The Top 5 Plumbing Myths Debunked by Price Busters Plumbing & Sewer

In an age where information is available at lightning speed, it’s easy to find a seemingly endless number of online DIY tips and tutorials. It seems like just about everyone has ideas for quick and easy home fixes that they hope might save a few bucks. However, as well all know, you can’t believe everything you read on the internet. In fact, in some situations, even the most well-intentioned guidance does more harm than good. The plumbing industry is certainly not immune to this — shall we say — unqualified advice. For that reason, we think it’s important to bust some of the main plumbing myths that are floating around in the world. At Price Busters Plumbing & Sewer, we’re all about saving you time, money, and heartache!

1. Flushable Wipes

You might be thinking, “Okay, so what about flushable wipes?” We hate to be the bearer of bad news but flushable wipes are the myth. While these products are generally seen as hygienically superior to run-of-the-mill toilet paper, there is one glaring problem: flushable wipes aren’t actually all that flushable. Generally, a wipe lacks the ability to effectively breakdown in your pipes. Over time, multiple wipes can build up and clog the plumbing system. We’d say that the flushable wipe is currently one of the biggest plumbing myths.

2. Drop-In Tank Tablets Are Good for a Clean Toilet

Sure, it may seem like a pretty decent deal — you pay a mere couple of bucks for some cleaning tablets, you drop one in your toilet tank, and you get to enjoy a clean bowl for weeks with minimal effort. Well, when you think about what that tablet may be doing to the inner workings of your toilet, it’s a pretty terrible deal. You see, these “old-school” cleaners can be very corrosive to essential parts of the system. It’s actually such a major problem that some toilet manufacturers will not honor a warranty if damage from an in-tank cleaner is evident. It’s important to recognize that plumbing myths sometimes come in the form of cleaning product advertisements.

3. You Can Pour Grease Down the Drain if It’s With Hot Water

There are tons of articles that will tell you what shouldn’t be put in drains. Make sure to be leery of content that claims certain tricks will allow you to circumvent paying attention to what you put down your pipes. For example, one suggestion is that it’s okay to flush grease down the sink with hot water. The misconception is that the high temperature will “melt” the grease, allowing it to flow easily through the system. The problem is that, although the grease may be moving down the drain, it’ll solidify in the pipes and become a collector of clog-worthy material. The best way to avoid this is to never put grease in your sink. If it’s unavoidable, try to rinse it with cold water.

4. Displacing Water in the Toilet Tank Will Save You Money

One of the oldest plumbing myths out there is the old brick in the toilet scheme. The assumption is that, when some of the water in the toilet tank is displaced, less water will be utilized per flush. The ultimate goal is water conservation and reduced utility bills. Of course, we understand the appeal here; however, a brick can cause significant damage to your toilet. A brick can start to crumble and ruin the flushing mechanism. It’s also worth noting that some toilet models just require a certain amount of water to run properly.

5. A Loud, Roaring Water Heater Needs to Be Replaced

A water heater that’s making some noise can be a scary thing. It’s no wonder since a malfunctioning system carries fire and explosion risks with it. It’s easy to believe the plumbing myths that say it’s time for new equipment. But, noise doesn’t always mean the device is at the end of its life. In many cases, it’s just in need of some simple cleaning or servicing. Water heaters require a decent amount of regular maintenance; if this isn’t done, it can cause various issues and unpleasant noises. It’s a great idea for you or a professional to closely inspect your water heater before shopping for a new one.

If you ever have doubts about the health and efficiency of your plumbing system, Price Busters Plumbing & Sewer can help. We are trusted Seattle plumbers with a reputation for honesty, dependability, affordability, and superior customer service. Whatever your plumbing project entails — water heaters, drains, fixtures, sewer lines, pipes, or bathroom remodels — we have motivated and qualified technicians ready and willing to give it their full attention.

Don’t be fooled by plumbing myths! Check our blog for expert tips or contact us to schedule a service appointment!