We have all heard things, and likely repeated them, and then had other people look at us dumbfounded because they had “never heard that before”. In some cases, that’s likely because what we are saying is something that is completely untrue, whether we know it or not. We have fallen victim to a myth. A myth is a story that was created but is nothing more than a tale; however, many people believe myths to hold some truth.
We are here to tell you, there are stories about plumbing that aren’t exactly true and by knowing and understanding them, you can be aware of your Phoenix and Scottsdale home’s plumbing and stay on top of its well-being. We are going to review some plumbing myths. Some of these you may have never heard of, and others you may be mind blown to find out that they are not true.
Plumbing Myths
There are several common plumbing myths that have been perpetuated over the years, depending on where you live, who you talk to, etc. you may or may not have heard them, but we are here to tell you that they are in fact not true. So, what are they?
- Running ice cubes through your garbage disposal will sharpen the blades. Whether you have heard that ice cubes, citrus peels, or something else will do this, it is unfortunately not true. Garbage disposals don’t have “blades”, they have grinding mechanisms. The grinding mechanisms shred the food (like a cheese grater). While you may not end up with sharper blades, these items can still be an effective way to help clean your disposal and citrus peels can create a pleasant smell.
- Flushable wipes are flushable. This is a common plumbing myth that we have busted before. Many people assume that flushable wipes can be safely flushed down the toilet like toilet paper; however, these wipes do not break down as easily and can cause clogs in your plumbing system. It’s best to dispose of them in the trash to avoid potential plumbing issues. For more about this myth, check out our article: “Are “Flushable” Wipes Truly Flushable?”
- Running hot water when you put grease down the sink can help to prevent clogs. Lots of homeowners believe that putting grease down the drain is okay if it’s washed down with hot water; however, this is not true, and grease is one of the top things you should never put down your kitchen sink. Grease will stick to the inside of your pipes and once it cools and solidifies it will build up and can create a clog and blockage in your Phoenix and Scottsdale plumbing. Putting grease down your drains is not recommended, but if you are going to do it, rinse it down with cold water. Cold water helps to solidify the grease before it hits your plumbing, so it can flow more easily.
- A brick in the toilet tank saves water and money. Have you heard this plumbing myth before? Some individuals believe that placing a brick or a heavy object in the toilet tank will reduce the amount of water used per flush. While it may displace some water temporarily, it can interfere with the toilet’s flushing mechanism and lead to more significant problems. Using bricks in your toilet tank can lead to issues as the brick disintegrates over time, potentially affecting your bathroom plumbing.
- Store bought drain cleaners are completely safe to use on your home’s plumbing. While often effective, drain cleaners should be used with caution as they could cause some issues for your Phoenix and Scottsdale home’s plumbing. Not only do these cleaners come with some health risks, when being handled, certain types of drain cleaners, particularly those with strong acids, can corrode or damage pipes over time. This can lead to leaks or costly repairs.
- A rumbling water heater means that it is going to explode. Your water heater is most likely not going to explode, this is extremely rare. More likely it needs some cleaning. The rumbling sound could be an indication of a potential issue that needs attention. The grumbling noise in a water heater is often caused by sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. To address the rumbling sound and prevent potential problems, it is recommended to have a professional plumber inspect and flush the water heater.
While you have likely heard several other plumbing myths, such as eggshells and coffee grinds should go down your garbage disposal, just because you hear something, doesn’t make it true. When it comes to your Phoenix and Scottsdale home’s plumbing, you should leave it up to the experts.
Arizona Comfort Specialists are here for you and your home. Contact us for any of your plumbing or water heater needs.
