Flushing Out These Typical Plumbing Myths

Plumbing is an interesting service. It’s something that so many people rely on and use on a daily basis, and yet, they don’t know much about plumbing or how it works. If you still think that all plumbers are named “Mario” and that throwing a lemon peel in your garbage disposal will magically fix your entire system, maybe a quick refresher on plumbing could do you some good. At least, that’s what our local Mokena plumbers think.

Your Trusted Mokena Local Plumbers

They say that you learn something new every single day, so why not make today’s topic about plumbing? Maybe you’ll appreciate your toilet just a little bit more after brushing up your plumbing knowledge. Regardless of what you take away from this blog post, just know that Mokena residents have a reliable local plumbing service that can be counted on time and time again. Whether you’re in need of drain cleaning, pipe repair, faucet repair or sump pump installation, RJ Graham plumbing does all of that and more here in the Chicagoland and Mokena area. Visit here to learn more about us!

Now, let’s take a good look at some of the more common myths about plumbing.

 

Myth: As Long As Things Keep Going Down My Drain, It Isn’t Getting Clogged

Hey, whatever helps you sleep at night. Ignorance is bliss, after all, right? Unfortunately, the reality is that even when your garbage disposal is operating, it may still be at risk of a serious clog. Strange noises coming from your drain or garbage disposal can indicate this. Another one of the early warning signs of an impending problem is a slow-moving disposal or waste fragments that remain on the discharge pipe.

If you noticed either of these signs when you use your garbage disposal, it’s probably developing a clog even if it is still functional. We recommend stopping using it right away until you have the clog removed. Another common sign of a clogged drain is smelling sewer odors – gross, but we manage.

Myth: Running Water While Running The Garbage Disposal Means You Can Put Anything Through It

Not exactly. Many homeowners believe that they can put just about anything down their garbage disposal as long as they’re running water while they do it, but really, this is not the case. It’s a garbage disposal we’re talking about here, not a full-blown food processor.

The truth is that some things just don’t belong in a garbage disposal, no matter how much water you run from the sink. Items that don’t belong in a garbage disposal typically include banana peels, orange peels, and eggshells, which can actually damage your disposal system. Damage to your garbage disposal may very well lead to an expensive repair or a drain cleaning. If you’re planning on putting dense foods down the disposal, do yourself a favor and break them up thoroughly first, mixing the food contents with water. Do the same with grease and thick oils.

Myth: Lemons Will Magically Fix Your Garbage Disposal

This is a classic plumbing myth. Sure, running lemons or limes through your garbage disposal will make your drain smell better, but not for long. To really disinfect your garbage disposal, you’ll need a cleaning solution that utilizes a mild soap and warm water. Before you start cleaning your disposal, however, please make sure that you disconnect the disposal from its power source. Continue by spraying the cleaning solution into the garbage disposal itself, give it a few minutes to set in, and then use a cleaning brush with a long handle to scrub the disposal. In terms of getting your disposal squeaky clean, your Mokena plumbers think that this will be much more effective than grinding some citrus.

Myth: Plumbing Fixtures Require Little To No Maintenance

Your plumbing system might not get an oil change every 5,000 miles, but like any other piece of mechanical machinery, plumbing systems still require maintenance from plumbing experts to work properly. You might not give it much thought, but your pipes might be obstructed by clogs, wayward tree roots, or shifting home foundations, especially if your house is more than a couple of decades old. It is generally recommended that homeowners and landlords inspect their sewer cleanouts for obstructions every two to four years or so.

All of these issues could very well lead to expensive plumbing repairs down the road, such as a sewer line replacement or a pipe replacement. Other fixtures inside your home like sinks, faucets, and tubs also require regular maintenance in order to avoid things like serious drain clogs or leaks that are sometimes hidden or overlooked. All too often with neglectful homeowners, fixtures that aren’t maintained properly cause water damage and mold issues that lead to poor indoor air quality – a potentially dangerous situation if not addressed early enough.

Myth: A Slow Drip Doesn’t Matter

Actually, even the slowest of water drips will add up over time. Whether it’s a faucet, showerhead or running toilet, you can actually waste thousands of gallons of water per year at the expense of the environment and your wallet. In many cases, the dripping faucet may be fixed simply by replacing a washer in the faucet, which usually costs only a few dollars. If a new washer doesn’t completely fix the leak, replacing the faucet or calling a plumber are two good courses of action.

Myth: Hair Will Not Clog A Bathtub Or Shower Drain

People that believe this either have short hair or have only lived with people who have short hair. The hairy truth is that hair can and will clog up a bathtub or shower drain, accumulating over time and causing water to drain slower and slower until the drain is eventually clogged. Using a hair stopper is an inexpensive and effective solution to this problem.

Let Our Mokena Plumbing Service Take Care Of The Problem

Don’t try to fix something yourself. Instead, have our Mokena hot water heater installation experts address your faucet problems, plumbing questions, and more. Contact our local plumbers today!