Dispelling Some Popular Plumbing Myths

When it comes to plumbing, some of us may think we have the upper hand when it comes to the smaller jobs, so we choose to take them on ourselves. But how much do we really know about plumbing and how much of that knowledge is actually true?

Here are a few of the more common plumbing myths:

Use a Wire Hanger as a Snake

This is one of the most often used household items when it comes to trying to clear a clog in a pipe. When you use the wire hanger alone, you are going to scratch the inner surface of your plumbing. So, while it is something you probably shouldn’t do yourself, a wire hanger can be used, but you need to make sure that the tip is covered with a soft cloth and securely in place with a rubber band.

Throw Citrus Peels into the Drain

People say that if you are faced with kitchen drain odor, you can throw citrus peels down the drain. While this is another method that you can actually use, you will find that doing so is not recommended if you have an older or outdated disposal.

Older disposals will not be able to properly break down the peels which can cause problems with your drain; therefore, it is best to avoid throwing peels into the drain.

You Can Use a Plunger for a Clogged Sink

We use plungers for clogged toilets, so it makes sense that it would work for the sinks in our home as well, right? Wrong. If you use chemicals poured down the drain to help clear a clog in the sink, you should avoid using a plunger. The plunger will cause the chemicals you are using on the clog to come back up the pipe and possibly burn your skin.

Put a Brick in the Toilet Tank to Save Water

We probably know quite a few people that do this because they think it will save money over time. However, that brick can begin to disintegrate and break down in the water or an extended amount of time, and those pieces that break off the brick can cause damage and other problems to your flapper and other toilet mechanisms.

The brick may also cause you to have to flush more than you would without the brick being there because the water is not being properly dispersed in the tank.

If you are faced with other plumbing problems or concerns or just have questions about something you might have heard, contact us at Cardigan today so our experienced plumbers can help.