Popular Plumbing Myths You Should Ignore
If you have suffered from old wives’ plumbing tales at some point, you are definitely not alone. This is particularly true when it comes to owning a home. There are many tips and helpful suggestions available with regard to keeping your home safe and your plumbing in good working order, but some of them are nothing more than myths. If you are unsure about the pipes in your home, contacting our plumbers in Orange County is the best way to proceed. In the meantime, here are some of the most frequently heard plumbing myths and why they are incorrect.
If You Don’t Stress a Slow Leak, You Can Avoid Making Repairs
This myth is a very costly one: numerous individuals believe they can merely ignore a slow leak because it is not putting that much stress on their system. Nothing could be further from the truth, and https://media.giphy.com/media/l3q2vXUMQj176wXjW/giphy.gifyou can verify this by placing a bowl underneath the dripping pipe overnight and observing how full it is the next day. Never ignore a leak, even if it is a slow one. If you are unsure where the leak is coming from, some plumbers offer a free leak inspection service.
You Can Save Water by Placing a Brick in the Toilet Tank
Not surprisingly, many plumbing myths center around bathroom fixtures such as toilets. Placing a brick in the toilet has long been touted as a way to save money, as it is thought to displace a certain amount of water, thus causing the toilet to use less. However, this should be avoided, as any foreign material can eventually break down in the water, leading to costly repairs. A better option is to simply invest in a low-flow toilet.
Refresh Your Sink with Lemon Peels
Most people would agree that lemon peels smell nice, but they shouldn’t be placed down the sink unless you have an industrial-strength garbage disposal. Lemon peels will almost certainly result in clogs in the absence of a super-strong disposal. A better idea is to refresh your drains with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, which can be run through the drain with hot water.
Only Cold Grease Clogs Your Pipes
Grease should always be thrown away in the garbage. However, many people believe that if it is hot, it will simply flow down the drain and never present a problem. The reality is that hot grease eventually cools just like anything else, and therefore it always leaves a film along the inside of the pipes. If you continuously allow hot grease to go down your sink, these layers will eventually congeal, and a subsequent clog will occur. You may then need a main line sewer line inspection or cleanout with a giant snake, or perhaps hydro jetting may be a good alternative.
Rumbling Water Heaters Always Indicate Trouble
It is frequently said that loud rumbling or gurgling sounds from your water heater mean that the unit is in serious trouble or is about to go on the blink. This is not always the case. In many instances, hard water creates sediment that finds its way to the bottom of the unit. This causes air bubbles to form, the latter of which are typically responsible for that popping sound. Nevertheless, it is always wise to contact one of our licensed plumbers to ensure there are no serious problems underway.
Come to Us for All of Your Plumbing Needs
Give us a call or reach out to us online to obtain additional information on how our professional plumbers in Orange County can help you with leaky pipes, dripping faucets, or any other plumbing problem you may be experiencing. We have an A Rating with Angie’s list and 205 positive reviews, so you can rest assured you will receive unparalleled service from all our plumbers. Call us today for a free estimate and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing your plumbing system is in the hands of a professional.