If you want to keep your
plumbing in good condition, you will find that there are many tips and tricks readily available. Unfortunately, many of these tips claim to be “conventional wisdom” and could be costing you. So here are some of the plumbing myths that you need to rethink taking seriously.
Use Lemons to Freshen Your Garbage Disposal:
Most of us are aware that garbage disposals can develop a less than fresh odor. Although it’s true that grinding lemons in the disposal can temporarily improve the smell, it could be detrimental. The acid of lemon juice can actually cause corrosion on the metal components inside the garbage disposal. A better idea is to grind some ice. This will freshen up the disposal without exposing the metal to acidic liquid.
In-Toilet Cleaners Are Best:
Everyone likes a nice, clean bowl, but in-toilet cleaners are not necessarily the solution. These types of cleaners may appear to be a great idea, but in reality, they simply add bleach to the buildup of scale and debris rather than eliminating it. This means that it is doing nothing to reduce the risk of scale accumulation reducing water flow and causing a blockage. A better solution is to remove the underlying issue by adding a little vinegar to the overflow tube.
If the Water’s Going Down, the Drain is Working Fine:
This is a very common myth and believing it removes the opportunity for proactive action. Contrary to this myth, blockages rarely occur overnight. Usually, a blockage requires time for debris to accumulate. If the drain has slowed, it is a sign that debris has started to accumulate and the water flow has been compromised, so get it checked and avoid the possibility of flooding.
Soap Can be Used to Clean Bathroom Fixtures:
There are so many cleaning products available for different areas of our homes; it can be easy to see a conspiracy. Many people start to think that all cleaners are basically the same, so why shouldn’t you use soap to clean your bathroom fixtures? Although it may seem like a good idea, soap can actually be corrosive to bathroom fixtures and leave an unsightly scum on the surface. If you don’t want to use expensive cleaning products, try using a diluted vinegar solution to wipe down your fixtures and avoid corrosion.
All Plumbers are the Same:
If you have a plumbing issue, you are likely to find a wide choice of plumbers operating in your area. While it may be tempting to just choose the first on the list, you should bear in mind that not all plumbers offer the same services.
Many plumbers specialize in specific areas, and technicians can choose to continue their training, earn certificates and keep up to date with the latest industry trends. You may end up paying a hefty penalty for choosing an unqualified plumber who uses outdated techniques to repair your plumbing issues.
You should also be wary of plumbers who won’t provide a written estimate before beginning work, as you may end up paying over the odds.
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 solutions.
