Happy April Fool’s Day! While the exact origins of this day remain uncertain, this day is a day that is widely embraced in the name of lighthearted humor and good fun. No judgment here! Just remember to remain vigilant as you enjoy your day! However, today, Miamisburg Plumbing & Drain is approaching things differently. As a local business, transparency is key. With numerous plumbing myths circulating out there, it’s crucial to distinguish fact from fiction. So, join us today as we bust some common plumbing misconceptions and shed light on the truth behind them!   

Plumbing Myth One:  

Using Chemical Drain Cleaners 

A prevalent plumbing misconception revolves around the notion that commercial chemical drain cleaners offer a swift and effective solution for clogged drains. While they may appear as a quick and convenient choice, the reality is that these cleaners have the potential to inflict detrimental harm on your pipes, leading to leaks and persistent blockages. Furthermore, they pose risks to your family’s well-being and the environment. 

Opting for mechanical methods like plunging or utilizing a drain snake is usually a safer and more long-term effective approach. By doing so, it ensures the integrity of your plumbing system. For more stubborn clogs, it is advisable to enlist the expertise of a professional plumber. 

Plumbing Myth Two: 

Using Hot Water to Rinse Grease Down the Drain 

Another misconception about plumbing is the belief that pouring hot water down the drain effectively removes grease. While it may appear to make sense, this method can actually exacerbate the problem. This is because hot water merely temporarily liquefies grease. But after the hot water is no longer running down the kitchen drain, the grease will solidify once it cools, causing further issues in the long term and contributing to persistent pipe blockages. 

To combat this plumbing myth, collect grease in a container and dispose of it in the trash or recycle it properly. This simple practice can mitigate costly plumbing issues in the future, shielding you from avoidable stress and expenses. 

Plumbing Myth Three: 

Flushing “Flushable” Wipes 

Flushable wipes – do you use them? While many perceive flushable wipes as safe for toilets based on their marketing claims – and rightfully so, flushable wipes are not actually flushable. Despite being labeled as flushable these wipes do not disintegrate like traditional toilet paper. Therefore, using them and discarding them in your toilet can lead to blockages, backups, and overflows.  

To avoid these plumbing issues, you should limit to only flushing toilet paper down the toilet and if you use wipes of any kind, simply dispose of them in the trash.  

Plumbing Myth Four:  

Flushing Feminine Products

On the same topic of flushing, flushing feminine hygiene products down the toilet is not recommended. Tampons and pads are meant to absorb liquid and expand when wet, which can lead to significant pipe blockages. While most people know pads are not flushable, many get caught in the myth that tampons can’t harm your plumbing system at all. Bear in mind that the consequences might not be immediate, but making a habit of this can cause problems in the long run. 

Avoid this plumbing myth altogether by disposing of all feminine hygiene products in the trash to prevent costly repairs and environmental damage. It might be a hassle, but preventative care for your plumbing system is always worthwhile. 

Don’t be fooled by these common plumbing myths. Remember to avoid chemical drain cleaners, refrain from pouring grease down the drain, dispose of flushable wipes correctly, and never flush feminine hygiene products. These practices help prevent damage, costly repairs, and unnecessary inconveniences. As always, you should seek guidance from a professional for accurate plumbing advice. For additional insights on plumbing maintenance, explore our other informative blogs. 

We strive to be a company you can depend on. Call Miamisburg Plumbing & Drain for all your plumbing questions and plumbing needs at (937) 705-0297, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!