Conventional Wisdom Passed Down Generation-to-Generation
Are you a homeowner who needs to learn about maintaining your plumbing system? If so, it’s important that you learn how to do so without trying practices that can damage your system or your pipes. Here are five myths about home plumbing you’ll want to avoid.
Myth 1: Lemons Clean Your Garbage Disposal
While a running a lemon rind through the disposal may make your drain smell better. It won’t actually get it clean. To disinfect your garbage disposal, you need to use a cleaning solution that includes a mild soap and warm water. Make sure you disconnect the disposal from its power source. Spray the cleaning solution into the disposal, give it a few minutes to work, and then use a cleaning brush to scrub the disposal itself.
Myth 2: Running Water While Using The Garbage Disposal Helps The Waste Travel Smoothly
Many homeowners believe that they can put just about anything down their garbage disposals as long as they run water. The truth, some things do not belong in a garbage disposal no matter how much water you run. Hard or thick food items, like banana peel and eggshells, can damage your disposal, which may require an expensive repair or drain cleaning. You’ll need to break them up thoroughly and mix them with water beforehand.
Myth 3: As Long As Things Keep Going Down My Drain, It Isn’t Getting Clogged
Even when your garbage disposal is operating, it may still be at risk of a serious clog. One of the early warning signs of a problem is a slow moving disposal or waste fragments that remain on the discharge pipe. If you notice either of these signs, your disposal is developing a clog, even though it may still be working. Stop using it right away until you have the clog removed.
Myth 4: You Can Clean Plumbing Fixtures With Hand Soap
Depending on the type of plumbing fixtures you have, hand soap may actually be damaging to the surface. Brass plumbing fixtures, for example, should be cleaned with gentle solutions such as cut lemons and baking soda. Toilet bowls, however, need to be cleaned with an effective disinfectant to kill germs and prevent infection.
Myth 5: Water Heaters Require Little To No Maintenance
Homeowners who believe this one may run into serious problems later on. Corrosion and build up of sediment may reduce hot water supply, damage your water heater or eventually lead to failure. Most manufacturers recommend draining your water heater once a year. This might be required even more often if you use a well or have a high mineral content. Many tankless water heaters need to have the heat exchanger cleaned once every 1 to 2 years. Don’t be fooled, your water heater needs regular inspections just like your Air Conditioning system.
Give us a call at 828-253-3621 or contact us online to get more information on how our expert plumbers can help you. We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and our service is unparalleled. Give us a call today—you won’t regret it!