After more than 60 years serving the plumbing needs of the Fox Cities, we’ve heard and seen it all. Unfortunately, that includes a lot of plumbing myths. These inaccurate plumbing hacks and DIY ideas somehow become false common knowledge through word-of-mouth, especially on social media. Not surprisingly, these myths can sometimes end up causing big problems for our customers. Here are a few of the top plumbing myths we’ve had to debunk over the years.
Myth #1: Flushable wipes are flushable.
Even when a wipe, usually baby wipes, are noted as “flushable,” we don’t recommend flushing them. Despite what the name implies, they’re still one of the most common culprits for toilet clogs that we deal with. Toss them in the trash instead.
Myth #2: You can pour grease down the drain with hot or boiling water.
Grease is one of the things that should never go down your disposal or sink. It can cause serious problems and damage to your plumbing. Plus, much like drinking hot water doesn’t help unclog your arteries, hot water won’t prevent grease from clogging up your pipes either.
Myth #3: A dripping or leaking faucet isn’t a big deal.
Unless you like wasting a lot of money, this definitely isn’t true. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the average household’s leaks can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year. That’s the same amount of water used in approximately 500 additional loads of laundry! Fixing leaks can save homeowners at least 10 percent on their water bills, according to the EPA. Damp, wet areas are also breeding grounds for mold and mildew, which can have a serious health impact if not dealt with.
Myth #4: A brick in the toilet tank can save you money.
We’re not sure where this myth started, but putting a brick in the toilet tank won’t save water or money. In fact, the brick can actually keep your toilet from flushing correctly, which can end up costing you even more down the road. If you want a more efficient toilet that really will save you money, give us a call or check out our showroom — we can help!
Myth #5: Drain cleaners are safe.
Many homeowners and DIYers turn to liquid drain cleaners to remove clogs and deal with drainage issues, but that isn’t always a good idea. We generally recommend avoiding them altogether because using too much or using them frequently can actually eat away at your pipes and cause corrosion. If you’re dealing with a stubborn clog that won’t go down with normal plunging, it’s best to call a plumbing expert, like Watters.
Myth #6: Lemon peels are good for your garbage disposal.
Use caution here. While lemon peels and peels from other citrus fruits may make your disposal smell good for a while, they can actually cause corrosion due to the citric acid in the fruits. Use sparingly or try a vinegar and baking soda mixture to kill bacteria and help with the smell.
What plumbing myths have you heard? Let us know on Facebook and we’ll do our best to address them and add them to our list! Of course, if you have any questions, issues, or plumbing concerns, feel free to contact us!