We’ve heard several plumbing tips and tricks from family, friends, and others. But how much of it is true?
Most of these tips oppose what they claim, damaging your entire plumbing system. This can be troublesome since your family depends on the plumbing system running smoothly for proper hygiene.
Educating yourself about basic plumbing is necessary to keep yourself safe from these myths and misconceptions. And to make this easier, we have compiled some common real estate plumbing myths you should know about, so let’s look!
7 Common Real Estate Plumbing Myths You Should Know
1. Minor Leaks Can Be Ignored
When your plumbing fixtures have a minor leak, it can be tempting to ignore them. However, you would be surprised to know how much a simple leak can add to the water bill.
Most small leaks occur in valves, faucets, and toilets that are relatively easier to fix. If you notice a leak, get it fixed immediately, no matter how big or small. Regular plumbing system maintenance is recommended to avoid hidden leaks and additional costs.
2. Flushable Wipes Can Be Flushed
When you hear the term “flushable wipes,” you would automatically assume that they are indeed flushable. But here is the twist, they cannot be flushed safely.
Toilet papers are made with materials that will eventually dissolve and disintegrate in the water. However, flushable wipes do not have the same disintegrating properties. This means flushing them down the toilet will get stuck within the pipes, eventually clogging your plumbing system.
Even if you’re lucky enough to get the wipes to flush, they can cause a clog in the main sewer line. To avoid this situation, refrain from flushing wipes down the toilet, regardless of whether they’re flushable.
3. Brick In The Toilet Tank Cuts Water Cost
Though it seems silly, placing a brick in the toilet tank is the most common way to save money. When you place a brick, it takes more capacity of the toilet tank. This, in turn, leads to fewer gallons of water per flush.
The problem occurs when the toilets do not get the necessary water to flush out properly. If the brick restricts too much water, you may experience difficulties with irregular water flow or improper drainage. This method can also cause issues in the long run, such as damaging the hydraulic system and the overall functioning of the toilet.
If you wish to save water, ensuring no leaks and maintaining the plumbing system regularly is all that is needed.
4. Drain Cleaners Cause No Harm
Agreed drain cleaners can get the job done quickly, but their convenience comes at a cost. Most drain cleaners contain toxic chemicals that threaten your pipes and health.
If used in excess, these harsh chemicals can lead to your pipes eroding and cracking. Additionally, contact with these substances can harm your eyes, skin, and lungs.
You might wonder why mixing these harsh chemicals with a different, safer component is not recommended. This is because these toxic substances react with other products, leading to a harmful chemical reaction. So, to keep yourself and your drainage system safe, use a plunger or opt for professional help to get rid of a clog.
5. What Goes Down, Stays Down
This is another common myth when it comes to real estate plumbing. Most assume that whatever is flushed down and out of sight is gone forever. While this can be true for most cases, it ultimately depends on what you’re flushing.
However, certain things you flush down the toilet or sink can get stuck within the drain pipes, eventually becoming a major build-up and resulting in a clog. Another way you can clog your drain pipe is by overestimating what can go in the drain. Flushing out items more than a regular drain can handle leads to an almost immediate clog.
A telltale sign that your drain pipes have a clog is if the water takes too long to be flushed out. Before matters worsen, get the blockage fixed by contacting a licensed plumber.
6. Lemon Peels Freshen Garbage Disposals
An age-old tale that goes around to this day is adding lemon peels to your garbage disposal will keep them odour free and fresh. However, it’s quite the opposite. Citrus is known to cause damage to the garbage disposal system, especially the blades, and though they temporarily make the kitchen fresh, they come at a cost.
Additionally, the citric acid can result in the metal blades of the garbage disposal being corroded. An excess build-up of these peels can also lead to a blockage.
If you wish to keep your disposal system clean and fresh, opt for a cleaning solution meant for garbage disposal. And be sure to disconnect all powers from the disposal when cleaning to avoid any possible injuries.
7. Pipes Can Only Freeze When There Is No Heat
A common misconception is that drain pipes can only freeze without a power connection or a working furnace. However, they can freeze rather quickly even if proper heating is available. The pipes hidden deep within the walls, such as basements and attics, usually have the biggest probability of freezing.
When the pipes freeze, it can eventually cause them to burst, thus resulting in further water wastage. To avoid this, pay attention to the hidden pipes and insulate them properly during cold climates. Leaving cabinet doors open, especially ones under the sink can also minimise the chance of pipes freezing.
Real Estate Plumbing Myths - Debunked!
Real estate plumbing often leads to misinformation being spread by people because citizens don’t understand the intricacies of plumbing. However, it is important to distinguish between what’s true and what’s not.
This will save you from making decisions leading to further plumbing problems. We hope this guide helped you gain some insight into plumbing and what it entails because every happy home must have a healthy plumbing system.
Need a real estate plumber in Sydney? Fixed Today plumbing is your local real estate plumber offering fast, flexible and premium plumbing installation and repairs. So, give us a call today!
