The “lifehack” plumbing tips you heard from other people are not always correct. Surprisingly, plumbing service companies often get reports from clients who had their system broken due to following those tips. Don’t fall into the same trap. Take a look at these common plumbing myths and learn the busting facts about them!
Myth: Flushing Hot Water Down the Sink Will Unclog The Pipes
Fact:
If your pipe is made of low-quality PVC, hot water will damage it. Also, you need to consider the length of your pipeworks. How much water will be sufficient to liquefy and flush out all the grease in it?
If not done correctly, chances are you will only push the grease in the deeper part of the pipe and create a thicker build-up there, which will only worsen the clog.
If your toilet is taking a long time to flush, you may have heard that running water will help speed up the process. However, this is not true. In fact, running water can actually keep your toilet from flushing properly. The best thing to do if your toilet is taking a long time to flush is to call a plumber.
Myth: Flushable Wipes Are Safe and Convenient
Fact:
It is not as safe as you imagine because these wipes couldn’t break down, let alone decompose. Instead, it has frequently been the main culprit of clogs, which means it is not convenient at all.
Even putting them inside the garbage disposal will make it safe to go down the plumbing pipes. Also, If you’re one of those people who think that putting lemons in the garbage disposal will help freshen it up, think again.
The acidity in lemons can actually corrode the blades in your garbage disposal, and over time it will cause your disposal to break down.
Myth: Chemical Drain Cleaners Are Best to Unclog Pipes
Fact:
They may appear as an instant fix, but they may also bring problems without you realizing it. The harsh chemicals will not only destroy the clog, but also the interior wall of the pipe. Your pipes will corrode and eventually leak.
Even worse, sometimes the chemicals are not strong enough to destroy all the clogs, which means you will still end up with clogs along with the leaking pipes. Also, you can inhale the chemical gas by accident, which is harmful.
Pouring bleach down your drain might seem like a good way to keep it clean, but it can actually damage your pipes. Bleach is a harsh chemical that can eat away at the pipes, causing them to leak. If you want to clean your drain, use a plunger or a plumber’s snake.
Myth: All Plumbers Are the Same
Fact:
A professional plumber requires sets of training and certifications to make themselves eligible to work. Also, not all of them are keeping up with the new technologies and innovations.
When hiring a plumber, you need to do your research and be considerate when choosing, especially if you are using a modern system. Experienced and skillful plumbers usually charge more, which is understandable and worth it.
Just because someone is a plumber does not mean they are qualified to do all types of plumbing work. There are different types of plumbers, and each one has its own area of expertise.
For example, there are plumbers who specialize in residential plumbing and others who specialize in commercial plumbing. Make sure you hire a plumber who is qualified to do the job you need them to do.
Myth: Save Money by Placing A Brick in the Toilet Tank
Fact:
This trick may reduce the volume of water used, which can indeed lower water consumption. However, it will also prevent the toilet from flushing properly. Using this trick will only lower the performance quality of your system.
If you need to improve water efficiency, you should buy a new unit of a toilet with high water efficiency instead. There is also a common belief that flushing the toilet with the lid up is bad for your health because it can cause you to inhale bacteria from the bowl.
However, this is not true. The amount of bacteria in the air from a toilet flush is so small that it poses no health risk.
Most plumbing myths are tips for DIY unclogging pipes. Yet unfortunately, most of them do more harm than good instead. A service to properly fix your clogged pipes is actually not that high because it is for a professional plumber to do it. On the contrary, replacing damaged pipeworks will cost you a lot.
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