“It’s okay to dump grease down the kitchen sink.”
“Putting a brick in your toilet tank helps save water.”
“Lemon peels do a great job of cleaning the garbage disposal.”
Plumbing myths like these abound, and it’s tough to separate fact from fiction. While some myths are harmless, others can do serious damage to your plumbing system. Below, we debunk the top myths that you should never believe.
Are you having a problem with your plumbing? Call us for plumbing services in Donelson, TN.
Top Plumbing Myths Busted for Donelson Homeowners
Maybe you’ve heard a few tips from well-meaning friends and neighbors about how to care for your home’s pipes and fixtures. In many cases, such advice is little more than an old wives’ tale. If you hear any of these myths, don’t believe them!
Myth: Chemical Drain Cleaners Are Safe and Effective
You’ve got a nasty clog in your kitchen sink, so you head to the store to buy drain cleaner. The bottle says that it’s safe for your pipes, and you believe it. The store wouldn’t sell it if it wasn’t safe, right?
Wrong. Most drain cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can do serious damage to your pipes. While drain cleaners may clear hair, oil, and other natural clogs, they have zero impact on others, such as foreign objects.
Myth: Flushable Wipes Are Fine
Nobody wants stinky baby wipes sitting in their bathroom trash can, which is why flushable wipes are so popular. However, just because you technically can flush these wipes doesn’t mean you should.
Flushable wipes are made from plastics and polyesters, so they don’t degrade in water. Instead, they travel into the sewer system, where they can cause major clogs. Toss your wipes in the trash or stick to toilet paper instead.
Myth: You Should Adjust Your Water Heater to the Highest Temperature Setting
You love hot showers, so you crank your water heater’s thermostat up as high as it will go. This is one of the worst plumbing myths because super-hot water can damage your water heater over time. On top of that, it can cause serious burns and increase your energy bills.
Most plumbing experts recommend setting your water heater temperature between 120°F and 140°F. At Parthenon Plumbing, we advise keeping your water heater set to 120°F—a safe, energy-efficient temperature that helps prevent scalding injuries and reduces wear on your plumbing system.
Occassionaly, dishwashers require a higher setpoint to ensure that there is no potential for the bacteria Legionella occurring, though this is not a common concern. If you’re not comfortable adjusting the thermostat yourself, call a professional.
Flushable wipes? Here’s the deal.
Myth: You Can Toss All Your Kitchen Scraps Down the Garbage Disposal
Like many homeowners in Donelson, you probably toss anything and everything down your garbage disposal. But garbage disposal misuse can cause major clogs and even result in the unit breaking down entirely.
Waste such as coffee grounds, potato peels, pasta, rice, and eggshells belong in the trash, not your garbage disposal. And never dump hot grease down there, either. The grease will solidify when it cools, causing a stubborn blockage.
Myth: A Leaky Faucet Hardly Impacts Your Water Bill
A dripping faucet doesn’t seem like such a big deal. Yes, it’s annoying, but what harm can it cause? This is one of the many plumbing myths that can do serious damage to your system.
A leaky faucet impacts your water bill astronomically. If your faucet drips at the rate of one drip per second, it wastes more than 3,000 gallons of water per year, enough to take over 180 showers! The costs will add up and hurt your pockets.
As if that wasn’t bad enough, a dripping faucet can wear out components prematurely, costing you hundreds in repairs. So if your faucet won’t quit leaking, call a plumber ASAP.
Myth: You Don’t Need To Worry About Pipe Freezing Prevention Measures
We usually enjoy mild winter temperatures here in Donelson, and those temperate days lull homeowners into a false sense of security. Far too many don’t bother protecting their pipes from freezing weather. But we do get the occasional frigid day, and when that happens, unprotected pipes are at risk of bursting.
If you’d rather not shell out thousands for an emergency plumber, do your pipes a favor and wrap them in insulation before winter arrives.
Learn More Plumbing Myths From Our Team in Donelson, Tennessee
Have you fallen for any of these plumbing myths? If so, it’s a good idea to call our team for an inspection. We’ll assess the potential damage to your system and provide advice on preventing future issues. Our pros can address common and scary plumbing problems such as burst pipes, clogged toilets, rusty water heaters, and more.
To book plumbing service in Donelson, Tennessee, call Parthenon Plumbing, Heating, & AC Repair today.
