It may be April Fool’s Day today, but we decided to take a different approach instead. After all, we are not in the business of fooling anyone! In the vast landscape of plumbing maintenance, separating fact from fiction is essential to avoid costly mistakes and ensure the longevity of your home’s infrastructure. With so many plumbing myths circulating, it can be hard to know what to believe. That’s why your Beavercreek Plumbing & Drain professionals wanted to talk about a few of the most common plumbing myths we see. So, feel free to join us as we “bust” these plumbing misconceptions and uncover the truth behind them!
Plumbing Myth 1 – Store-Bought Chemical Drain Cleaners Are Okay:
One of the most pervasive myths is that store-bought chemical drain cleaners are a quick and effective solution for clogged drains. However, the reality is quite different. This is because chemical drain cleaners that you buy in-stores can actually corrode pipes over time, leading to leaks and further blockages. Additionally, they pose risks to your health and can harm the environment.
Instead, opting for mechanical methods like plunging or using a drain snake is not only safer but also more effective in the long run, preserving the integrity of your plumbing system. For larger, more stubborn clogs, it would be best to consult a professional plumber. Lastly, drain screens are a great form of preventative care when it comes to keeping clogs away.
Plumbing Myth 2 – Using Hot Water to Wash Grease Down the Drain Is Okay:
Another common plumbing misconception is that hot water can safely wash grease down the drain. While it may sound like it makes sense and seems convenient to pour hot water down the drain to dissolve grease, it can actually exacerbate the problem. Hot water liquefies grease temporarily, but as it cools, the grease solidifies, creating stubborn clogs in your pipes.
In an effort to combat this plumbing myth, it’s best to collect grease in a container and dispose of it in the trash or recycle it properly. This simple habit can prevent costly plumbing issues down the line, saving you much heart-ache and unnecessary plumbing expenses.
Plumbing Myth 3 – Flushable Wipes are Okay:
Many people believe that flushable wipes are safe to dispose of in the toilet since they are marketed as such. Don’t fall for this myth. Despite their label, flushable wipes do not break down as easily as toilet paper and can lead to costly blockages in your plumbing system. These so-called flushable wipes can accumulate in pipes, causing backups and sewage overflows.
So, how do you stay away from this plumbing myth and keep disasters at bay? To avoid potential plumbing problems, it’s best to stick to flushing only toilet paper and disposing of other wipes in the trash.
Plumbing Myth 4 – Flushing Feminine Hygiene Products Is Okay:
Contrary to popular belief, flushing feminine hygiene products down the toilet is not okay. This is another myth we see quite often. But let’s think this one through. Tampons, pads, and other similar items are designed to absorb liquid and expand when submerged in water, making them prone to causing extreme blockages in pipes. So, when these products are flushed down the toilet, it can lead to major clogs in your plumbing system and even damage to sewer lines.
Counter this particular plumbing myth by disposing of feminine hygiene products in the trash to prevent costly plumbing repairs and environmental damage. It may seem inconvenient, but we promise you that you will never regret taking care of your plumbing system through simple plumbing care steps.
Don’t let yourself fall victim to these common plumbing myths! Dispelling common plumbing myths is crucial for maintaining the health and functionality of your plumbing system. By avoiding chemical drain cleaners, refraining from washing grease down the drain, disposing of flushable wipes properly, and not flushing feminine hygiene products down the toilet, you can prevent unnecessary damage and costly repairs – and let’s be real – major headaches! Remember, when it comes to your plumbing, it’s always best to rely on a professional for accurate information. If you’d like to learn more about taking care of your plumbing system, feel free to check out the rest of our informational blogs!
We strive to be a company you can trust! Call Beavercreek Plumbing & Drain for all your plumbing questions and plumbing needs at (937) 404-6575, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!