Common Plumbing Myths Debunked

Whether you are a first-time homeowner trying to muddle through home maintenance, or you are a fairly experienced homeowner who simply wants to get all of the facts, the following list of common plumbing myths debunked can help you out.

      Myth 1: Chemical drain cleaners will work best for clogged drains. In reality, many chemical drain cleaners will cause more harm than good (even ones that are specifically advertised to unclog drains). Harsh chemicals can coat your drains and lead to more clogs down the road, or they can even corrode and damage your pipes. A simple toilet plunger or a little drain excavation is the best way to unclog a toilet. If you have persistent drain issues or are squeamish about unclogging a drain yourself, contact a local plumber for help.

      Myth 2: Your garbage disposal is meant to handle all garbage and unused food. In reality, your garbage disposal is actually quite delicate and is only designed to handle small particles of food. Shoving items down your garbage disposal is damaging and ineffective, so make a habit of using your actual garbage to dispose of leftover food or consider starting up a compost pile for your garden. The most damaging item that commonly goes down garbage disposals is grease. Grease can clog your drain and cause a lot of damage, so resist the temptation to pour it down the drain. Find other ways to dispose of your grease.

      Myth 3: An in-tank toilet cleaning product will do the job it advertises. Toilet cleaning products can be very disappointing since they rarely do the job they advertise. It is usually better to stick with basic cleaning supplies that you use for the rest of your home, as harsh chemicals and fancy cleaning products are either ineffectual or damaging to your plumbing system. Instead of purchasing an in-tank toilet cleaner that is meant to deodorize and keep your toilet clean, try using vinegar in the overflow tube of your toilet. Vinegar is a common cleaning product (that is very inexpensive) that will deodorize your toilet and keep buildup from forming as well. When it comes to toilet cleaners, simple, basic products are more effective than fancy products that come with a gimmick. Resist the urge to waste money on these products that do not work.

      Myth 4: Homeowners can handle all common plumbing issues themselves. It may be tempting to attempt a DIY job on your current home plumbing problem. You could save some money and get your job done a little faster. The reality is, however, that most homeowners end up spending more money (on a botched job) and more time (trying to figure out how to solve a problem that is over their head) doing a plumbing job themselves rather than hiring a plumber. If you suspect a serious plumbing issue, contact an expert 24/7 plumbing service in Marietta immediately to save yourself some time and some money.