What you don’t know about your plumbing system can hurt your wallet, diminish the value of your property and leave you scrambling to line up extensive repairs. Unfortunately, there are a number of common misconceptions about plumbing that are both widely circulated and long-held. Following are the five biggest plumbing myths that every property owner should know about.
1. All Emergency Plumbers Are The Same
Few people take the time to diligently compare emergency plumbing services in advance of their need for them. At first glance, many of these companies appear to be structured exactly the same. They make similar promises, charge comparable rates and are capable of handling the same emergency plumbing problems.
At closer look, however, many of these entities have hidden fees, fewer service benefits and satisfaction guarantees with important exclusions. Thus, it definitely pays to find a reputable emergency plumber early on, so that you can have this professional’s number on hand when you need it.
2. Leaky Faucets Aren’t A Big Deal
A lot of homeowners are likely to overlook their leaky faucets until the sound of a near-constant drip starts to drive them mad. Although this problem doesn’t compromise the usability of the faucet, it can have a significant impact on your water bill, especially if you live in a drought-stricken area with severe water restrictions. In addition to the gallons of water that get lost each day, leaky faucets can also lead to the eventual breakdown of the faucet and may cause plumbing fixtures to become pitted and stained.
3. Whole-House Plumbing Inspections Aren’t Necessary
Your home is likely your biggest investment and few things can have such a significant impact on this investment as water damage. Unfortunately, water damages can be surprisingly inconspicuous. In homes that don’t get regular, whole-house inspections, leaks that are hidden behind drywall or appliance can wreak havoc on property values and on the structural integrity of the abode.
Given that mold can form within just 48 hours after building materials have been exposed to excess moisture, having slow or hidden leaks identified and resolved in a timely fashion is essential for preventing widespread mold issues.
4. Lemons Peels And Hot Water Can Can Keep Garbage Disposals Clean
Grinding up a few citrus peels in your garbage disposal will certainly help freshen this unit up in terms of how it smells. It will not, however, keep this appliance clean. You will have to read your manual in order to know more about the manufacturer’s recommendations for ongoing maintenance and use. If you’re regularly grinding up greasy, oily foods or foods that your unit can’t handle, you’re bound to run into problems that a few lemon peels won’t fix.
5. Flushable Wipes Won’t Cause Plumbing Problems
Flushable wipes are disposable, personal cleansing cloths that are supposedly safe to flush down the toilet. They are also the cause of countless, whole-house backups each year. These wipes do not degrade easily the way that standard, toilet paper does. This is especially problematic in homes with old, clay pipes at their exterior that are prone to encroachment from tree roots and weeds.
Wipes can get caught up on these obstructions and cause water to back up into the home. Flushable wipes can also get caught in the intricate pipe system at the interior of the property and cause problems there.
Charlie Teschner started MESA Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling in 1982. Charlie has a journeyman and master plumber’s license. He was raised with a strong work ethic and he now applies those values to tasks such as Longmont, CO heating repair.