Like many other aspects of modern life, there are many misconceptions relating to plumbing. Over the years lousy advice or misunderstandings can become ingrained beliefs or habits that are hard to break. In plumbing terms, this can cause homeowners to make ill informed decisions that could damage their plumbing systems. In this article we have collected together five common plumbing statements, are they true or false? Read on to learn more.
1. The Best Way to Unclog Your Sink is with a Liquid Drain Cleaner
False: When a sink becomes clogged it’s typically caused by a buildup of a variety of materials, including skin, hair and fatty deposits. This solid material over time forms into larger clogs that can be tough to break down and many people believe that these can be dissolved. A liquid drain cleaner will not dissolve a clog and using these types of products can even damage your pipes. It’s a far better idea to physically remove the clog instead, and larger or harder to remove clogs should be removed by a certified local plumber.
2. Even a Slow Leak Can Waste a Lot of Water
True: A single faucet that drips only 3 drops of water each minute could waste almost 157 gallons of water annually. The EPA has calculated that household leaks could be wasting over 1 trillion gallons of water annually. Drips never go away without intervention, and they can take a toll on your faucet and other plumbing fixtures.
3. Flushable Wipes are a Great Idea
False: Despite their name, “flushable wipes” used for cleaning toilets should never be flushed away after use. These products are a common cause of clogged drains and toilets and should be avoided. The only things that should be flushed are human waste and the accompanying toilet paper.
4. Small Critters Can Get Up the Pipes and Into the Toilet Bowl
True: An average home has a number of pipes running from the sewer system up to the roof of your home where the unwanted gas is vented. These pipes connect up to the drain system for the home which empties water from the toilet and water using appliances. It’s uncommon, but possible for a rat or snake to get into the sewer line and then into your toilet bowl.
5. Toilet Bowl Bleach Tablet will Keep the Toilet Clean
False: Some toilet bowl tablets contain bleach that is purported to keep the toilet clean around the clock. These tablets could ruin parts of your toilet after only 6 months of use. Using bleach for cleaning toilets is fine, but it should not be allowed to soak for any longer than 10 minutes and then it should be flushed away.
As you can see, there are a lot of misconceptions surrounding home plumbing. These five subjects are just some of the most common plumbing concerns that we encounter on a regular basis. If you’re in any doubt about your plumbing system and you need expert help from a local certified plumber, we will be happy to help.
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.
