Plumbing Myths Debunked

As homeowners we enjoy saving money when it comes to maintaining the home. Staying away from certain plumbing myths can help to save money and maintain the home.

Myth #1 –Hot water can allow grease, oil, and fats to go down the drain properly.

This myth has caused many homeowners to contact a plumber about a clogged drain. The truth is that there is not a temperature hot enough that can prevent grease, oils, or fats from eventually solidifying.

Once you have poured the grease, oils, and fats down the drain mixed with the hot water, it will travel down the drain and eventually cool. When these substances have cooled they will stick to the inside of your sewer pipes and over time you will develop a clog.

Myth #2 – “In tank” cleaners are a great way to keep your toilet clean.

Many people believe that “in tank” cleaners are a great way to reduce household chores. This is false. Although these “in-tank” cleaners leave your toilet white and smelling clean, they are simply masking. These cleaners bleach the build-up in your toilet, making them appear white. While this gives the appearance of a clean toilet, eventually this bleached white build-up can damage your toilet, causing you to have to shell out money for a plumber.

Myth #3- If you can flush it down the drain then it won’t clog

Flushing is a simple task that helps us to get rid of waste. Though flushing the toilet can be used to get rid of certain wastes it should not be used to get rid of foreign objects.

Food and hard objects may be able to disappear when you push down on the handle but these items can get stuck in the 3-inch drain pipe that eventually leads into the drain pipe for your home. Once flushed, these foreign objects can clog the toilets drain pipe and the drain pipe for your entire home.

Myth #4 – Lemons are great to use to freshen your garbage disposal.

Some homeowners may use lemons to freshen their foul smelling garbage disposal. This remedy does provide a brief encounter with a nice citrus fragrance but the smell will eventually die out and the lemon juice could cause damage to your garbage disposal.

The citric acid from the lemon can cause the metal inside your disposal to corrode.

Myth #5 – A flowing drain is a healthy drain.

Backed up drains can be caused overtime by grease buildup or foods that bloat such as flour or rice. A great way to keep your drain healthy and flowing is prevent solid objects and certain liquids from going down the drain with the help of a drain filter or screen.

Don’t be fooled by plumbing myths! Call Allore’s Plumbing at (772) 288-0998 for great advice and service in the Stuart area.