When it comes to your plumbing, there are a lot of myths out there that can steer you in exactly the wrong direction. If you encounter a minor plumbing problem like a worn toilet flange, knock yourself out and go the DIY route. If, on the other hand, you come up against a plumbing issue that’s somewhat more serious – a plumbing emergency, even – you need an experienced Forest Lake, Minnesota, plumber.
Don’t Fall for This
There are some plumbing myths that are so pervasive everyone seems to know them. Don’t fall for them:
Myth 1 – A brick in my toilet tank will conserve water
The brick in the toilet tank trick has been around for years, and while it seems to make sense, it’s actually not a good idea. Bricks deteriorate and crumble over time, which means a brick can leave sediment in your tank that damages the inner workings. Further, the brick can interfere with your flush mechanism – causing you to repeat flush, which defies the purpose of the brick in the first place. If your toilet isn’t as water efficient as it could be, talk to a professional Forest Lake, Minnesota, plumber about the many options that are out there.
Myth 2 – I can flush flushable wipes without fear of harming my plumbing system
Make it your policy to only flush what’s intended to be flushed and toilet paper, and stick to that policy. While flushable wipes are likely more biodegradable than other kinds of wipes, they still don’t belong in your plumbing system. Keep it simple, and only flush toilet paper.
Myth 3 – Toilet tablets that contain bleach are good for keeping my toilet fresh
Bleach-containing toilet tablets can help keep your bowl clean, but their high concentration of bleach is damaging to your toilet’s inner workings. Ditch the toilet tablets, and use a toilet cleanser that contains bleach instead. Squeeze – let it stand for no more than 7 or 8 minutes – swish, and flush.
Myth 4 – Hot, Liquid Grease Shouldn’t Be a Problem for My Drain
Never send any kind of grease down your drain – no matter what its form. Just because hot grease is liquid doesn’t mean it can’t seriously damage your plumbing system. As the grease cools, it adheres to the inside of your pipes and can lead to an extremely difficult-to-clear blockage. Allow grease to harden, and throw it away.
Myth 5 – Lemon Peels Will Keep My Drain Smelling Sweet
While lemon peels can freshen up your garbage disposal, sending them through your disposal isn’t a good idea. Learn what you shouldn’t putting into your garbage disposal, and refrain from doing so:
- Fruit and vegetable peels, including lemon peels
- Any kind of bone
- Pasta
- Greasy food scraps
- Egg shells
Myth 6 – A Slow Leak Isn’t that Important
If you have a leaky faucet, don’t chalk it up to simply being part of life. A leaky faucet unnecessarily increases your water bill, is a waste of natural resources, is hard on your plumbing and fixtures because it places them in constant work mode, and can be indicative of a more significant plumbing issue. If you have a leaky faucet, you need an experienced Forest Lake, Minnesota, plumber.
Myth 7 – I Can’t go Wrong Using a Plunger on My Slow Drain
While using a plunger on your sink drain can help, there are several safety concerns that you should always keep in mind:
- Never mix a chemical drain cleaner with plunging – especially if you have a double sink. It can cause dangerous splashing. Further, chemical drain cleaners can damage your plumbing and should be avoided.
- First try a nonchemical drain cleaner, and if that doesn’t get the job done, try plunging.
- Stop plunging once you see that you’ve cleared the blockage.
- Keep at least two separate plungers – one for your toilets and one for your sinks.
If these techniques don’t get your drain back up and running, it’s time to call in the professional services of a skilled Forest Lake plumber.
Myth 8 – My Water Heater Is Gurgling, Which Probably Means It’s about to Blow
There’s no need to panic if your water heater is gurgling. It most likely means that you have sediment floating at the bottom of your tank, which prevents air bubbles from rising. When the air bubbles pop in the process, it can be quite loud. Scheduling regular professional maintenance with an experienced plumber can help you keep your water heater humming along with no crazy gurgling sounds.
Avoid the Pitfalls of Plumbing Myths, and Consult with an Experienced Forest Lake, Minnesota, Plumber Today
The dedicated plumbing professionals at Neighborhood Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Electrical in Forest Lake, Minnesota are committed to helping you keep your plumbing in tiptop shape. For more information, please contact or call us at 800-570-4328 today.