Over the years we have come across many plumbing myths and assumptions. Some of which would be unknown to the average person, and some that everyone should know. let’s go over a few examples of plumbing myths and the truths behind them.
Myth: Store bought drain cleaners are a great solution to drain clogs.
For several reasons, chemical drain cleaners are a bad choice for homeowners. Firstly, drain cleaning chemicals are dangerous. Though they are designed to break up solids that may have entered you drain, these chemicals can also break down the rubber seals in your homes valves. In addition, drain cleaners can cause chemical burns when in contact with bare skin. We advise against the use of chemical drain cleaners.
Myth: Face wipes/baby wipes are flushable.
Makeup removal wipes, baby wipes, adult bathroom wipes, and generally any alcohol based wiping product will not break down in your sewage system. Eventually, other waste items will stick to wipes causing large clogs. These clogs are very hard to break up even with electric eels because wipes retain their strength long after they enter your drain. Any wipe product should be disposed of in a garbage.
Myth: Dripping taps just need to be closed more tightly.
The first thought of most home owners may be that the fixture needs to be tightened more. A drip from your fixture is an indication that your tap needs a new cartridge. In this case tightening the tap handles will not help at all. Unless you live in an area so cold that your interior pipes will freeze you’ll want to fix the leak as soon as possible. A slow drip can amount to a big water bill over time.
Myth: Hot water will wash grease down you sink drain.
Hot water does melt grease. However, when washing grease down your drain with hot water, the grease will likely cool before it gets to the city sewer. Cooled grease will congeal, sticking to the walls of your drainpipe, collecting all the solids that are washed down the drain. Eventually you will still be faced with a clogged pipe and a bill from a plumber. Grease should always be collected and recycled if possible, or thrown in the garbage.
Now your ready do debunk everyone’s plumbing myths armed with the proper knowledge to solve the problem. Share with your friends!
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