Top 10 Plumbing Myths That Are Costing You Money

Many of us may have misconceptions about home plumbing that can often result in spending unnecessary money.

The long-standing plumbing myths that are costing money to homeowners are manifold and some of these might surprise you.

Let’s debunk some common plumbing myths:

• “Flushable” Wipes Don’t Cause Clogs: Despite being marketed as ‘flushable’, these wipes can actually clog your pipes, leading to costly fix.
• Grease and Hot Water Clear Pipes: Contrary to belief, this combination hardens in your pipes causing severe blockages.
• Leaky Taps Aren’t a Big Deal: Even minor leaks can waste substantial amount of water, thereby increasing your bill.
• Regular Maintenance Isn’t Essential: Regular inspections and maintenance can prevent major plumbing catastrophes.
• All Plumbing Fixes are DIY: Uninformed tinkering can lead to bigger issues. It’s best to hire professionals for complex fixes.

Believing and following these myths could potentiate serious issues in the future and drain your wallet.

Busting Plumbing Myths

You need to be aware that not every solution you hear or read about is beneficial.

Certain methods might cause more harm than good, leading to additional expenses.

Prevention and timely professional intervention is the optimum way to maintain your plumbing system.

Hence, it’s vital to get accurate information and rely on professional advice when it comes to your home plumbing.

Myth 1: “Flushable” Wipes Don’t Cause Clogs

Many homeowners believe that flushable wipes won’t create clogs. Yet, this plumbing myth can lead to costly pipe repairs.

The Misleading Label

Despite their “flushable” label, these wipes don’t disintegrate as quickly as toilet paper.

Clogging your Plumbing System

They clump together in your pipes, leading to severe blockages and potentially damaging the entire plumbing system.

High Cost of Repairs

This misconception could result in hefty repair bills or even a complete replacement of the plumbing system.

Proper Disposal Methods

You should resist disposing of these wipes in the toilet, instead, consider binning them to safeguard your home’s plumbing.

Myth 2: Grease and Hot Water Clear Pipes

Many homeowners believe that pouring hot grease down the sink can help clear blocked pipes. Unfortunately, this is a common plumbing myth that can cause more harm than good.

The reality is, grease solidifies when it cools down and can stick to the inside of your pipes, causing blockages. Pouring hot water after grease doesn’t prevent this.

To keep your pipes clear and healthy, it’s best to dispose of grease in an appropriate way such as a waste bin or recycling facility rather than down the sink.

Myth	Fact	Best Practice
Grease clears pipes	No, it clogs them	Dispose of in waste bin
Hot water dissolves grease	No, it doesn’t prevent solidifying	Avoid pouring grease down sink
Pipes need regular greasing	No, they need regular cleaning instead	Clean using suitable materials
All plumbers can clear clogged pipes	No, only certified ones should be trusted	Always hire certified professionals
Commercial drain cleaners are the best solution for cloggs	No, these could damage your pipes	Ask a plumber for advice first
Tips to maintain clear and healthy pipes

Remember that proper maintenance and care are essential to prevent plumbing issues.

Myth 3: Leaky Taps Aren’t a Big Deal

Crikey! Many people believe it’s not serious if their taps are dripping. This is a common plumbing myth that can cost you heaps.

A leaking tap can waste up to 20,000 litres of water per year. This results in steep water bills and can often lead to more severe plumbing issues.

Moreover, these leaks put undue stress on your plumbing system. Over time, this can cause bigger problems such as pipe bursts or equipment failures.

The misconception around leaky taps may stem from the seemingly small amount of water wasted each day. But over time, this adds up significantly.

You can save money and protect your home by fixing leaky taps immediately. It might seem like an unnecessary expense, but in the long run, it’s cost-effective.

A professional plumber is your best bet for effective repairs. They possess the expertise and equipment to rectify the issue and prevent further damage.

Don’t let small leaks create big problems down the line. Let common sense prevail and get that pesky drip sorted!

