One of the most important responsibilities of a homeowner is to have a full understanding of their plumbing system. Unfortunately, many uninformed homeowners often fall victim to plumbing myths. Because of this, some may rely on DIY plumbing repairs, which could potentially worsen the problem and require costly repairs or replacements.
Here are the five most common plumbing myths you need to avoid:
Flushing hot water helps clear the grease.
Unfortunately, many of us believe in this misconception. It does not matter how hot the water temperature is, grease will remain in your pipes and drains. Grease hardens when it cools off and coats the inside of the pipe. This blocks the water flow and eventually causes a backup or even burst pipes. To prevent major plumbing, simply wipe the grease out of pans or store it into a disposable jar and dispose of it properly in the garbage.
Lemon peels can effectively clean your garbage disposal.
Surely, running lemon peels through your garbage disposal gives your drain a pleasant citrusy fresh smell. However, it does not get it clean. Additionally, lemon peels can cause damage to your garbage disposal if the blades are not sharp enough. To clean and disinfect your garbage disposal, you simply need a mixture of mild soap and warm water. Make sure to disconnect the disposal system from its power source. Spray the solution into the disposal and scrub it with a brush.
Simply use a plunger to unclog the sink.
Many of us use a plunger to unclog the sink, but not so fast! Although this may seem like a simple solution to a clogged sink, it can be hazardous, especially if you’ve poured a harsh cleaning product into the sink first. Pumping the plunger can result in backsplash which can potentially cause irreversible skin damage or even blindness when it comes in contact with the eyes. Never use a plunger when using a chemical to clear the blockage.
Only use a plunger when you use a natural drain cleaner, such as a vinegar and baking soda solution. Lastly, if you have a double sink, make sure to seal the other drain to prevent pressure that can result in a blockage from the other drain.
A leaky faucet is a small deal.
A dripping faucet does not only add up for your monthly water bill but also causes wear and tear to various plumbing fixtures and your faucet. Over time, regular dripping can lead to rust, rot, and mould growth. Make sure to address this minor plumbing problem immediately. If you do not know how to fix a leaky faucet, simply call Plumbing Authority Inc. to correct the problem and save yourself thousands of dollars on your water bill.
Put a brick in the toilet tank to save water.
While keeping a brick in the toilet tank helps save water, it may be a terrible idea because bricks are porous materials. It will eventually deteriorate, causing serious problems. It can damage the toilet flapper and you will end up wasting more water once the brick dissolves.
Now that we have dispelled the common plumbing myths, you know how to deal with simple plumbing problems next time and protect your home from unpleasant and costly plumbing issues.
