunger, a drain snake, or call in a pro.
Fact: Routine maintenance prevents bigger (and more expensive) issues.
Regular inspections and upkeep鈥攍ike checking for leaks, insulating pipes, and flushing your water heater鈥攃an extend the life of your plumbing system and help you avoid emergency repairs. Think of it like getting an oil change for your car鈥攊t鈥檚 cheaper than replacing the engine.
Fact: Experience and certifications matter.
Not all plumbing services are equal. It鈥檚 important to hire licensed professionals who have the training and experience to handle the job correctly. Quality work can mean the difference between a long-term solution and a repeat issue.
When it comes to plumbing, believing the wrong 鈥渁dvice鈥� can cost you. Knowing the facts鈥攁nd acting on them early鈥攃an help you avoid preventable damage and expensive repairs.
If you鈥檙e not sure what鈥檚 myth and what鈥檚 maintenance, the team at A. 黑料正能量 is here to help you make sense of it all.