Myths can be interesting, but not when they cost you money. There are a lot of myths and misconceptions out there when it comes to plumbing. Some of these may be actions we have been taking for a while now, unaware of the actual effects of them on our plumbing system.

We want to help clear up some misconceptions and common plumbing myths:

  • Myth #1: A dripping faucet is not a problem: A small leak that causes a dripping faucet can be a major source of water loss. A dripping faucet could fill an eight-ounce glass in 15 minutes, and it can waste 180 gallons of water a month!
  • Myth #2: Flushable wipes are okay to put down the drain: Don't get fooled by its name, all wipes can cause clogs in your plumbing system. Yes, they are flushable but it doesn't mean that they can get through your drains, especially if you use a lot of them.
  • Myth #3: Grease and Hot Water for your drain: Grease in any form shouldn't go down the drain. It may cause clogs or worse it can cause a breakdown to your drainage system. There is a misconception that by running hot water you can run grease down the drain but it the truth is, it does nothing. Hot water cannot break down fats in order to reduce clogging. Grease needs to go in the trash and not down your drain.
  • Myth #4: Lemon Peals Freshen up your disposal: While lemon peels do provide a pleasant scent and give off the feeling of your disposal being clean, they may also clog your drain. Not all disposals can cut through anything, and lemon peels can be too tough for most disposals to cut through. It's better to use soap and water for clean and fresh smelling disposal.
  • Myth #5: Pipes are fine if it's not clogged: While you might not currently be dealing with issues, that doesn't mean nothing is building up in your pipes. Hair, soap residue, food and other small things we think won't hurt our plumbing system can accumulate, eventually hurting your plumbing system. Make sure that you protect your pipes by being conscious of what goes down the drain. It's also best to get your drains checked and cleaned periodically by a licensed plumber to make sure that your drains are well maintained.
  • Myth #6: Drain cleaner is perfect for cleaning: This myth is partially true. A drain cleaner is a good option but not the perfect one, as too much use may cause corrosion, damaging your plumbing system due to the harsh chemicals concentrated in drain cleaners. Drain cleaners are also detrimental to septic systems and the delicate ecosystem of bacteria needed to properly break down solids.
  • Myth #7: Every plumbing fix can be a DIY: Not every plumbing task can be a DIY project. A licensed plumber is invaluable for complicated and trivial plumbing tasks. By consulting with a trusted plumbing contractor before attempting to repair on your own, you could save a lot of trouble and money.

It's good to be aware of what's true and what's not when it comes to plumbing. By educating yourself you can save valuable time and money. Having a trusted plumbing contractor is important for regular maintenance and especially plumbing emergencies. If you ever find yourself in need, call Debord's Benjamin Franklin Plumbing anytime at 440-286-1004 for a prompt and professional plumbing contractor.