Don’t Try This at Home: Plumbing Myths That Can Cost You Big
You just bought a house in Anaheim to raise your young family. Between one kid in elementary school and a toddler on your hip, life’s a lovable mess. You’re juggling dinner, bath time, and laundry, and your plumbing is working just as hard as you are.
So when a drain gets sluggish or you’re dealing with bacon grease after dinner, quick fixes are really tempting. But not all DIY plumbing fixes are created equal. Some can actually lead to damage, clogs, or emergency repairs that turn your life upside down.
Before a well-meaning plumbing hack becomes a late-night flood, here are the top plumbing myths to avoid and what to do instead.
Plumbing Facts for Safe Plumbing
Myth: Flushable wipes are okay for your pipes.
Truth: No! That “flushable” label is nothing more than marketing and a drain clog waiting to happen. Unlike toilet paper, which starts breaking down in water, flushable wipes stick around and are bound to cause damage in your home or to your city further down the pipe.
If you prefer the benefits of wipes to regular toilet paper, that’s fine. Just make sure you dispose of them properly in the trash can!
Myth: Chemical drain cleaners are safe for your pipes.
Truth: Not really. Chemical drain cleaners can damage your pipes, especially if they are older or PVC. They’re especially harmful with frequent use and can even cause damage to your septic system. Not to mention that these caustic chemical drain cleaners can be dangerous for you.
That doesn’t mean you don’t have safe options to clean your pipes. Use enzyme-based cleaners (like BioOne) for safe maintenance. And for deep cleaning? We recommend having your pipes hydro-jetted at least once a year. Trust us. It’s worth it.
Myth: Putting toilet cleaner tablets in the tank or bowl is harmless.
Truth: It depends. Most toilet cleaner tablets contain bleach and harsh chemicals that corrode rubber components inside your tank. Over time, this damage can lead to leaks and damaged flush valves.
Make sure you’re using tablets that are free of harsh chemicals, such as bleach, and are specifically designed for the tank. The best bet? Just stick to good old-fashioned scrubbing.
Myth: Running hot water down your drain clears grease.
Truth: Hot water is nothing more than an Uber for grease. It might heat old grease and allow it to move farther down your pipes, but the grease will eventually cool and congeal again. This can also lead to larger clogs as more grease and debris collect deep within your sewer lines.
Grease should always be thrown away rather than rinsed down the drain.*
Myth: Ice cubes sharpen garbage disposal blades.
Truth: Ice cubes do clean your disposal by dislodging food bits (like that half-eaten cucumber your toddler launched). But they don’t actually sharpen anything.
If your garbage disposal is slowing down or the blades just aren’t cutting it, let us know! We can get it repaired or replaced before you’re cleaning your toddler’s next half-eaten meal.
Myth: A plunger is the best tool for a clogged sink.
Truth: Plungers are great for small, shallow clogs, but they require proper technique! Always make sure you have a separate plunger for your sink and your toilet.
And if you have a double sink, you’ll need to cover it for proper pressure. You can use a wet cloth or a second plunger to get a proper seal.
And the plunger doesn’t cut it, skip the DIY roulette and call us. We will get your sink back to flowing with ease.
Enjoy Clog-Free Plumbing with Barker and Sons
We know that dinner, laundry, and bath time are enough of a circus without any extra surprises. Let us take care of the plumbing so you can take care of your family.
Whether you need hydro jet cleaning, garbage disposal repair, or a preventive inspection, we’re here for you. Call Barker and Sons today for professional service you can trust—because a mother knows that bad advice can cost more than just a clog.
