The Truth Behind These Common Plumbing Misconceptions

As a homeowner, you want to make sure that you’re providing the best possible care for your home, and that includes ensuring that your plumbing is always in good condition and working the way it’s supposed to.

However, there is a lot of information available about plumbing—and not all of it is correct. In fact, some of the most common misconceptions can actually lead to time-consuming and costly plumbing repairs in the future. 

To help remedy this misinformation, we’ve busted four of the most common plumbing myths. Keep reading to learn plumbing facts from fiction. 

Leaky Faucets Aren’t a Big Deal

Compared to some plumbing issues, which can cause devastating impacts, leaky faucets are one of the least concerning plumbing problems you can have. However, a leaky faucet is still something you’ll want to have fixed as soon as possible.

Often, leaky faucets are a sign of a larger problem within the main plumbing of your home. However, even on their own, they can cause excessive wear and tear, waste energy, and increase your utility expenses each month. 

You Can Pour Grease Down the Drain if You Mix it With Boiling Water

While hot water can help keep grease from solidifying in the pipes closest to your drain, the water will eventually grow cold. This causes blockages further down in your pipes, which can actually be more difficult to fix depending on the location of your pipes and the severity of the blockage.

As a result, cooking grease should never be poured down your drain, even if you use hot water. Instead, research your local waste removal options to find the best, most environmentally safe option for your grease. 

You Can DIY Many Plumbing Jobs

There are some plumbing jobs you can DIY—such as using a plunger on a mild clog—but for the most part, it’s best to leave it to a professional. 

Plumbing and pipes can be tricky. Each piece is significant in a healthy and properly-functioning system, and it’s important to know specifics when completing a project to make sure nothing becomes damaged in the process. 

Just as important, the effects of a plumbing DIY gone wrong can be devastating, such as flooding your entire home. As a result, being safe is always better than being sorry, and a professional is the best way to ensure a successful job with a minimal amount of risk. 

Using Draino is a Good Thing for Your Plumbing System

While using chemicals such as Draino may fix your immediate problem—usually a clog or blockage—it can lead to damage in your plumbing system over time, especially if you have PVC pipes or any other similar material.

Draino is a corrosive, which can be beneficial for cleaning out anything that is preventing your water from draining. However, it can cause excessive wear and tear in your pipes, thus leading to a plumbing repair job or even full replacement sooner than otherwise necessary. 

While metal pipes are better able to withstand the strong chemicals in many cleaners, other types of pipes may not be able to. 

Learn More About Professional Plumbing Services Today!

If you ever have a question or concern about your home’s plumbing, then the best thing you can do is find a professional plumber near you.

Excelsior Mechanical Ltd. has been proudly serving the Saskatoon, Saskatchewan area since 1993. Our team of trained professionals is prepared to offer a wide variety of services, including bathroom renovations.

To learn more about the plumbing services we offer or to schedule a quote, call us today at 306-652-1795 or contact us through our website.