Debunking Common Plumbing Myths

We’re sure you’ve heard some myths around plumbing- you just may not realize it. Some plumbing myths are so common, they’ve been accepted as facts. We’re here to set the record straight. 

1. Flushable Wipes are Flushable

As it turns out, so-called flushable wipes are only flushable if your end goal is a clogged toilet. Most wipes are made from a blend of synthetic materials that do not dissolve when flushed, quickly clogging your plumbing system since they don’t break down like toilet paper. Flushable wipes have become one of the leading causes of blocked municipal sewage systems. 

2. Running Hot Water Down Your Garbage Disposal Helps Break Up Grease

Never put any grease or cooking oils down your drains, including the garbage disposal. Hot water may appear to help wash any grease down the drain, but once grease cools down, it coats the inside of your pipes. That coating acts as a magnet for hair and food particles, eventually leading to tough clogs. 

3. Ice Cubes Sharpen Garbage Disposal Blades

Fun fact: garbage disposals don’t have blades. What they do have are impellers that spin around, smashing food scraps against the disposal walls to break them down into smaller particles. You can put ice cubes down your disposal once every few months to help clean the impellers, but they won’t sharpen anything. 

4. Use Lemons to Clean Your Garbage Disposal 

While putting lemons or lemon peels down your drain can temporarily make your sink smell better, repeated use can hurt your disposal. Large pieces of lemon can put a strain on your disposal, clogging or even breaking it. 

5. Any Food Can Go Down the Garbage Disposal

One of the easiest ways to destroy your disposal is by using it as a catch-all for all food waste. We recommend scraping dishes in the trashcan or compost bin and always avoiding putting the following items down your disposal:

• Artichokes
• Asparagus
• Beans
• Bones
• Celery
• Coffee Grounds
• Couscous
• Eggshells
• Flour
• Grease and Oils
• Grits
• Lettuce
• Meats
• Onion Skins
• Pasta
• Peels (banana, carrot, cucumber, potato, etc)
• Rice
• Watermelon, or other melon, rinds 

6. Liquid Drain Cleaners are Safe

While chemical drain cleaners can help dissolve minor clogs, they’re also powerful enough to damage your pipes and the materials around a sink, bathtub, or toilet. 

7. Your Water Heater May Explode if it’s Making Noises

Any unusual new sounds coming from your water heater are usually signs that the unit is in need of some routine maintenance or a part needs replaced. Rumbling or gurgling sounds are oftentimes caused by excessive sediment buildup in the tank. While your water heater could fail before its time if the issue isn’t addressed properly, an actual explosion is extremely rare. 

8. A Leaky Faucet Isn’t a Big Deal

It can be easy to ignore, or even forget about, a periodic drip from a faucet. The truth is, a leaky faucet increases your water bill and harms the environment. Once a drip starts, it can wear out the faucet and pit or stain plumbing features, leading to costly repairs or total replacements. As tempting as it can be to ignore, it’s best to deal with any leak ASAP. 

9. It’s Safe to Shower or Bathe During a Lightning Storm

While rare, it is possible for lightning to travel through your plumbing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest avoiding showering or bathing during a lightning storm as a precaution. 

10. Every Plumber Has the Same Credentials

Not all plumbers have the same training and expertise. Premier Plumbing’s licensed and insured team specializes in solving residential and light commercial plumbing needs in the Upstate South Carolina area. If we ever feel like we aren’t the best fit for your needs, we’ll let you know. 

We hope this helped bust some plumbing myths for you (bonus points if we even taught you something new in the process). If you ever have any questions surrounding what’s safe for your plumbing system, give us a call at 864.444.6570. We’re happy to help any way we can.