Common Plumbing Myths Debunked

If you’re like most homeowners, you may have heard a few plumbing myths floating around. We’ve all heard them. But, do any of these plumbing myths hold any truth? This blog post will debunk some of the most common plumbing myths and set the record straight. Stay tuned to learn more! By taking the time to learn about common plumbing myths, you can save yourself time, money, and frustration.

Common Plumbing Myths: Truth or Fiction?

Drain cleaners are a great option for fixing clogged drains

Drain cleaners are heavily marketed and designed to fix clogs in plumbing systems. However, while drain cleaners may seem like a good solution, they can do more harm than good. Drain cleaners are harsh chemicals that can damage your pipes and cause even more clogs. Drain cleaners can cause reactions to any corrosion in your pipes, leading to holes. The reactions may also heat your pipes, causing them to warp or deteriorate.

While drain cleaners can cause a lot of physical damage, drain cleaners can produce toxic fumes in the air.

Flushable wipes can be flushed

Just because a product says it’s flushable doesn’t mean it is. Flushable wipes are one of the main culprits of clogs in plumbing systems. Flushable wipe products claim they dissolve but typically don’t, causing serious clogs. Many sewer systems have also had to be completely replaced because of flushable wipes.

A good rule of thumb is to never flush anything down the toilet but human waste and toilet paper.

Lemon peels clean your garbage disposal

A lot of people believe lemon peels are an effective way to clean the garbage disposal and leave it smelling lemony fresh! However, the oils in lemon peels can stick to the blades of your garbage disposal and cause it to rust from the acidity. Over time, the oils will turn rancid and cause an unpleasant smell. 

The best way to clean your garbage disposal is to run it with hot water and dish soap. You can also use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to clean it.

Hot water can dissolve grease and oils

Oil and grease are semi-solids. Meaning, when they’re heated, they turn into a liquid. However, over time they cool off and turn into a solid. This can be extremely dangerous for plumbing systems. Never – we repeat – never put grease or oils down your sink or drain. When grease and oils are poured down the drain, they can solidify in the pipes. This can cause clogs that are difficult to remove.

Not to mention, the grease and oils can attract other particles and debris, causing an even bigger clog. The best way to get rid of grease and oils is to let them cool off and throw them in the trash.

Running water will help flush out pipes

One common plumbing myth is that running water will help to flush out pipes and prevent clogs. However, running water can increase the amount of debris stuck in pipes, leading to more clogs or backing up.

Don’t take it lightly when you have a clogged drain or sewer backup. The standing water (wastewater) you see in your tub, kitchen or bathroom sink, or collecting around your basement floor drain is in direct contact with the waste coating the drain pipes. Harmful viruses and bacteria may be present as well as potential toxins from chemical and pharmaceutical substances in the waste line. Have a local plumber check out any clogged drains right away.

Titan Plumbing: Your Chicago, IL Plumbing Experts