Busting These Common Plumbing Myths

Everyone has plumbing. It’s such a regular part of our lives that we often don’t recognize how complex it actually is. Plumbing systems can be very complicated and even small issues and potentially become large problems. This reality is compounded by the fact that most people don’t know how their plumbing works. After all, as mentioned, it’s such a common part of our lives that we rarely think of it.

This becomes a problem, however, when plumbing myths are allowed to persist. Making a mistake when dealing with plumbing can be costly and it can cause a lot of damage as well. Here are a few of the most common plumbing myths and the truth.

You Can Flush Flushable Wipes

This is perhaps the biggest plumbing myth there is. After all, they say “flushable” in the name, so they must be safe to flush, right? Wrong. One of the main reasons people end up having to call plumbing services is because they’ve been flushing things they shouldn’t be flushing – and wipes are a common culprit.

Flushable wipes don’t disintegrate or break down like toilet paper does. While they may flush down your toilet, they often cause significant clogs. Just because something flushes, it doesn’t mean it’s not causing a serious problem further down. For this reason, only flush human waste and toilet paper.

Leaky Faucets Aren’t a Big Deal

There are a few reasons why leaky faucets are a bigger potential problem than you may assume. The first is that they waste water. Yes, a small drip every now and then might not seem like a lot, but it adds up. If you have a leaky faucet, place a cup or bowl under it overnight. In the morning, look at how much water has been collected. It’s probably a lot more than you expected – and that’s just one night! This is a serious and potentially costly waste of water.

However, another potential issue is that your sink and faucet are designed to handle a slow, steady drip. Over time, mineral stains and buildup can occur, especially if you have hard water. The result could be damaged sealant, the accumulation of mould and mildew, and many other issues. Do yourself a favour and have your leaky faucets fixed before the problem gets worse. Remember, a leaking faucet isn’t going to resolve itself.

You Can DIY a Lot of Plumbing Jobs

There are a few plumbing repair tasks that the average person can do. However, there are many – MANY – more than should be left to professionals. In fact, if you’re trying to fix a plumbing problem yourself because you think it will be quicker and less expensive, you could end up costing yourself more time and money. If a problem isn’t resolved properly, it could easily turn into a larger issue.

Using Drano is a Good Thing for your Plumbing System

Drano and other products like it have been around a long time, so you might think that they’re perfectly good to use. However, that isn’t exactly true. The truth is that these products are very corrosive. Yes, they might dissolve whatever is clogging your drain, but they could cause other more serious problems as well.

One big potential issue is that these corrosive chemicals can actually cause PVC to melt, pipes to deteriorate, and toilet bowls to crack, among other issues.

In addition, these chemicals are toxic. They can easily burn your skin or damage your eyes, release toxic fumes into your home, and – if they do manage to leave your plumbing system – they can contaminate the local water supply.

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about plumbing. At Willowbrook Plumbing & Heating in Langley, BC, we’re here to help. Our experienced team can answer whatever questions you may have and give you the level of service you deserve when you have a plumbing problem. For more information or to book an appointment or get a quote, please do not hesitate to contact us online or by call 604-514-9967 today. We’re here to help.