9 Plumbing Myths That You Should Stop Believing Right Now

As attached as we are to modern conveniences, most of us can probably get on just fine without the internet or even electricity. Take away plumbing, however, and things start to go downhill very quickly. 

The indispensability of plumbing may be why the practice is so full of myths and misconceptions. Outdated knowledge, oversimplifications, or even well-meaning advice from unqualified sources abound when it comes to even the most basic plumbing topics. Yet, as harmless as they might seem, plumbing myths can lead to costly and even dangerous consequences for property owners.

Needless to say, if you have a serious problem with a water heater, kitchen sink, or toilet, you’re best off calling plumbers Dunedin home and business owners depend on. However, it’s still a good idea to understand why plumbing myths are so pervasive and to identify which homespun advice may do your home more harm than good. First, let’s look at the three common reasons why these myths persist:

• Outdated Advice. Conceptually, plumbing systems are not all that different from how they were 100 or even 150 years ago. However, the scale, simplicity, and specific properties of modern and legacy systems are very different. As a result, people with just a passing knowledge of plumbing might apply outdated and possibly dangerous advice.
  
  
• DIY Culture. The rise of DIY home improvement shows and blogs have resulted in many homeowners believing they can fix plumbing issues themselves. Unfortunately, TV magic often portrays these tasks as easier than they are, leading to gung-ho attitudes that create plumbing catastrophes.
  
  
• Quick Fixes. With the cost of home ownership being what it is, it’s hard to fault people who want quick and cheap solutions to their problems. It just so happens that many plumbing myths offer just that.
  

9 Plumbing Myths Endangering Your Home and Wallet



With those reasons out of the way, we can finally look at popular plumbing myths with some context. Understanding why these myths exist and the potential risks involved can help you educate others and keep your home or business’s plumbing system in top shape.

Myth 1: Pouring Hot Grease Down the Drain with Hot Water Prevents Clogs

This one should be common sense but it continues to be done in a shocking number of households. While hot grease may flow easily down the drain, it will eventually cool and solidify somewhere upstream, even if you do follow up with water. Do this enough, and you will eventually cause a clog—if the heat doesn’t cause your pipes to crack first. If your sink doesn’t have one yet, have a professional plumber install a grease interceptor, and be sure to dispose of the grease every 3-6 months.

Myth 2: A Brick in the Toilet Tank Saves Water

Placing a brick in the toilet tank might seem like a good idea to reduce water use, but it can actually cause your toilet to underflush. Ironically, this means you may have to flush again and use more water. To be fair, this trick may have worked on older toilets, but modern toilets are generally designed so that a brick is unnecessary.

Myth 3: Chemical Drain Cleaners Are Safe and Effective

Professional plumbers often advise against chemical cleaners because they are rarely used as intended. While they can remove minor clogs, they are more destructive to both metal and plastic pipes, damaging them over time. A plunger or a drain snake is usually the better option for most types of clogs.

Myth 4: All Plumbing Repairs Are DIY-Friendly

Though some things, like unclogging a sink, may be manageable, a considerable number of routine plumbing tasks require professional knowledge. Fixture installations, in particular, need to be done precisely to avoid damaging your property and to ensure that everything follows relevant standards and building codes.

Myth 5: Running Water While Using the Food Waste Disposal Unit Will Clear Everything



This myth is a relatively new one since these contraptions have only started to gain popularity in New Zealand. Running water while using the disposal helps a bit, but it won’t completely eliminate blockages. Being more mindful of the stuff you’re putting down in a food waste disposal is going to be less trouble than doing this “hack.”

Myth 6: As Long As the Drain Works, Everything’s Fine

Partial clogs and damaged pipes can still let water through without you being the wiser. If these issues are left alone, they may worsen over time, possibly damaging your home. For that reason, it can be a good idea to have all your plumbing checked every few years or just before you move into a new property.

Myth 7: Hand Soap is a Good Lubricant for Plumbing Seals

This trick has some element of usefulness to it, as bar soap does act like a lubricant. The problem is that some formulations may eventually degrade things like rubber seals over time. In any case, there are actual lubricants you can buy that are far superior to soap.

Myth 8: You Can Flush “Flushable” Wipes and Cat Litter

Many products are labelled as "flushable," but most of them won’t break down in your septic tank or sewer system in quite the same way as regular toilet paper does. If you consistently use these products, it’s almost a certainty you’ll encounter some severe blockages later on.

Myth 9: Leaky Taps Aren’t a Big Deal

A dripping tap may seem insignificant, but even a small leak will waste a substantial amount of water over time, increasing your water bill and negatively impacting the environment. Leaky taps must be addressed ASAP since they can indicate a deeper problem.

Call The Plumbers Dunedin Property Owners Trust

Unless it’s an extremely simple fix, the best solution for plumbing issues is to consult an experienced professional plumbing service. Choosing the experts sets you up for the long haul, avoiding further damage and saving you money in the long run. Whatever your plumbing woes, you can be sure that the team at Mains Plumbers will use firsthand experience and evidence-based techniques to quickly solve them. If you need an emergency plumber in Dunedin or surrounding areas, feel free to give us a call.