Most home and business owners don’t pay a lot of attention to their plumbing systems – until a problem arises. There are some plumbing myths floating around out there, however, that you may be tempted to rely upon. Acquaint yourself with these myths, and you won’t fall victim to their sometimes damaging effects. If you have a problem with your plumbing that goes beyond a basic plunging situation, it’s almost always in your best interest to call in a professional St. Cloud plumber.
Plumbing Myths
Let’s explore the four biggest plumbing myths:
Myth 1: My Drains Are Fine, so My Plumbing Must Also Be Fine.
While slow drains are often indicative of a plumbing issue, this doesn’t mean that, when your drains are running smoothly, your plumbing system is necessarily in good working order. If you have a plumbing leak, you very well may not recognize the problem until it becomes pronounced. With time and use, your pipes and fittings are subjected to wear-and-tear and leaks can happen. Such leaks can cause expensive and inconvenient structural damage to your home and can lead to mold and mildew, which doesn’t just smell bad but can also be damaging to your health. If you have dampness or wet spots in places they shouldn’t be, if you have unexpectedly high water bills, or even if you hear weird sounds in your pipes, it’s time to call in a St. Cloud professional.
Myth 2: Running Water and Throwing Some Lemons Down My Garbage Disposal Should Do the Trick
Your garbage disposal plays an important role in your kitchen, but it’s not impervious to the ravages of time and overzealous use. Garbage disposals aren’t intended to take on whatever you jam into them. In fact, there are several things that you should never send through your disposal:
- Foods with fibrous skins, including potatoes, celery, lettuce, and onions
- Foods with thick skin, including banana peels
- Foods that are sticky, including egg shells
- Foods that absorb water and swell, including rice and pasta
In addition to these food items, grease, fats, and oils shouldn’t come anywhere near your garbage disposal. These oily substances coat your disposal and pipes and act as a magnet for a buildup of debris.
And while you are at it, keeping your disposal clean will help keep it smelling sweet. Throwing a lemon skin or two (or pouring lemon juice) down the drain might help freshen the smell of your disposal, but it won’t do anything to actually clean it. For that, you need to shut off the power; pour a mild detergent and warm water mixture into the disposal; allow the mixture to stand for several minutes; and then brush the mechanism clean with a long-handled brush (never stick your hand into the disposal).
Myth 3: A Touch of Hand Soap or Household Cleaner Is a Great Way to Keep My Fixtures Clean
There are a lot of different bathroom and kitchen fixtures out there, and some of them require highly specific care. If yours tend toward basic models, you can employ a gentle household cleaner that’s intended for the purpose. If on the other hand, your fixtures are made of something more delicate, like brass, you’ll need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Products like hand soap can actually shorten your fixtures’ lifespans.
Myth 5: My Plumbing Is Humming Along, so I Don’t Need to Worry about Maintenance
This myth can get you into trouble. Even if your home or office’s plumbing is working perfectly and you’re not experiencing any of the telltale signs of a plumbing problem, regularly scheduled maintenance with a plumbing professional is always a good idea. The fact is that – just like anything else – the components that make up your plumbing system are prone to wearing out and loosening over time, which can lead to leaks and problems that you may not recognize until they’ve caused considerable damage or have morphed into a full-on plumbing emergency. With regular maintenance, your dedicated St. Cloud plumber will check to ensure that your plumbing remains in good working order and will alert you to any potential problems on the horizon. The old adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure also applies to your plumbing.
If You’ve Got a Plumbing Problem, Call a St. Cloud Plumber Today
When it comes to your plumbing, it’s best to leave the problems to the professionals. The dedicated plumbers at Neighborhood Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Electrical in St. Cloud are here to help – 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. We’re committed to providing you with the service you need when you need it. For more information, please contact or call us at 877-817-0584 to schedule an appointment today.