Remember, when it comes to your home’s plumbing, prevention is always better than cure. Stop underestimating the impact of small leaks on your wallet and your home!

Myth 4: Regular Maintenance Isn’t Essential

It’s a common belief that you only need to call in a plumber when there’s a problem, like a clogged drain or running toilet. This isn’t the case.

Addressing Clogged Drains

Clogs in your drains can stem from debris accumulation such as hair, food, toothpaste or grease. Over time, these can restrict water flow.

The diameter of your pipes may also decrease from corrosion, leading to more blockages. Figuring out the affected drains is key.

Necessity of Water Heater Maintenance

Water heater issues can range from simple fixes to significant replacements. Sometimes, reigniting the pilot light can restore hot water supply.

In contrast, a leaky or rusty heater needs urgent replacement. Old heaters are not only inefficient but also waste energy.

Dealing with Running Toilets

A running toilet isn’t just an annoyance; it could indicate a serious issue. Solutions vary from adjusting the flapper chain length to replacing internal parts within the tank.

If multiple attempts at adjusting the chain don’t solve the issue, you may be looking at a major toilet rebuild.

Though these fixes might seem daunting, the cost of ignoring them and allowing these issues to escalate will be far greater in the long run.

Myth 5: All Plumbing Fixes are DIY

It’s often thought that every plumbing issue can be resolved with a do-it-yourself approach. This, unfortunately, is not always true.

The DIY mentality is great for many household tasks, but plumbing is a different kettle of fish.

Why shouldn’t I tackle all plumbing issues myself?

Although you may have triumphed over household problems in the past, plumbing complexities require a specialised set of skills.

Attempting to fix these issues without proper knowledge could lead to worsening conditions, or even extra costs.

But couldn’t I just use boiling water to clear blocked drains?

While it’s true that boiling water can sometimes clear minor drain obstructions, this method isn’t foolproof.

For stubborn or recurring blockages, professional intervention is often required. It ensures the problem is accurately diagnosed and properly handled.

What should I do then when facing a plumbing issue?

The safest and most prudent action is to consult your local Perth plumber.

They are equipped with the right tools and training to efficiently address and resolve a broad range of plumbing situations.

Wouldn’t calling in a professional be more expensive?

In the short term, this might seem accurate. However, an unresolved or improperly fixed issue could end up costing more in the long run.

Professional plumbers can provide insightful consultations and quotes that can save you money and prevent future headaches.

Myth 6: Drain Cleaner is an Optimal Solution

Many homeowners believe that drain cleaners are their best friend when it comes to tackling blocked pipes. This is not necessarily true.

Drain cleaners tend to be very forceful in the way they operate. They’re made to dissolve and push through whatever is clogging up your pipes.

But this also means they can damage your pipes. Excessive use can lead to corrosion, which can cause more harm than good.

This damage may lead to leaks and poor flushing. It can even result in a full blockage if bits of the corroded pipe break off.

“Excessive use of drain cleaners can lead to corrosion of pipes, causing more harm than good.”

Moreover, there are financial implications to consider. Corroded or blocked pipes may require professional repair, resulting in unnecessary expenses.

Relying on drain cleaners could end up costing you far more than you initially saved by opting for a quick-fix solution.

Myth 7: Toilet Cleaning Tablets Are Effective

There’s a common myth that toilet cleaning tablets are the ultimate solution for grime and stains.

This assumption is far from the truth. Although they seem handy, these tablets might end up costing you more.

They can deteriorate the parts inside your toilet’s tank due to their harsh chemicals, leading to additional repair costs.

Moreover, their effectiveness is often overrated. They may not offer a comprehensive clean as some parts of the toilet bowl aren’t immersed in water.

The Myth	The Truth
Toilet cleaning tablets are effective in scrubbing grime and stains.	They might not reach all parts of the bowl and can cause damage.
They save time and energy in cleaning your toilet.	The deterioration they cause might lead to more time spent on repairs.
Tablets are cost-effective solutions for toilet maintenance.	Maintenance costs might increase due to parts replacement caused by tablet chemicals.
Simply drop them in and forget about bathroom cleanliness.	A regular manual clean is still necessary for complete hygiene.
Remember, there are no shortcuts to thorough cleanliness!

