5 Plumbing Myths Debunked

Some things seem like such great ideas, until we learn that they are not! The following are some of the classic plumbing myths helping us all have a better, more meaningful relationship with our pipes!

Lemons Make the Garbage Disposal Smell Nice

The nice smell quickly fades away yet the damage citric acid is doing to your metal pipes and your disposal are very much everlasting! Add to this the damage gets worse with each additional lemon, this is best avoided.

One option to cleaning the disposal is by using ice. Put some ice cubes in the disposal, turn on the water and let it run for a minute or two. A bit noisy, it will remove odor causing food particles and remains that are build up on the blades.

Ineffective In-Tank Cleaners

If your goal is to dye to the color of build-up in your toilet, this is an appropriate solution! If, however, you are wanting to keep your toilet clean by getting rid of that build-up, there is a much better solution. Vinegar will remove that malodorous build-up, that which will eventually damage your toilet, both completing the job and avoiding you wasting money on an ineffectual product.

Running Water While Using the Disposal

This might be the most common misconception. Everyone does this. It does make sense but there is even a better solution relative to water and waste. Filling the sink up with 4 parts water to 1 part waste serves to separate the waste and helps it move down the drain with ease. This also helps avoid the unsavory task of reaching in to remove whatever has gotten jammed.

What You Cannot See Can Hurt You

Clogs can build over time and although you cannot see them, they will eventually present in the form of blocked drains. It is best to avoid having them get started at all by taking preventative measures. The use of screens in the shower to collect hair is a very important preventative measure. Also filling a sink before draining it provides a gush of water that fills every crevice, clearing out pipes as it goes. Different from a stream from the tap, it is a good step to take.

Clean the Fixtures and Not With Your Soapy Hands!

It would seem reaching for the faucet with soap on your hands carries the added bonus of doing double-duty by also cleaning that fixture. Wrong! The soap we use on our hands is corrosive to fixtures. Giving them a quick wipe-off after use will avoid corrosion.

Don’t be fooled by plumbing myths! Call Allan E Power Plumbing at [phone] for great advice and service in the La Grange area.