Happy April Fool’s Day! While the exact origins of this day remain unclear, it’s a time when many like to engage in the name of lighthearted laughs and humor. No judgment! We are all about having good-hearted fun! Just remember to stay alert and enjoy your day! Today, however, your experts at Westerville Plumbing & Drain are adopting a unique approach. As a local business, we value transparency. With numerous plumbing myths circulating, it’s crucial to distinguish truth from fiction. So, what better day than today to talk about common plumbing myths and “bust” the false information behind them?
Common Plumbing Myths:
1. Using Chemical Drain Cleaners – One extremely common plumbing myth is that store-bought chemical drain cleaners are a quick and effective solution for clogged drains. While it’s true that they may be a convenient option, bear in mind that it is only momentarily, as using them reaps more harm in the long run. This is because the same harsh chemicals that can dissolve the unwanted clog can also dissolve your pipes! Corrosion is a real problem with chemical drain cleaners. The consistent use of store-bought chemical drain cleaners will create higher risks of corrosion, leading to costly repairs that could have very much been prevented. Additionally, they pose health risks to you, your family, and the environment.
Stay away from this myth by opting for mechanical methods like plunging or using a drain snake to clear a clog. These are safer and more effective in the long run. For stubborn clogs, it’s best to consult a professional plumber. Also, drain screens should be considered to prevent clogs and maintain preventive care.
2. Running Hot Water to Rinse Grease – Another plumbing myth suggests that pouring hot water down the drain can clear grease effectively. Again, this may seem like a good idea in the moment. However, this method can exacerbate the problem. Hot water only briefly liquefies grease, which means it will solidify again once it cools down. This can lead to persistent pipe clogs that could have been prevented altogether.
To counter this plumbing myth, collect grease in a container and throw it in the trash or recycle it properly. This simple habit can prevent costly plumbing issues, saving you from avoidable stress and expenses in the future.
3. Using Flushable Wipes – Flushable wipes – many think flushable wipes are safe for toilets because of their labeling, and they’re not wrong to fall for this myth as they are marketed as such! However, most licensed plumbers advise against their use. This is because, despite being labeled as flushable, these wipes don’t truly break down like toilet paper does. Flushing them can lead to major plumbing issues like blockages and overflows.
Our advice? Skip flushing wipes down the toilet altogether. Instead, flush only toilet paper down the drain, and if you need to use wipes, you can continue doing so. Just make sure to throw them in the garbage can!
4. Flushing Feminine Products – On the same topic of flushing items in the toilet, we want to also stress that flushing feminine hygiene products down the toilet is not recommended as well. While most people know that pads and liners are not flushable, tampons often get overlooked. But when you really stop to think about their usage, they are meant to absorb liquid and expand significantly when wet. This is yet another example of one of those situations that may not impact your plumbing system immediately, but repeated flushing of these items can result in serious consequences later. Dealing with these types of clogs and system backup is never fun to deal with, much less pay for!
Avoid this plumbing myth by disposing of all feminine hygiene products in the trash to prevent costly repairs. While it might be inconvenient, we promise you won’t regret enforcing preventative care for your plumbing system.
Don’t be fooled by false information. Steer clear of these common plumbing myths! Remember, avoid chemical drain cleaners, refrain from pouring grease down the drain, dispose of flushable wipes correctly, and never flush feminine hygiene products down the toilet. These practices help avoid damage, expensive repairs, and, let’s be honest, major headaches! You should always seek professional plumbing advice for accurate information. Lastly, if you’re interested in learning more about taking care of your plumbing system, check out our other informative blog posts!
We strive to be a dependable company you can rely on! Call Westerville Plumbing & Drain for all your plumbing questions and plumbing needs at (614) 540-3437, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!