Plumber Tips: Stop Believing These Dangerous Plumbing Myths | Bedford, TX

Not everything you read or hear about plumbing is true. You may have come across some of these things that could be myths or stereotypes that don’t reflect the real nature of the plumbing. While some of these misconceptions are peculiar and funny, others can end up destroying your pipes.

Unfortunately, some homeowners believe these myths, which can prove harmful to their plumbing system. To help homeowners in Bedford, TX, keep their plumbing systems in top-notch condition, Tioga Plumbing & Electric have shed some light on these plumbing myths.

Flushable Wipes Are Flushable

Many homeowners fall for this myth. Although the name suggests that you can flush these items, flushable wipes can clog your pipes. Unlike toilet papers that break into small pieces in the sewage systems, flushable wipes don’t disintegrate.

The research found that only 2 out of 23 “flushable” wipes partially disintegrate, and none completely dissolves when flushed down in the plumbing system. These wipes are made of polyester, synthetic materials, or plastics, which don’t break down.

Individuals using flushable wipes as an alternative hygiene method may need to contact professional plumbers regularly to have their septic tanks pumped to avoid blockage. These wipes can cause a backup in the sewage system resulting in flooding in your home. Flushable wipes may also cause your sewage pump to burn up.

In addition, plumbing professionals warn homeowners from using flushable wipes because of the massive clogs that may occur when they end in sewage treatment plants. This could result in a disaster to the city’s sewer system leading to backups that may affect many households or cause water shortages.

Leaky Faucets Are Harmless

This myth has cost many homeowners in terms of water bills and damage. At some point, the faucets in your kitchen, bathroom, or any part of your house may begin dripping. Although most leaks are small, some folks ignore them, hence compromising the entire plumbing system in the long run.

Even if it’s a small leak that appears harmless, you should address it promptly. If the faucet is leaking due to a faulty cartridge or O-ring, it can be challenging to perform a precise diagnosis on your own. You can contact a plumber to inspect and fix the issue in such cases.

DIY Method Can Resolves All Plumbing Issues

Armed with essential plumbing tools and a guide from the internet or a YouTube video, some homeowners think they have what it takes to handle all the plumbing problems in their homes. This may be true for some plumbing tasks such as leaking faucets or changing showerheads that can quickly be resolved without using sophisticated tools or involving a plumbing company.

Just because you successfully fixed some self-explanatory issues that may not require complex skills, such as unhinged cabinets, does not make you an expert in fixing every damaged thing in your home. To tell the truth, most DIYers often mess up by using the wrong tools or not understanding the primary source of the plumbing problem.

For instance, when handling plumbing systems, accuracy and precision are required, and small errors may set everything off balance. For most plumbing problems, you need to fire a licensed plumber to avoid serious issues that could end up costing you more or leaving extensive damage. To give you an idea, a pipe that has not been inspected can cause flooding, and a slight error when fixing your heating system may lead to fires, which your insurance will not cover. Such problems are best left for experienced and certified plumbers.

Ice Cubes Can Sharpen Garbage Disposal Blades

This is a popular plumbing myth that has been perpetuated for a long time. Some homeowners even believe this to be true. But, ice cubes do not sharpen or dull the blades; instead, they are perfect for cleaning garbage disposal blades. Therefore, if you notice that the blades are not sharp as they were before, it’s essential to contact a plumber to replace them.

Drain Cleaners Are Safe

Although liquid drain cleaners can break down some clogs, they are bad news to your plumbing system because they use strong chemicals. Some folks prefer drain cleaners because they are fast and cost-effective, but they may end up causing more damage than good.

They contain highly toxic chemicals, such as lye and hydrochloric acid, which dissolve any food, grease, or other blockages. These chemicals also eat the pipes leading to leaky pipes due to deterioration and corrosion in the long run.

Also, these drain cleaners are toxic and may irritate your throat, eyes, or nose, and may cause chemical burns or rashes when they come into contact with your skin. Most plumbers know the effects of these chemicals, hence they avoid using them during drain cleaning. Instead of using these dangerous chemicals, you can use a snake designed for the size of your pipes to clear the drain lines.

A Wire Hanger Is Effective Like A Plumbing Snake

This is one of the common tricks deployed by most DIYers when they encounter a clog. Since most homeowners lack specialized plumbing tools or drain snakes, they opt for this wire hanger to clear the blockage. Although it could work in some circumstances, these wire hangers could scratch the pipes, making it easier for a buildup to occur in the future.

To avoid scratching their pipes, some homeowners wrap a smooth material around the hanger, but if the cloth is not tied tightly, it could fall into the drain resulting in a massive blockage.

Wire hangers cannot resolve stubborn clogs, thus you may need a plumber to come with a plumbing snake to clear the blockage. Although you can rent this plumbing equipment, you still need to know how to use it. Improper usage may lead to this tool getting stuck in the pipes, and it will cost you more to retrieve it since a plumber will have to dig up and replace the pipe. If you don’t know how to use the plumbing snake, you should leave it to licensed plumbers in Bedford, TX.

Don’t Fall For These Plumbing Myths! Get Help from Tioga Plumbing & Electric

Your plumbing system is vital for the proper functioning of your home. That’s why it’s essential to be educated on your home’s plumbing.

Are you looking for plumbing services in Bedford, TX? Don’t sweat it; At Tioga Plumbing & Electric, we have you covered. Our professional plumbers will handle all your plumbing needs from tree root removal, toilet installation and repair, back-flow prevention, video camera inspection of drain lines, and leak detection. Schedule now for any plumbing concerns!

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