There are plenty of plumbing myths floating around out there. Some of them are harmless, but some of them are best avoided. Knowing the eight top offenders will help you keep your plumbing in tiptop shape. If you do encounter an issue with the plumbing in your home or business, consult with an experienced Big Bear, California Plumber today.
Myth 1: Placing a brick in my toilet’s tank will conserve water
We all want to help conserve water, and while the old brick in the toilet tank trick has been around forever, it isn’t actually a good idea. The brick will slowly crumble over time and will eventually leave sediment in your toilet’s tank that can damage its inner mechanism. Additionally, the brick can adversely affect your flushing system and require users to re-flush, which obviously defeats the original water-saving purpose. Instead of resorting to plumbing myths to conserve water, explore the latest water-efficient options with a reputable Big Bear, California, plumbing professional.
Myth 2: Toilet tablets keep my toilet fresh and clean
While toilet tablets that contain bleach can help clean your toilet bowl, their bleach concentration can harm the inner workings of your toilet. Using a bleach-containing toilet cleaner directly in the bowl is a better option. Just squeeze it around your bowl, wait several minutes, swish with a toilet brush, flush, and voilà.
Myth 3: Flushable wipes are a great option
A good policy when it comes to flushing things down your toilet is to stick to toilet paper only. Although flushable wipes are typically less harmful than the non-flushable variety, your plumbing system is better off without them.
Myth 4: As long as the grease is liquid, it won’t harm my drain
Grease in any form is damaging to your drains. The oil adheres to your pipes’ inner walls and attracts more debris. Over time, this can lead to slow drains and to serious blockages that are exceedingly difficult to clear away. Throw cooking grease away – after you have allowed it to harden.
Myth 5: I can keep my drain smelling sweet by sending lemon peels through the disposal
Lemon peels, though sweet smelling, do not belong in your sink’s garbage disposal. In fact, there are several varieties of kitchen waste that are hard on your disposal and belong in your garbage or compost:
- Peelings of any kind, including lemon peels and egg shells
- Pasta and rice
- Bones
- Greasy plate scrapings
Myth 6: A plunger is always a safe option for a slow drain
If you have a slow drain, a plunger is usually a safe option, but there are safety issues that you should be aware of:
- Start with a nonchemical drain cleaner, and proceed to a plunger if that doesn’t do the job.
- Use one plunger for your toilets and another plunger for your sinks.
- Once you clear your blockage, stop plunging.
- Chemical drain cleaners and plungers do not mix because dangerous splashing can occur. Remember, too, that chemical drain cleaners can damage your plumbing system – better to call in the services of a professional plumber.
Myth 7: A leaky faucet isn’t a top priority
A leaky faucet may seem like a minor problem, but it’s important to recognize that there is likely more to the issue than meets the eye:
- A leaky faucet is a waste of resources and inflates your utility bills.
- A leaky faucet places undue stress on your plumbing fixtures and plumbing system by keeping them in constant motion.
- A leaky faucet can be a sign that you have a more serious plumbing problem somewhere deeper in your system.
A leaky faucet calls for an experienced Big Bear, California, plumber.
Myth 8: A water heater that gurgles has serious problems
Many people become alarmed when their water heaters suddenly begin to make loud gurgling sounds, but this is the one plumbing myth that is probably more of a nuisance than anything else. Loud gurgling in your water heater is usually caused by sediment floating at the bottom of your tank. The sediment keeps the natural air bubbles from rising to the top. As the air bubbles pop, they can be surprisingly loud. Regularly scheduled plumbing maintenance will help keep your water heater in excellent condition and will eliminate that frightening gurgle.
Avoid Plumbing Myths by Consulting with an Experienced Big Bear, California, Plumber Today
Adhering to plumbing myths can do more harm than good to your plumbing system. If you have an issue with the plumbing in your home or business, the dedicated plumbing specialists at Bear Valley Plumbing & Heating in Big Bear, California, are here to help. If you have a plumbing emergency on your hands, never fear – we’re available 24/7. For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact or call us at 909-675-0983 today.
If you are looking for a Big Bear plumbing, heating & air conditioning contractor, please call (909) 584-4376 or complete our online request form.
Category: Plumbing
