There are a few factors that are important for all homeowners when it comes to maintaining their plumbing, and perhaps the single most important is basic information. Home plumbing is a balance between DIY attention from the homeowner and maintenance and other services from plumbers, and carrying out simple areas within the latter realm is far easier for homeowners if they understand a few basics about their system and general plumbing.
At Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric, we’re here to provide a limitless range of plumbing services, from drain cleaning to toilet repair, water filtration themes and many areas of plumbing repair. One basic area when it comes to understanding your home’s plumbing: Separating plumbing fact from fiction, as a number of misconceptions have become part of popular culture when it comes to these areas over the years. This two-part blog series will go over a number of common statements you’ll be liable to hear about when it comes to plumbing, plus whether they’re true or false and what they mean for your at-home plumbing care.
Liquid Drain Cleaner Unclogs the Sink Reliably
FICTION.
Sadly, liquid drain cleaner is one of the top sources of misconception within the plumbing world. While it may have occasional benefits for certain minor clogs in some drain areas, it will do more damage than harm in many other cases.
One such case is various sink drains, which generally become clogged due to mixtures of hair, skin, hygiene products and related items. Liquid drain cleaner, however, is not meant to dissolve solids like these, and likely will not do the job entirely. In addition, overusing drain cleaners of this format often wears down pipes based on active ingredients in the cleaner.
Leaky Plumbing Has Incredibly High Costs
FACT.
Some homeowners don’t concern themselves much with basic plumbing leaks, figuring they’re not a big deal. This couldn’t be further from the truth, however – billions of gallons of water are wasted per year by leaks, per the EPA, and a slow leak of just three drops per minute will still leak over 150 gallons per year. Even minor leaks should be checked and remedied immediately.
“Flushable” Wipes Are Fine in the Toilet
FICTION.
This topic has exploded during recent COVID-19 outbreak periods and resulting toilet paper shortages, but the answer remains the same: “Flushable” wipes are generally improperly marketed and should not be flushed down toilet drains despite their name. They do not break down as quickly as toilet paper, making them heavy risks for clogs and buildups in the drain and sewer system. Only human waste and actual approved toilet paper should be flushed down toilet drains.
For more on separating plumbing fact from fiction, or to learn about any of our plumbing or HVAC services, speak to the staff at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric today.