Debunking Common SLC Plumbing Misconceptions

There are a few areas of daily life where “old wives’ tales” have made their way into popular thinking, and the plumbing world is a great example. While certain plumbing tips you’ve heard through the rumor mill may indeed be legitimate, some will actually be myths that have spread around for some reason or another, either because they used to be true and no longer are or for some other reason.

At My Buddy the Plumber, we’re happy to provide high-quality plumbing services for numerous clients in Salt Lake City and many surrounding areas, including everything from simple inspections to 24/7 emergency plumbing solutions. A major part of our value to clients involves informing them when it comes to their plumbing or HVAC systems — including steering them clear of myths or misconceptions they may be operating under when attempting to care for their plumbing system. Here are a few of the most common such myths out there, plus the proper info in each of these areas so you know what you’re doing moving forward.

Myth #1: Liquid Drain Cleaners are Your Friend

For any kind of moderate or greater clog that takes place in a drain, whether it be in the toilet, sink or any other location, many homeowners’ first instinct is to go out and buy some powerful liquid drain cleaner at the store. Unfortunately, these products are actually more likely to do harm than good in many cases.

For one thing, they’re only effective on very small clogs or those that are close to the opening of the drainpipe. If you have a clog further down the pipe, these cleaners can’t do anything to clear it and may even end up making the clog worse. Additionally, because of their caustic ingredients, liquid drain cleaners can actually damage your pipes over time, increasing the likelihood of future clogs.

Instead of using a liquid drain cleaner in any situation besides the very mildest of cases, try using a plunger or a drain snake instead. If you have a more serious clog, your best bet is to call in a professional plumber who can clear the blockage without damaging your pipes in the process.

Myth #2: “Flushable” Wipes Work Just as Their Packaging Says

Certain forms of product packaging are misleading to consumers, and a great example here are “flushable” wipes. While it may be technically true that you can flush these wipes down your toilet, the fact is that they’re actually quite harmful to your plumbing system and shouldn’t be flushed except in very rare circumstances.

“Flushable” wipes don’t break down like regular toilet paper does, and as a result, they can quickly cause clogs in your toilet or sewer line. In some cases, these wipes can even cause blockages in municipal sewer systems, leading to backups and other serious plumbing problems.

Simply put, nothing but human waste and toilet paper should ever be flushed down a toilet. If you need to use a wipe for some reason, dispose of it in the trash can instead.

Myth #3: Lemons Clean the Drain/Garbage Disposal

This is a myth that arises due to some understandable confusion: While it’s true that lemons and lemon-scented products are sometimes used during various forms of cleaning to cover odors and create a refreshing smell, this doesn’t mean that lemons actually clean anything on their own.

When it comes to cleaning your drains or garbage disposal, using lemon juice or lemon-scented cleaner may make the area smell nice, but it won’t do much (if anything) in terms of actually removing dirt, grime or other buildup. The best way to clean your drains and garbage disposal is by using a simple mixture of baking soda and vinegar. This will safely remove any dirt or buildup without causing any damage to your plumbing system. If you need to, you can also follow up this mixture with a good scrubbing using a brush.

Myth #4: A Small Faucet Leak is No Big Deal

You may think that a small leak in your faucet is nothing to worry about, but the fact is that even a tiny drip can actually waste a significant amount of water over time. Not only is this bad for the environment, but it can also end up costing you quite a bit of money on your water bill.

Additionally, that small drip could be indicative of a larger problem with your plumbing system, and if you don’t address it in a timely manner, that small leak could turn into a much bigger one. If you have a faucet that’s leaking, no matter how slightly, be sure to have it fixed as soon as possible by a professional plumber.

Fixing a leaky faucet may seem like a small task, but it’s one that’s well worth your time and effort. Not only will it save you money in the long run, but it can also help to protect the environment.

Myth #5: All Plumbers are the Same

While all plumbers are trained to do the same general job, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to plumbing. What works for one plumber may not work for another, and what may be a simple fix for one person could be a much more complicated issue for someone else.

It’s important to do your research before hiring a plumber, and to make sure that you’re choosing someone who has the experience and expertise to handle your specific plumbing issue. Not all plumbers are created equal, and it’s important to find one who is qualified and trustworthy to help you with your needs.

When it comes to plumbing, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions that abound. By debunking some of the most common, we hope to help our clients proceed properly for any plumbing issues or needs that arise in their homes. For more on this concept, or to learn about any of our plumbing or HVAC solutions for SLC clients, speak to the staff at My Buddy the Plumber today.