Modern plumbing in your Washington, MO, home keeps your daily routine convenient, comfortable, and safe. You use the plumbing in your home multiple times a day with little thought. You run water for washing dishes, flush the toilet to remove waste, and use the shower for bathing. However, when an issue does arise, it’s likely to create a bit of chaos and disruption in the day. When dealing with plumbing, it’s crucial to understand how this system works and what can be done so that your system continues to operate as it should. Read on to discover some of the most common plumbing myths and the truth behind them so you can keep your pipes and plumbing flowing without concern.
Myth 1: You Should Run Hot Water With Grease
Unfortunately, it is a common misconception that hot grease and oil are safe for the drains if hot water runs through the drain at the same time. The truth is that grease and oil are never safe for the drainage system. When liquid grease cools in the drains, it hardens and becomes stuck, sticking to the drainpipes and creating a partial obstruction. Over time, the grease compounds by accumulating more debris and will block the drain completely. Pour hot grease into a glass container and let it cool. Once cooled, throw it away and keep it out of the drains.
Myth 2: Flushable Wipes Are Safe
Flushable wipes are marketed to be safe for flushing down the toilet. However, no matter what the packaging says, the only thing other than human waste that is safe for flushing is toilet paper. Wipes, paper towels, and feminine products should be disposed of and never flushed. These products can get stuck inside the drains and create a clog. They are also harmful to your sewer and septic system and can create a blockage resulting in disastrous plumbing issues and extremely high repair bills.
Myth 3: Use Liquid Drain Cleaners to Unclog Drains
Liquid drain cleaners are widely available, and many people use them regularly in response to clogged drains. While they do sometimes help dislodge clogs, they also have negative side effects that make them a bad choice. Liquid drain cleaners are made from harsh chemicals that can cause erosion of your pipes and drains. Over time, this erosion can lead to leaks. Leaky drainpipes can be devastating to your home.
These chemicals are also harmful if they meet your skin or eyes and can cause serious health consequences if inhaled or ingested. These chemicals can also damage fixtures and stain nearby surfaces and your clothing. Skip the liquid drain cleaners and call our professional plumbers if you have a clogged drain.
Myth 4: Slow Dripping Faucets Are No Big Deal
Many homeowners believe that a leaky faucet is no big deal, especially if it is a slow drip. However, that little bit of wasted water can translate to a huge cost on your monthly water bill. If your faucet is leaking even a little, call our professional plumbers for repairs. The cost of our repair service is well worth the savings you’ll see on your water bill over time.
Myth 5: Leaks Are Easy to Detect
Plumbing leaks can escalate to a point of total catastrophe inside your home without being noticed. Most pipes and drains are in hidden areas of your home. Often these waterways are under the floor or behind the wall where they are not visible to the naked eye. When a leak happens, you may not know until water damage invades your space, or you spot a sharp uptick of usage on your water bill. Look for water stains and spots, moldy smells, and drastic increases in water charges. We can use advanced equipment and skills to find leaks and make repairs, hopefully saving your home from severe water damage.
Myth 6: All Food Can Go Down Garbage Disposals
A garbage disposal grinds and crushes food and mixes it with water so that it can safely go through your drainage system. Many homeowners incorrectly assume that all food can go into the garbage disposal since it pulverizes it before sending it through the drains. However, you should be mindful of what food goes down the sink, even with a garbage disposal. Do not put animal bones down the drain, as they can damage the pipes and become stuck due to their hard texture and irregular shapes. Grease and oil are never safe due to the risk of clogs when they harden. Keep coffee grounds, pasta, flour, and bread out of the garbage disposal as well. Only soft foods that are easily ground and dissolved are safe for your drain and disposal.
Myth 7: Use Boiling Water to Remove Clogs
Boiling water is no match for most drain clogs, especially those involving hair and foreign objects. Not only is it a waste of time to pour boiling water down the drain, but the heat can also lead to damage within your drainage. If the water is too hot, it can cause corroded or corrupt drainpipes and fixtures and lead to issues in the sewer that are costly to repair. If you have a clogged drain, let our professional plumbers remove the obstruction safely and properly so you don’t face higher repair costs than originally needed.
Myth 8: All Plumbers Are Equal
When you need a plumber, remember that not all are created equal. Even in an emergency, take time to find a professional plumber that provides quality workmanship. Our professional plumbers are extensively trained in household plumbing to the point of becoming experts before they are let out on their own.
When you need a plumber, it’s critical to check for credentials, including any technical certifications, licensing, and insurance. Make sure the plumber you hire has a reputable background with good reviews from a variety of local customers. Ask your friends, neighbors, and co-workers for recommendations. Ask plenty of questions about quality, professionalism, and workmanship. If you hire based on price or convenience alone, you could be left with incomplete or inaccurate work and need to call someone more experienced after the low-tier plumber finishes. Your plumbing system is one of the most essential parts of your daily routine and should never be left in the hands of a novice.
Get the Most Accurate Service From Our Trusted Plumbers
Our dedicated plumbers offer expert plumbing services for your Washington home. We perform skilled pipe installation, replacement, and repair services to keep running water flowing safely. Our plumbers offer clog removal services, routine plumbing maintenance, and so much more to ensure your entire plumbing system works as designed. With our special skills, you’ll get the most from your system without the high costs of leaks, water damage, and other disasters caused by a faulty system. Level 9 Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing also employs a talented crew of HVAC technicians who specialize in skilled heating and cooling repairs, replacements, and maintenance for your heating and cooling systems.
Enjoy flawless plumbing in your Washington home by scheduling your essential plumbing services with Level 9 Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing today.
