You home’s plumbing provides an invaluable service. No homeowner wants to carry water in from a well or to remove waste rather than simply flushing a toilet. So it makes sense that responsible homeowners peruse the Internet for handy tips and hints to help keep their plumbing in tip-top shape. But what most consumers are not aware of is that many of the so-called plumbing tips on the web can actually end up costing you money. Here are a few of the worst offenders that you need to beware of, to avoid some costly mistakes.
Beware of Bleach
There are literally hundreds of “easy” toilet cleaning products on the market today. This business has grown exponentially as busy homeowners don’t want to take the time to scrub toilets. And let’s face it, even when you have the time, you don’t want to be elbow deep in a toilet. So millions of homeowners buy the toilet tabs that you drop into the toilet tank and let them do your dirty work. But the problem is that toilets are not made to withstand constant exposure to bleach. This harsh chemical cleaner is excellent for a quick scrubbing to kill germs. But, continued exposure will cause added wear and tear to your toilet and can eat away the finish on the bowl, making it harder to clean and more prone to staining. So stay away from harsh tank tabs and only use bleach for a fast brushing and disinfecting of your toilet bowl.
Flushable Wipes
While these are not a part of your plumbing care, they do have a significant impact on the performance of your plumbing. There are many wipes from baby care to adult-use that saw flushable on the package. And what that means is that it will initially fit down the drain. But so will some small children’s toys and even socks. That does not mean that they will not create a severe clog in your pipe. The only wipes that are safe for your drains are the ones that are marked as biodegradable. These wipes are designed to disintegrate quickly in water and pose no clogging issues in your future. All other wipes should be in the no flush category along with feminine hygiene products, paper towels, napkins, and other paper products.
A noisy water heater is dangerous and needs to be replaced
This myth might fall right back on some less than honest plumbers. Gurgling and rumbling sounds coming from your water heater do not mean that pressure is building up, and it is about to explode. What it does mean is that it might be time to have the unit inspected by a reputable licensed plumber who can clean and descale the tank and heating element. This is often the cause of the noise, and it is not only not hazardous. And it is also not a reason to replace the tank. However, some disingenuous plumbers have used this excuse in the past to talk unsuspecting homeowners into replacing a perfectly functional water heater. Don’t get fleeced. Call a plumber you can trust if you are worried about the sounds coming from your water heater.
You can pour grease down the sink as long as you mix it with boiling water
This is a myth that will cost you at least the fee for a professional drain cleaning. If boiling water were to eliminate the clogging ability of grease somehow magically, cardiologists everywhere would be trying to figure out how to use it to unclog a patient’s arteries. The best place for any grease is in your trash can. But if you must wash it down the drain, wait for it to cook and flush it down with cold water. This will cause the grease to solidify, so it can float out of your drain pipes rather than coating the inside of them.
While there is some good information on the Internet, but the best way to learn tips and tricks to better care for your home’s plumbing is to ask your trusted plumber from Flow Plumbing. Our licensed plumbers have years of experience and expertise that they will be glad to share with you. Give us a call at (214) 388-8838 to schedule an appointment or ask us if we would trust the tip in question at our own home.