Happy April Fool’s Day! No one really knows for sure how this day started and where it originated from. What we do know is that many people from around the world like to take part in this day – all in the name of humor and lighthearted laughs. Hey, we are all for some well-intended fun. But today, we have chosen to take a different approach. Integrity is paramount in the realm of plumbing! Distinguishing fact from fiction is crucial to safeguard your home’s infrastructure. There is a lot of information out there, and we know that it can be overwhelming trying to discern the truth. So, join your local experts at Huber Heights Plumbing & Drain as we “bust” some of the most common plumbing myths and reveal the ugly truth behind them.
Plumbing Myth 1 – It’s Okay to Use Store-Bought Chemical Drain Cleaners for Drain Clogs
First, let’s start off with store-bought drain cleaners since they are widely used. One prevalent misconception is the belief that commercially available chemical drain cleaners are great to use for clogs. Now, we understand that drain cleaners may be a quick and cheap alternative to effectively dissolving a clog so that they may seem like quite an efficient option. However, these chemical drain cleaners usually do more harm than good! Not only do they eat away at the clog, but they will also eat away at your pipes! The chemicals within these solutions are so severe that they will cause your pipes to corrode, thus creating a huge and costly repair job over time with continued use. Furthermore, these drain cleaners present health hazards and environmental risks.
Instead of opting for a drain cleaner every time a clog pops up, choosing mechanical approaches such as plunging or utilizing a drain snake is not only a safer but also a more efficient method in the long term, safeguarding the integrity of your plumbing system. For more sizable or persistent blockages, it would be best to seek guidance from a licensed plumber.
Plumbing Myth 2 – It’s Okay to Run Hot Water to Wash Out Grease Down the Drain
Another common plumbing misconception is the belief that hot water is a safe solution for rinsing away grease. While it may work in the moment, it does not mean it is safe to do so. Actually, when this particular plumbing problem is enforced, it will only further exacerbate the problem! Why? The reason is that although hot water initially liquefies grease, it will eventually cool down, leaving the grease to solidify within your plumbing system. Built-up grease within your pipes is just asking for plumbing trouble!
Want to stay away from this plumbing problem? Simply gather grease in a container and dispose of it in the appropriate manner, either by discarding it in the trash or recycling it. This straightforward practice can help avert expensive plumbing problems in the future, thereby reducing potential emotional distress and avoidable plumbing costs.
Plumbing Myth 3 – It’s Okay to Flush Flushable Wipes Down the Toilet
Flushable wipes – the bane of every professional plumber! Well, that may be a tad dramatic, but most plumbers don’t recommend using them because although they are marketed as “flushable,” they do not really break down as toilet paper does. Contrary to their labeling, flushable wipes lack the easy breakdown characteristic of toilet paper, posing a risk of creating expensive blockages within your plumbing infrastructure. The accumulation of these supposedly flushable wipes in pipes has the potential to trigger backups and sewage overflows.
To prevent this plumbing issue, stick to flushing only toilet paper and disposing of any type of wipes in the trash. It may be a bit inconvenient, but your plumbing system will thank you.
Plumbing Myth 4 – It’s Okay to Flush Feminine Hygiene Products Down the Toilet
On the same note, when it comes to flushing items down the toilet, it is also not advisable to flush feminine hygiene products. This myth is a frequently encountered one. But let’s think about it. Feminine hygiene products are designed to absorb liquid and expand in water, which, of course, increases the risk of causing severe blockages in pipes. Now, generally speaking, most people know pads and liners cannot be flushed, but it’s important to practice preventative care and not flush tampons, either. Sure, doing so may not cause immediate harm to your system or raise problems right away. But as with most things, repeated habits over time can really go up later down the road. In the end, you risk dealing with extreme clogs in your plumbing system and potential damage to sewer lines – not worth it!
Counter this plumbing myth by properly disposing of all feminine hygiene products in the trash to avoid expensive plumbing repairs and environmental harm. Again, while it may appear inconvenient, rest assured that you will never regret maintaining your plumbing system with basic plumbing care practices.
Do not let yourself be fooled with these common plumbing myths! Remember – you can always opt for alternative solutions to chemical drain cleaners, avoid discarding grease into drains, ensure proper disposal of flushable wipes, and refrain from flushing feminine hygiene products. Don’t forget that seeking guidance from a professional is advisable for accurate information regarding your plumbing system. For further insights on maintaining your plumbing system, feel free to explore our additional informative blogs.
We endeavor to establish ourselves as a company of reliability and trustworthiness. Call Huber Heights Plumbing & Drain for all your plumbing questions and plumbing needs at (937) 764-3381, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!