Top Plumbing Myths to Avoid

Most people will turn to the internet or friends when they first notice a plumbing problem. However, sometimes these inexperienced or unreliable sources can leave you with more trouble than when you started. In order to keep your pipes (and your bank account) intact, we’ve listed our top plumbing myths to avoid.

Myth: Leaky Faucets Aren’t That Big of a Deal

A couple drops a minute can’t be that big of a deal, right? Wrong. Ten percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day. Minor leaks are often easy to fix, requiring only a few tools and hardware that can pay for themselves in the water savings. “Fixing easily corrected household water leaks can save homeowners about 10 percent on their water bills,” according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Myth: My Water Heater is Going to Explode

A noisy water heater is not uncommon. You may hear popping, ticking, or even sizzling noises. The most common reason for a noisy water heater is sediment collecting in the bottom of the heater. The noise is caused when the hot water bubbles up through the sediment at the bottom of the tank. An experienced plumber can eliminate most of the sediment issues with regular maintenance – and prevent an exploding water heater!

Myth: Peels, Eggshells, Bones – Throw Them Down the Drain!

It may be faster to shove leftover food or peels down the drain but avoid this dangerous temptation. Potato peels can turn into a “thick paste,” which may cause the blades to stick. Disposal blades are not made to break down bones or leftover casseroles and can cause major damage. Even eggshells are a big no-no: shells can get ground into a sand-like substance that gets stuck in the trap.

Myth: Flushable Wipes Can Be Flushed Down the Toilet

Do not be fooled by flushable wipes claiming they are “septic safe,” “break down like toilet paper,” or “safe for sewer and septic.” Flushable wipes been proven to take longer to break down when compared with traditional toilet paper. As they make their way down the pipes, rather than breaking down quickly, they start clogs that lead to blockages and cause serious damage.

Save yourself time and money when plumbing issues arise. Contact the Elsmore Plumbing team for full-service, local company you can trust. Call or text us at 507-254-8680 or schedule your appointment online.