Professional, qualified plumbing technicians can respond to a long list of problems that can occur in any home, from running toilets, leaky faucets, and pipes, to low water pressure and water heaters leaving you with cold water.
When it comes to plumbing and everything else, there are urban legends and myths about efficiency in your home’s pipes. How do we decide what information to take to heart?
Here Are a Few Plumbing Myths Debunked
- Shower vs. the tub: The shower uses less water than a bath, right? This actually depends on what type of showerhead you have in your home and the length of showers each member of the family takes. A typical bath requires approximately 30 to 50 gallons of water. Taking a shower with a low-flow showerhead will only use around 25 gallons. This is why it’s important to update the faucets and showerheads of your home.
- Myths about drips: Did you know that even the tiniest of drips can be a problem? A slow-dripping faucet can add up to 300 gallons a month, impacting your efficiency and your water bill. Fix leaky faucets and drips as soon as possible. A leak also can damage a faucet and stain fixtures.
- Lemons clean my garbage disposal: Running those lemon peels through your sink’s garbage disposal may smell nice at first, but they aren’t actually cleaning it. In truth, they can clog the drain or even cause your disposal to malfunction. It’s better to pour vinegar in the disposal if it becomes a little stinky.
- But it says “flushable”: Contrary to some people’s popular beliefs, a toilet is not garbage disposal or a trash can. Do you throw almost anything away in your toilet to dispose of it? This is one of the worst things you can do. There are better ways to dispose of trash. Never flush anything except toilet paper and human waste in the toilet.
- In-tank toilet cleaners will keep your toilet clean: While they might look like they are cleaning your toilet on the surface, they actually can release too much bleach and end up damaging the toilet’s inner walls. In-bowl cleaners are actually better for your toilet.
- Don’t worry about your pipes unless they are clogged: You should always think about what might be going down the drain. You don’t want your money to go down the drain, as well, due to calling in a professional to fix a clog. Food, grease, dish soap and other particles can clog a kitchen sink in a matter of minutes, while soap scum, toothpaste, hair, and other debris can build up in the bathrooms. Use traps to catch solids and have your system inspected annually to prevent major clogs.
- A chemical drain cleaner will clear that right up: While some chemical drain cleaners may work, they aren’t always the best or the safest for your pipes or the environment. These types of chemicals can damage the piping if they sit in the line for too long. Drain “maintenance” products that have an organic base and are safe for the environment are the best products to use. These can be used monthly to keep grease and sludge from building up in drains over time.
- Any plumber will do: When you have a major plumbing problem, don’t just hire anyone. Contract with a licensed plumbing professional who has the experience and knows how to do the job correctly. This will save you both time and money in the long run.
Korrect has been helping homeowners in the Miami Valley tackle their toughest plumbing problems since 1950. We are proud to be members of the industry’s leading associations and maintain all necessary licenses and certifications. Call us at (937) 837-2333 today.
