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What are the most worrying common plumbing misconceptions Havertown locals believe? Plumbing myths abound, and the results can be expensive to fix. You may have already found that out if you’ve made the mistake of using “flushable” wipes or “safe” liquid drain cleaners in a plumbing and sewer system.
MVP Plumbing has seen it all. As Havertown’s leading plumber, we would like to debunk some of those common myths so that you don’t fall for these plumbing mistakes. Read our blog below for five surprising truths about your home’s plumbing.
Myth 1: You Can Use “Flushable” Wipes Safely
We hate to be bearers of bad news, but flushable wipes are not the safe alternative that toilet paper manufacturers claim they are. Manufacturers design toilet paper to break down upon contact with water, but flushable wipes do no such thing.
What happens when you use flushable wipes? Essentially, these materials remain in your plumbing system and create serious clogs in your home’s pipes and the local sewer system. Why not consider a genuinely safer alternative and install a bidet attachment instead?
Myth 2: Liquid Drain Cleaners Work Effectively
The idea that liquid drain cleaners work is one of the most dangerous plumbing myths out there. Liquid drain cleaners work by creating heat through a chemical reaction. Some may clear minor clogs, but all of them will break down your pipe materials’ integrity.
Plumbing lingo aside, plungers and plumbing snakes are a much safer and more effective way to clear stubborn clogs. Experts like MVP Plumbing will need to handle recurring clogs.
Myth 3: Loud Banging Sounds From Your Water Heater Are Extremely Dangerous
We get it; a sound louder than the Haverford Music Festival coming from your water heater makes you want to run for cover. Stay calm. Loud noises coming from a water heater do not signal an evacuation-worthy emergency.
While the loud noises may be startling, and you shouldn’t ignore them, the usual cause is sediment buildup from mineral deposits in hard water (calcium is the biggest culprit). The noise is the unit’s burner turning on to heat the water, which bubbles, pops, and throws sediment around the metal tank, causing bumps and bangs with building pressure.
Your water heater shouldn’t explode, as the tank has safety features to dissipate extra pressure. However, excess sediment does prohibit it from working properly. Call a plumbing professional for peace of mind as soon as possible.
Myth 4: Lemon Peels Make Your Havertown, PA, Garbage Disposal Clean and Fresh
Many people think throwing lemon slices down the kitchen sink will clean the disposal blades and keep everything smelling fresh. While a citrus scent is pleasant, even lemon slices can clog and damage your garbage disposal unit. We suggest using ice cubes instead.
The ice cubes’ hard surface can remove food particles from the blades but won’t clog up the mechanism–ice melts. A small amount of dish soap down the drain while running cold water also helps to remove built-up grease. For foul odors, use baking soda.
Myth 5: Some Faucets Just Leak and Aren’t a Red Flag
If we could have one DIY plumbing myth debunked, it’s the one about a leaky faucet not being a major problem. A small drip wastes a ton of water. It could also turn into a serious plumbing issue overnight.
While the leak could result from an old washer, seal, or O-ring, it could also be a sign of pipe corrosion or faulty faucet installation. If you leave this thinking it’ll solve itself, you may be in for a shock. Corrosion and improperly installed components cause serious damage and lead to expensive repairs.
Avoid These Plumbing Mistakes By Calling the Experts at MVP Plumbing in Havertown, PA
Now that we’ve busted plumbing myths and offered some safe plumbing practices for your home, we’d like to stress the importance of routine plumbing maintenance. The skilled plumbers at MVP Plumbing provide only the highest quality service that follows the latest industry guidelines rather than hearsay. No matter how big or how small the issue is, you can rely on MVP Plumbing to do the job right the first time.
Call 484-535-7540 for a service quote in Havertown, PA. Otherwise, go ahead and read about how plumbers find water leaks underground or one of MVP Plumbing’s other informative blog posts.