To maintain your toilet well, it’s better to stick with manual cleaning and regular check-ups by professionals.

Myth 8: A Brick in Toilet Tank Saves Water

It’s commonly believed that placing a brick in your toilet tank saves water. This old wives’ tale suggests that the brick decreases water usage by taking up space that would otherwise be filled with water.

However, this method could actually end up damaging your toilet’s internal mechanisms. Bricks can crumble over time, leading to debris that interferes with the flushing mechanism and causing more issues.

1. So, what can you do to save water? Consider installing a dual-flush system. These toilets allow you to choose between a full or half flush, reducing water usage.
2. Water-efficient showerheads and taps are another great investment. They maintain effective water pressure while using less water.
3. Don’t ignore leaks. They may seem minor, but they can waste an astounding amount of water over time. Regular maintenance is key.

Remember, while trying new tricks to save water is commendable, it’s important to ensure they don’t cause more harm than good. Always seek professional advice when unsure.

While the myth of the brick in the toilet tank is well-intentioned, it’s crucial to consider the potential risks and damages. There are efficient and safe alternatives to help reduce water usage at home without causing unnecessary problems.

Myth 9: If It’s Going Down, Pipes Are Fine

Commonly, homeowners believe that if water is going down the pipes, there aren’t any issues. However, this isn’t always true.

Fats, oils, and grease are known culprits for pipe blockages. Flushing these substances down the drain with hot, soapy water does not necessarily prevent them from causing problems. Sewer pipes are fairly cold, leading to these substances cooling and hardening on the pipe walls over time.

1. Garbage Disposals: These units only cut food into smaller pieces; they do not prevent fats, oils and leftovers from sticking to your pipes.
2. Small Amounts of Grease: Even tiny quantities of grease can accumulate over time, leading to substantial clogs.
3. Toilet Disposal:All drains in your home connect to the same sewer. Thus, disposing of fats and oils down any drain could lead to blockages.

Furthermore, slow flushing is often misunderstood as an indication of a clogged main line. In reality, it may just be that your toilet is releasing water too slowly into the bowl. Testing this could be as simple as dumping a bucket of water to see if it resolves the issue.

Lastly, low-flow toilets can cause a problem too. Accompanied with dips in the sewer line, they might generate blockages as their reduced water volume may fail to move solids through the dips, causing accumulation and blockages over time.

Myth 10: Plumbers Are Only Needed for Major Problems

Many believe they only need a plumber for significant issues, but that’s far from the truth.

Plumbing is a complex field with different specialties and areas of expertise. A plumber who specializes in residential plumbing might not have the knowledge or tools to handle commercial or industrial-scale systems.

Choosing The Right Plumber

Certain plumbing issues like intricate pipe installations or advanced leak detection require specialized training and equipment to solve. However, not all plumbers adhere to the same professionalism and customer service standards.

Hiring an unqualified plumber can lead to subpar work, unnecessary delays, and eventually, cost you more money.

Quality Workmanship Matters

When addressing your plumbing problems, it’s vital to choose an experienced plumber who is also reputable and trustworthy. Unfortunately, the quality of workmanship can vary greatly among plumbers.

Avoid Extra Costs

Hiring the wrong person for the job can result in subpar work, unnecessary delays, and ultimately, more expenses for you as the customer.

Therefore, it’s essential to select a plumber who isn’t just qualified and has experience but also someone reliable with a positive reputation..

Myth Busting Finale

Through debunking the top 10 plumbing myths, you’ve discovered that seemingly innocuous habits may be increasing your water bill. Knowledge is power, and understanding the truth about plumbing can lead to not only substantial savings but also prolonging the life of your plumbing system. Remember, when in doubt, it’s always best to call a professional plumber.