April Fool’s Day is celebrated with enthusiasm worldwide, though its exact origins remain a mystery. People from different corners of the globe eagerly participate in the fun-filled day, all for the sake of humor and joy. Hey, we are all for some well-intended fun! But today, we are taking a different approach, instead. Integrity holds great importance in the plumbing world. And we know that differentiating between fact and fiction is pivotal to protect your home and plumbing system.
Truthfully, there is a lot of information out there, and not all of it is true! Discerning the truth can be overwhelming. So, join your local professionals at Kettering Plumbing & Drain as we “bust” some of the most common plumbing myths and reveal the cold, hard truth behind them.
Plumbing Myth 1:
Using Store-Bought Chemical Drain Cleaners
First, let’s talk about store-bought drain cleaners since they are used by many people. One prevalent misconception is the belief that commercially available chemical drain cleaners are fine to use for clogs. Now, we know that drain cleaners may be a quick and cheap alternative to getting rid of a clog so that they may seem like an effective option. However, these chemical drain cleaners typically do more harm than good! Not only do they dissolve the clog, but they will also dissolve your pipes! The chemicals that are in these solutions are so strong that they can lead to your pipes corroding as well! So, with continued use over time, they can create a huge and costly repair job. Moreover, these drain cleaners are also major health hazards and not good for the environment.
Instead of reaching for a drain cleaner every time a clog surfaces, try a mechanical approach such as plunging or utilizing a drain snake. Is not only a safer but also a more efficient method long term! For extra stubborn clogs, we suggest calling a professional plumber for the job.
Plumbing Myth 2:
Rinsing Grease with Hot Water
Another common plumbing myth is the thought process that hot water is a safe method for rinsing grease down the drain. While it may work momentarily, it does not mean it is safe to do so. When this particular plumbing problem is enforced, the situation will only worsen! Why is that? This is because hot water only temporarily liquefies grease. But it will eventually cool down, leaving the grease to solidify within your plumbing system. Built-up grease within your pipes is just asking for a plumbing catastrophe to come into play!
Want to stay away from this plumbing issue? Don’t rinse grease down your drains no matter what. Instead, gather grease in a container or paper towels, etc., and dispose of it in the trash or recycle it. This will aid in averting costly plumbing problems in the future.
Plumbing Myth 3:
Flushing Flushable Wipes
Flushable wipes are the arch-enemy of every professional plumber. Well, that may be a bit dramatic, but most plumbers advise against using them because even though they are labeled as “flushable,” they do not really break down as efficiently as toilet paper does. Flushable wipes are not designed to break down like toilet paper, thus posing a risk of creating extreme blockages within your plumbing system. With continued use, the accumulation of these supposedly flushable wipes in your pipes can trigger backup and sewage overflow. It’s best to stay away from this potential situation altogether.
If you must use flushable wipes, you can continue using them. Just make it a point to never flush them in the toilet; simply dispose of them in your garbage can. The only item that should be getting flushed in your toilets is toilet paper.
Plumbing Myth 4:
Flushing Feminine Hygiene Products
While we are on the topic of flushing, the same goes for flushing feminine hygiene products down the toilet – DON’T. Believe it or not, this happens very often. But think about it. Feminine hygiene products are created to absorb liquid so they will expand in water. This, of course, greatly raises the risk of causing significant blockages. Now, most people already know pads and liners cannot be flushed. But this practice is not always extended to all feminine products – tampons included. Just like the other plumbing myths we discussed, doing so may not cause immediate harm to your system. However, repeated habits, over time, can really cause major clogs in your plumbing system and potential damage to sewer lines. It’s just not worth it!
Counter this plumbing myth by properly throwing all feminine hygiene products in the trash instead. Though it can be inconvenient, you won’t regret maintaining your plumbing system with basic preventative care.
Do not let yourself be fooled with these common plumbing myths! Remember – you should opt for alternative solutions to chemical drain cleaners, you should always avoid discarding grease into drains, ensure proper disposal of flushable wipes, and refrain from flushing feminine hygiene products down the toilet. Don’t forget that seeking guidance from a professional is advisable for accurate information regarding your plumbing system. For further insights on maintaining your plumbing system, feel free to explore our additional informative blogs.
We strive to be a company you can rely on! Call Kettering Plumbing & Drain today at (937) 764-3788, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!