5 Plumbing Myths

5 Plumbing Myths

There are a lot of common DIY Plumbing “repairs” and misconceptions about what can go down your plumbing.
Just like trying to “fix” a repair with duct tape is a bad idea, these 5 Common Pluming Myths can lead to expensive repairs.

Myth #1. Anything can go down the sink 

Items like Coffee Grounds should never go down the sink.

This is long standing myth that, because the grounds are small, they will just wash away. In reality grounds clump together in water rather than breaking down and can build up over time and create clogs. When the coffee grinds settle in your pipes they harden like concrete. Coffee grounds should always go in the garbage can or compost, not in your plumbing.

MYTH #2. “FLUSHABLE” WIPES OR HYGIENE PRODUCTS ARE SAFE

Yes, we know the packaging says they are flushable, however that does not make it safe for your plumbing.

Flushable wipes are made of tougher material that do not break down like toilet paper.

Only flush human waste and toilet paper. Hygiene products, paper towels, cotton balls, and diapers should go in the trash, not the toilet.

This is especially important for people with sump pumps. Never ever send hygiene products or other materials down a system that has a sump pump as this will most likely cause irreparable damage. We frequently find that sump pumps that are no longer working are due to the above mentioned debris that winds up around the blade.

If someone in your household have used flush wipes, have your plumbing system checked. This preventive maintenance can save you the cost of major plumbing repairs.

Myth #3. Hot Water Melts the Grease to Prevent Clogs

Hot water seems to help grease drain, but when that grease cools deep down inside the pipes, it sticks.

Soon, everything else that goes down the drain attaches to it. The grease acts as a magnet for hair, bits of food, lint, and dirt. This can create subtle drainage issues at first, causing stress on your system. Eventually your pipe will clog completely which could result in costly auguring or repairs.

Never put any type of grease down the drain. Greasy residue belongs in the dumpster, not the drain.

If you accidentally get grease down the drain, run some cold water to help it coagulate. This will help the grease roll down the drain as a solid rather than trying to push it through in liquid form where it can solidify when cooled against the pipe walls.

Myth 4. Don’t Worry About a Leaky Faucet

Ignoring a leaky faucet can become a bigger problem than just a higher water bill.

Corrosion and mineral build-up can make a faucet leak. Worn-out valves or a corroded washer can cause dripping as well as defective o-rings and washers.

If your faucet is dripping, closing the tap tighter is not always the answer. The tighter you turn a faucet, the bigger the risk you’ll damage it. Call in a professional who can fix up your faucet and get things flowing properly.

Myth 5. Do-It-Yourself Solutions Work on Most Plumbing Problems

The biggest myth is that plumbing is a DIY project. This could not be further from the truth and could lead to costly repairs.

Before doing any type of DIY work always make sure you know where the shut off is for your services. This includes knowing where the electrical panel is located, the location of the main water shut off, or where your gas shut off is located.

Every smart homeowner has a plunger and knows how and when to use it. This is a great tool for correcting a small clog. However sometimes a plunger can lead to a flood. If you know where your shut offs are located, you can easily prevent further damage by turning the water off.

If you think you have a leak in your crawl space, you may also want to have your electricity turned off so the leaking water cannot be a conduit for electric shock.

As the saying goes “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” so if members of your household are guilty of doing any of these common myths, contact Vision today to have your plumbing checked.

Call 250-470-9552 or email info@visionplumbingandheating.com to discuss your Plumbing needs for your home or business.