Many people have deeply rooted misconceptions about a variety of topics and
plumbing is not an exception. These “facts” can range from the ridiculous to advice that is plain wrong, and that could even cause expensive damage if implemented in your home. In this is article, we will take a close look three of these wrong plumbing facts that you may believe are true.
- The Best Fix for a Blockage is a Plunger
Many people have a blockage in their plumbing and reach for the plunger first to fix the problem. This can actually cause more damage as you may push the blockage further into your pipes by using a plunger. It may come as a surprise, but there are four different types of plungers, but most people typically only have one or two in their homes. The first is the sink or cup plunger that is used for sinks, bathtubs, and showers. The second common plunger type is the toilet plunger, and both plunger types can be used to clear small blockages. Larger obstructions will need to be removed with a wire and hook or by a qualified local plumber using a specialized augur.
- A Noisy Water Heater Could Explode
Sometimes you may hear strange rumbling noises coming from your water, and some people believe that this means that the water heater is going to explode. This is incorrect the rumbling means that there is sediment in your tank. Over time sediment can accumulate in the bottom of your tank and create a blockage, this is more likely if you have hard water. The rumbling noise indicates that the water heater is working hard to raise the water temperature despite the blockage. The blockage creates the noise, it also affects the water heater efficiency and lowers the lifespan of the water heater. The water heater will need to be drained and then flushed to remove the built up sediment. Ideally, every water heater should be flushed annually to maintain performance and maximize energy efficiency.
- Modern Plumbing is Easy
Many people consider themselves to be competent at DIY and this should be encouraged. Working on your home projects and keeping your property well maintained is a great way to save money and develop crucial skills. It would be easy to believe that modern plumbing is simple to do, many plumbing fittings simply snap together, and for advice, you can watch a Youtube video. This is simply not true; it’s very easy to get in over your head when attempting plumbing without relevant experience. A plumber will also have specialized tools that are not usually found in the average DIY toolbox. If a plumbing job is botched, it may be even more expensive to repair that it would have cost to hire a
professional plumber in the first place. If you’re ever in any doubt about your ability to carry out a plumbing task call a local certified plumbing professional for expert assistance.
By Giovanni Longo President Flood Brothers Plumbing
Giovanni Longo is a 3rd generation master plumber who has been practicing his craft and trade in the greater Los Angeles area for well over a decade and a half. A plumbing and hydraulics-engineering innovator, Giovanni’s particular world-class expertise focuses on dealing with challenging sewer system designs as well as resolving complex commercial and residential draining issues. As a certified Flood Mitigation expert, he is also well versed in a wide variety of water damage and remediation solution.
