Plumbing Tips: Myth or Fact?
Here at John The Plumber Hamilton, we receive ALOT of phone calls. Inquiries about what to do occupy our lines on a daily basis, and we have definitely gone to some interesting job sites over time. What is worrisome to us is that many people have beliefs about their plumbing systems that are quite incorrect. Improper information can actually cause some pretty serious problems down the road. We care to know that you have the correct knowledge to keep your plumbing system in check. Below we share a few of the common myths we often hear in order to provide you with the true facts.
If it fits down the toilet flush away
This myth is a huge culprit in wreaking havoc in your home. It is just stunning what we have dug out of people’s toilets at times! Everything and anything is NOT flushable; the only thing that should go down your toilet is what a toilet is designed for, which is human waste. Items such as sanitary napkins, baby wipes, paper towels and food should all go in the garbage can. Abusing your toilet in this manner can cause build up over time in your pipes, which can lead to some serious and expensive problems.
Liquid Drain Cleaner is The Best
The fact is liquid drain cleaner is one of the worst things that you can use. The chemical in the cleaner that is eating away at your blockage is also eating away at your pipes. Drain cleaner can make pipes weaker (PVC as well as older pipes), and the weaker the pipe the more susceptible it is to blockages in the future. Chemical fumes are also extremely toxic and should never be used around small children or people who suffer from poor health/respiratory issues.
Small Leak = No Biggie
Many Hamilton homeowners have called to double check how big a small leak needs to grow before it’s a problem. If there’s any sort of a leak folks, you already have a problem. Small leaks can turn into a big leak very quickly and should never be ignored. Small leaks will also use up a ton of your water and cost you money. A running toilet can double or even triple your water bill in just one month. A tiny leak inside a wall can cause mold to grow which can put your family’s health at risk, not to mention the drywall repair and paint job you will need to tend to – it will only get bigger the longer you put it off.
Grease and Hot Water
Another famous myth is that pouring grease down your drain is OK as long as you follow it with hot water. Once grease cools down and reaches room temperature it solidifies, and that’s what it will do in your pipes. The truth of the matter is grease should NEVER be dumped down a drain. The safest thing you can do is pour your used grease into an empty can, allow it to cool down and put it in the garbage.
If you are unsure, call John The Plumber Hamilton today and we’ll give you the facts!
