If you’re a homeowner, you’ve probably fallen for one of these plumbing myths. Avoid damaging your pipes by knowing how to correctly maintain them. The post Six Plumbing Myths You’ve Probably Fallen For appeared first on Twin Home Experts.
If you’re a homeowner, you’ve probably fallen for one of these plumbing myths.
In order to avoid damaging your pipes, knowing how to correctly maintain your plumbing system is a must.
D-I-Y plumbing myths you want to avoid.
Myth 1: Lemons clean your garbage disposal
While running a lemon rind through the disposal may make your drain smell better for a few minutes, it won’t get it clean.
To disinfect your garbage disposal, you will need to use a cleaning solution that includes a mild soap and warm water. Before you attempt to use it, however, make sure you disconnect the disposal from its power source.
Spray the cleaning solution into the garbage disposal, give it a few minutes to work, and then use a cleaning brush with a long handle to scrub the disposal itself. You will find this much more effective.
Myth 2: Running water while using the garbage disposal helps the waste travel smoothly
Many homeowners believe that they can put just about anything down their garbage disposals as long as they run water. It’s not a food processor, it’s a disposal.
The truth, however, is that some things do not belong in a garbage disposal no matter how much water you run. Hard or thick food items, such as banana, orange peel, and eggshells, can damage your disposal, which may require an expensive repair or drain cleaning.
If you’re considering putting dense foods down your disposal, you’ll need to break them up thoroughly and mix them with water beforehand. The same truth goes for grease and thick oils.
Myth 3: As long as things keep going down my drain, it isn’t getting clogged
Even when your garbage disposal is operating, it may still be at risk of a serious clog. One of the early warning signs of an impending problem is a slow moving disposal or waste fragments that remain on the discharge pipe.
If you notice either of these signs when you use your disposal, it’s developing a clog, even though it may still be working. Stop using it right away until you have the clog removed. Another sign or symptom is sewer odors.
Myth 4: You can clean plumbing fixtures with hand soap
Depending on the type of plumbing fixtures you have, hand soap can be damaging to the surface. Brass plumbing fixtures, like oil rubbed bronze, for example, should be cleaned with mild solutions. Toilet bowls, however, need to be cleaned with an effective disinfectant to kill germs and prevent infection.
Myth 5: Plumbing fixtures require little to no maintenance
This is one of the most dangerous home plumbing myths of all because homeowners who believe it may run into serious problems later on.
Pipes may be obstructed by clogs, wayward tree roots, or shifting home foundations. Homeowners should also inspect their sewer clean outs for obstructions every 2 to 4 years.
All of these issues may lead to expensive plumbing repairs, such as a sewer line replacement or a pipe replacement. The fixtures inside the home such as sinks, faucets, and tubs also need regular maintenance to avoid serious drain clogs or leaks that are sometimes hidden or overlooked.
We often see here at Twin Home Experts fixtures that are not maintained cause water damage and mold issue that result in poor indoor air quality.
Myth 6: I can hire any plumber, they’re all the same
The truth is all plumbers are NOT created equal – 80% of plumbers do not continue educating themselves about customer service, latest trends, or work to earn more certifications and continue education on updated products.
Here at the Twin Home Experts, we are continually updating our certifications and educating ourselves on the latest industry standards to make sure you get the highest quality plumbing service possible!
