We are currently in the middle of a digital age dominated by the Internet. You can Google just about any question and come up with a plethora of answers. In light of the current wealth of free information, it is common counsel that not everything you read on the Internet is true. The same is true regarding plumbing advice and tips — not everything you read is true. We are here to combat 5 popular plumbing myths and shed light on the truth.

Myth 1: Tightening a leak will fix the problem.

Typically, it is assumed that by tightening a leak, your problem is solved — a couple quick twists and you are set! This could not be farther from the truth. Overtightening plumbing parts can strip the threads, worsening the leak and potentially causing the fixture to break completely.

Myth 2: You can flush anything down your toilet.

Did you know that toilets do not make a great garbage chute? Even though it may be tempting, restrain from flushing anything down your toilet other than toilet paper and human waste. Additionally, stay away from putting flushable wipes down your toilet. If you fail to do so, you may end up with a big mess on your hands—not to mention costing your city major money! Just look what happened in London! Knowing these plumbing myths will save you from future damage.

Myth 3: Running water while using your disposal will help it function more smoothly.

The natural instinct when running your garbage disposal is to first turn on the water. The goal in mind is to help the waste, from leftover eggshells to watermelon rinds, flush more smoothly. However, in reality, you will often find yourself turning off the disposal and reaching in to dislodge a chunk of food that has become lodged anyway—running water is not a simple fix to help larger items along.

The truth is, running water during operation can waste water while simultaneously failing to help waste move along. Here’s a tip: fill your sink with a little bit of water—up to half the area of the sink. If you run your disposal now, both waste and water will smoothly flow down the drain as one mixture.

Myth 4: Pouring Drano down your toilet is a great way to clear a clog.

Were you ever advised to pour Drano down your clogged toilet? Many assume that Drano is the perfect solution to flush the system and clear the backup. However, you may create long-term damage as this can lead to a crack in the toilet’s porcelain bowl, the softening of plastic piping (PVC), and corrosion in metal pipes. We’ve explored this topic and provided recommendations before. Bottom line: under no circumstance should a conventional liquid drain cleaner be used in a toilet. Try natural alternatives like BioBen® instead.

Myth 5: In a plumbing emergency, any old plumber will do.

When facing a plumbing problem, emergency, or even a seemingly simple repair, it can be tempting to pull out the yellow pages and call the first plumber or handyman you see. However, while this may be tempting, take a few minutes to research who you’re hiring. We urge you to only hire experienced professionals when it comes to your plumbing so you can get the job done right the first time. How can you tell you’re choosing the right company?A plethora of positive reviews on social media is a great place to start before reviewing plumbing myths.

Indeed, don’t hesitate to call the experts at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing if you have any questions about plumbing myths. Contact us for 24/7 emergency plumbing, plumbing repair, and other services. We offer free estimates and are available around the clock, 365 days a year, so you don’t have to take matters into your own hands.