5 Common Plumbing Myths Debunked

When it comes to any plumbing problem, misconceptions are common. While some of these common mix-ups may be simply wasting your time, some could be seriously damaging your plumbing. To avoid this, we’ve outlined some plumbing myths that are important to correct ASAP to keep your plumbing at its best. 

Myth #1: Harsh chemicals are a 100% safe way to clear drains. 

Common liquid drain cleaners can erode your pipes and cause significant damage over time. Therefore, they are not meant to be used often. For simple clogs, plungers or augers are ideal remedies.

For more complex clogs, we recommend contacting a plumbing expert instead of resorting to harsh chemical cleaners.

Myth #2: Wet wipes are flushable 

While wet wipes appear to flush fine and many brands boast being “flushable,” they do not break down in pipes smoothly like toilet paper. Instead, they can build up in your pipes and cause clogs. To avoid any risk, we don’t recommend flushing anything but waste or toilet paper. 

Myth #3: Leaky faucets are no big deal 

Not addressing a leak can eventually lead to water pressure issues, damaged pipes, and a ton of other plumbing problems. It can also waste a significant amount of water and can raise your water bill.

For all of these reasons, if you have a leaky faucet, the last thing that you should do is ignore it. 

Myth #4: As long as the water is on, anything can go down the garbage disposal

It’s important to be aware of what you put into the disposal. Putting large amounts of food into the disposal should be avoided. The safest foods for the disposal include soft or liquid foods. That said, oil and grease do not fall into this category and are a common culprit for clogs. You should be sure to wipe off excess oil and grease before washing anything into the disposal.

Extra tip: Avoid using lemon to clean the disposal – not only can it get stuck, the citric acid dulls the impellers. Instead, try a white vinegar rinse to keep your disposal smelling fresh!

 Myth #5: All plumbers will effectively fix your plumbing issue  

Before hiring a plumber, always check out their credentials as not all plumbers have equal training and expertise. We also recommend taking a look at reviews to ensure that the company has a proven track record of providing high-quality service.

We hope that these myth busts have been informative and will help you take even better care of your plumbing moving forward. At Norfolk Plumbing, we are dedicated to keeping your home’s plumbing running smoothly. For any plumbing problem or question, be sure to contact us for timely assistance.

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