Debunking Eight Common Plumbing Myths for Virginia Beach Residents

Take Proper Care of Your Home’s Plumbing Systems

Plumbing is a complex subject involving a network of pipes, fixtures, and systems that many homeowners find perplexing. This complexity often leads to the circulation of misinformation, old wives' tales, or half-truths about best plumbing practices. Unfortunately, these misconceptions can cause homeowners to make decisions that do more harm than good to their plumbing systems.

For instance, believing that all items labeled as 'flushable' are safe for your toilet or that a leaky faucet should just be ignored can result in significant damage and costly repairs over time. That's why it's essential to rely on trusted sources for accurate information and advice on maintaining your home's plumbing system.

As your trusted partners in plumbing, we at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Virginia Beach believe that knowledge is power, especially when it comes to maintaining your home's vital systems. Today, we're setting the record straight on eight common plumbing myths that may be causing more harm than good:

Myth 1: It's Fine to Use Lemons to Clean Your Garbage Disposal

Contrary to popular belief, while lemons can freshen up your disposal's aroma, they don't clean it. Accumulated food particles and grease require a professional touch for thorough cleaning. It’s best to let one of our technicians clean your garbage disposal for safety reasons.

Myth 2: Running Water While Using the Disposal Prevents Clogging

Running water does aid in the disposal process, but it doesn't make it invincible. Hard or fibrous waste can still cause blockages or damage. Avoid putting foreign items or excessive amounts of food waste into your garbage disposal.

Myth 3: Plumbing Systems Don't Need Regular Maintenance

This myth couldn't be further from the truth. Regular maintenance is crucial to extending your plumbing system's lifespan and preventing costly repairs. From drain cleaning to water heater tune-ups, maintaining your plumbing systems can prevent disasters like leaks.

Myth 4: Soap and Water Are Enough to Clean Plumbing Fixtures

Soap can leave deposits on your fixtures, leading to dullness over time. We recommend using cleaners specifically designed for your fixture's material, such as stainless steel or porcelain.

Myth 5: If It Goes Down the Drain, It's Okay

While garbage disposals are incredibly handy for managing kitchen waste, they're not designed to handle everything you might want to throw at them. Certain food items can cause serious damage to your disposal or create unpleasant odors. Greasy or fatty foods, such as oils and butter, can solidify and cause blockages in your pipes.

Starchy foods like pasta and rice expand with water and can stick to the walls of your disposal, leading to clogs over time. Hard items such as bones, fruit pits, and coffee grounds can dull or damage the blades, while fibrous materials like corn husks, celery, and onion skins can tangle up the blades.

Myth 6: A Leaky Faucet Isn't a Big Deal

A leaky faucet may seem like a minor annoyance, but it can actually signify a larger problem in your plumbing system. Beyond the persistent drip-drip sound, a leaking faucet can waste a surprising amount of water over time, potentially adding a substantial amount to your utility bills. Furthermore, if left unattended, the constant leakage can lead to water damage around the sink area, including potential mold growth, which poses health risks and costly repairs.

Myth 7: DIY Plumbing Repairs Are Always a Good Idea

While the idea of fixing a plumbing issue yourself can seem appealing, especially in terms of saving money, DIY plumbing repairs often pose more risks than rewards. Plumbing systems are complex and require specific knowledge and tools to be fixed correctly. A seemingly simple repair can quickly turn into a major problem if not handled properly, potentially causing water damage, mold growth, or even structural damage to your home.

Myth 8: Flushable Wipes are Toilet-Friendly

Despite their name, flushable wipes usually don't break down as quickly as toilet paper, leading to potential clogs in your pipes. It’s best to avoid flushing anything besides regular toilet paper to avoid clogs, burst pipes, and other problems.

Helping You Make Informed Plumbing Decisions

We hope this guide helps dispel some common misconceptions about your home's plumbing system. When in doubt, it's always best to turn to a professional. Our team at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Virginia Beach is committed to serving our community with integrity, expertise, and exceptional customer service.

With a reputation for excellence and reliability, we offer top-notch plumbing services that cater to a wide range of plumbing issues. Our team of highly skilled professionals possesses the necessary knowledge and experience to handle everything from routine maintenance to emergency repairs.

Request a job estimate today for assistance from our Virginia Beach plumbers!