#1 When It Comes To My Drains, Anything Goes

The is one of the worst plumbing myths that could not be farther from the truth. In fact, many clogged drains are caused by not watching what goes down the drain. This goes for the garbage disposal, sink drains, and toilets. What you put down the drain, can get stuck and eventually cause a clog. Never allow: large food particles, bones, fibrous foods, expandable foods, trash, paper (other than toilet paper), diapers, dental floss, cotton swabs, or hair to go down the drain. The best way to keep unwanted items out, is to invest in a drain guard. They are inexpensive, and will save you the stress and money of a clogged drain.  

#2 I Can Pour Grease Down The Drain With Hot Water

This is one of the most common plumbing myths that is so wrong! Grease is one of the worst things you can pour down the drain. Hot water doesn’t make it less of a menace. When grease goes down the drain, it starts to coat the inside of your pipes. Over time this can buildup and collect other debris like soap scum, and hair. Eventually this will clog your drain. In addition, grease is horrible for the sewer system, as it collects even more debris forming large masses known as fatbergs. These fatbergs prove to be quite a problem for large metropolitan areas. With some fatbergs growing to be as large as a bus! Just don’t do it! Don’t pour grease down the drain.  

#3 Liquid Drain Cleaners are Safe and Effective

This is wrong on two accounts. Liquid drain cleaners are neither safe nor effective. They are made up of harmful chemicals that if they come in contact with the skin or eyes can be very harmful. In addition, they can also eat away at the material your pipes are made of, weakening them. They also aren’t that effective, offering temporary relief. But because they don’t solve the problem, many people who use liquid drain cleaners find themselves in the same position a short while after usage. They work more like a bandaid, temporarily offering relief from the symptoms but not getting to the root of the problem. What’s more, they aren’t good for the environment. It is important to know that whatever goes down the drain can eventually end up in our oceans, lakes, rivers, and streams. If you are suffering from a stubborn clog, call a plumber. Professional drain cleaning is more effective, and safer.  

#4 Toilet Tank Cleaners are Harmless

We can all pretty much agree that nobody likes to clean the toilet, right? So, toilet tank cleaners seem like a good option to keep things clean, right? Wrong. The problem with toilet tank cleaners is they contain bleach, which helps keep things sanitized, but bleach is also very corrosive. When left to sit too long, bleach can start to eat away at the working parts inside the tank of your toilet. Leading to breakdowns, and premature failure. Skip the toilet tank cleaners altogether to prevent plumbing problems down the road.  

#5 Ice Sharpens The Blades of My Garbage Disposal

Ice doesn’t actually sharpen the blades of your garbage disposal. However, ice cubes can help knock off some of the gunk that builds up inside of your garbage disposal. This can help deodorize your garbage disposal. While you are at it, if you want to freeze some lemon peel in some ice cubes, you can further improve the smell emitting from your drains. 

#6 As Long As Everything Is Moving My Drains Are In Good Shape

One of the most misleading plumbing myths is that just because things appear to be find means everything is ok. Just because everything appears fine on the surface does not mean there aren’t hidden issues waiting for the opportune moment to strike, like in the middle of cooking Thanksgiving dinner.  Just because your plumbing is out of side out of mind, does not mean everything is ok. Years of wear and tear can eventually take their toll. There are also outside factors you may not be aware of like shifting ground, or tree roots. Yes, good habits can help protect your plumbing and help it last longer, but the only way to be certain everything is fine, is to have regular plumbing inspections. We recommend annual plumbing inspections along with annual drain cleaning to help keep things in proper working order. This can help prevent plumbing problems from occurring in the first place, and also prepare you for future repairs.    To learn more about plumbing myth, or to schedule service contact  Rooter Hero today!