Did you know you can fix a leaky pipe with a hairdryer? Believe me, together with all the plumbers at Paramount Plumbing, we hear myths like this all the time.
Many common plumbing myths circulate. Some are harmless and just based on old wives tales. Others can cause serious damage to your home.
Here are some of the most common plumbing myths in Wellington and the truth behind them:
1. You should pour boiling water down the drain to clear a clog.
If you’re dealing with a slow drain or a clog, you may be tempted to pour a pot of boiling water down the drain in an attempt to clear it. However, this is actually a myth that can do more harm than good.
In reality, the extreme heat can crack your pipes, leading to leaks and flooding. Some old the plumbing in Wellington is extremely old and vulnerable so handle with care!
Also, the boiling water can actually melt grease, which will then harden and create an even bigger clog. Instead, first try using a plunger or a drain snake to clear the clog. You might also consider pouring a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain, followed by some hot – but not boiling – water.
2. Lemons can clean your garbage disposal.
Lemons might make your garbage disposal smell nice, but they won’t actually do much to clean it. The acidity of lemons can actually corrode your garbage disposal, so it’s best to avoid using them. Stick to using soap and water to clean your disposal.
3. Pour beer down your drain to unclog it.
While the yeast in beer will eat away at the gunk and grime that’s clogging your drain, pouring large quantities of beer down the drain can actually cause residue to build-up. Always run hot water after pouring the beer to flush it down the drain. Just don’t waste any of Wellington’s boutique craft beers by pouring them down the sink!
4. You should pour bleach down your drain to clean it.
Pouring bleach down your drain might seem like a good way to clean it, but it can actually damage your pipes. Bleach is a corrosive substance that can eat away at your pipes, causing them to leak. Stick to using soap and water to clean your drain. Again, some of Wellington’s old pipes will not thank you.
5. You can pour grease down the drain.
Pouring grease down the drain might seem like a good way to get rid of it, but it can actually cause problems. The grease can solidify in your pipes and cause blockages, and Wellington has enough plumbing problems without this being added. It’s best to dispose of grease in the trash.
6. You should pour salt down the drain to prevent clogs.
Pouring salt down the drain might seem like a good way to prevent clogs, but it can actually damage your pipes. Salt is a corrosive substance that can eat away at your pipes, causing them to leak. Stick to using a drain snake or a plunger to clear clogs.
7. A running toilet or dripping faucet is harmless.
Many believe that a running toilet or dripping faucet is a minor issue and can be ignored. However, what may seem like small drops can lead to a major waste of water. A running toilet or dripping faucet can waste gallons of water each day it is ignored. Not only does this impact the environment, but can this increase your utility bill and be a sign of a greater underlying plumbing issue.
You should fix a sink or toilet as soon as you notice the issue – as minor as it might seem. Fixes are often easy part replacements that will help you save water and prevent the wearing down of faucet or toilet components.
8. Place a brick in the toilet tank to save water.
The idea behind this is the tank will fill with less water, thereby reducing your water use each flush. But it may inadvertently cause your toilet to under flush if not enough water was available to get the job done. This means you have to flush again, wasting more water than you were intending. This trick has been around a while, but modern toilets are typically designed to use water more efficiently and don’t benefit from this trick.
9. You should never flush tampons down the toilet.
Tampons should not be flushed down the toilet because they can expand and cause blockages. However, tampons will not clog your sewer line. They will eventually decompose, so there’s no need to worry about them causing any long-term damage.
Most people know that they shouldn’t flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper down the toilet, but many don’t realise just how many items are actually considered “flushing no-no’s”. These include feminine hygiene products, cotton balls, paper towels, cigarette butts, and even some so-called “flushable” wipes.
While some of these items may not cause an immediate clog, they can certainly contribute to plumbing problems down the road.
10. Plumbing problems always happen at the most inopportune times.
While Murphy’s law often seems to play a factor with plumbing issues, there are actually a few things that you can do to help prevent them. First, be sure to keep an eye on your water usage and be sure to fix any leaks as soon as possible. Second, have your plumbing system inspected and serviced by a Wellington Plumber who knows your area and the problems associated with it. By taking these simple steps, you can help to avoid many of the most common plumbing problems.
By taking the time to learn the truth about these common plumbing myths, you can help to avoid many of the most common plumbing problems.
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About Paramount Plumbing
Paramount Plumbing and Gas are leading Plumbers in Wellington, founded to provide an unrivalled, top-quality service to homes and businesses alike. We’re proud of every job we do, whether it’s fixing emergency leaks, performing repairs or working on major installations.