Plumbing issues can rear their ugly heads at the worst time. There are some common misconceptions when it comes to plumbing problems. They all have one thing in common; we all know about them, but we can’t remember who told them to us.

Common Plumbing Myths

1. Store bought liquid drain cleaners aren’t the best option for clearing clogs. These drain cleaners are caustic, corrosive chemicals that won’t stop after they have cleared the clog and will continue onto the pipes. The pipes can be damaged along with any surfaces that come into contact with the cleaner, like counters, floors and your skin. A better option is to try vinegar and baking soda along with a plunger or a drain snake to clear the clog. If you don’t get any results, then contact a plumber.
2. Can you put anything down a garbage disposal?. It is true in that you can put anything down a garbage disposal, but you’ll have to deal with the consequences. You can coat the pipes with greasy foods like cheese that can lead to a messy clog that can be hard to remove. Strings of potato peels and carrot peelings can cause the disposal to lock up when they get caught in the blades. Other items that shouldn’t go down the garbage disposal are egg shells, coffee grounds and bread products.
3. Can you put a lemon in the garbage disposal to remove odors? Lemon rinds will make your garbage disposal smell clean but only for a short period of time. The citric acid can be damaging as it will corrode the metal surfaces. Adding ice cubes is a good way to sharpen the blade and will also remove odor-causing particles from the disposal. Add some salt multiples for a scrubbing effect and skip the lemons.
4. Leaky faucets waste water. While a drip may seem harmless, they can add up quickly. Thousands of gallons of water a year can be wasted from dripping toilets, faucets and showerheads. You’re paying for all that water! Many times, the drip can be fixed with a washer replacement that will only cost you a dollar or two. If you still have issues, then replace the faucet or call a plumber to take care of the problem.
5. Do it yourself plumbing can be a bad idea. Having a little bit of know-how can get your faucet replaced but most other plumbing issues should really be taken care of by professionals. You’ll save yourself money because if you don’t have enough know-how you risk making the problem worse or causing structural damage.
6. Preventative plumbing maintenance is worth it! Homeowners find it hard to spend money to have a plumber come out for regular service if there isn’t a problem, but regular maintenance can be essential in making your pipes last a long time. Make sure everything is running smoothly for as long as possible. Professionals can also spot problems early before they become detrimental to your home.

Plumbing Services in Manhattan, Flushing, Queens, Brooklyn & The Bronx, New York

Whenever you do need to call professionals, make the right choice and contact Agape Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing for help with any plumbing issues. Give us a call today!