When it comes to plumbing, bad advice as to how to use and take care of it is everywhere:
- “It’s OK to put flushable wipes down a toilet.”
- “Just use Drano and be done with it.”
- “Sure, put the apple core down the disposal, that’s what it’s for.”
But the above aren’t the worst. There’s even worse bad advice when it comes to your plumbing, and we’ve put together a short list of some of these doozies. Take a look below.
- “Chemicals are the easiest way to clear a really clogged drain.”
Chemical clog cleaners may be “easy” (just pour and go!), but they are made of hydrochloric acid, which could eat away at your home’s pipes. Also, splashed chemicals could eat away the finishes of bathroom and kitchen appliances, such as enamel from sinks.
A better way to clean a clog is first to pour boiling water into it. If that doesn’t work, try a plunger (for a toilet). Continue with a plumber’s snake for a clogged toilet, sink or bathroom drain.
- “It’s OK to put just about anything down your garbage disposal, except celery, chicken bones, apple cores, corn cobs, orange and banana peels, etc.”
While it’s true that you shouldn’t put apple cores, bones, celery, etc. in your garbage disposal, it’s also best to never put leftovers of starchy foods down that drain. Why, because starchy foods such as potatoes and rice can turn into a paste-like substance and clog your drain.
- “Just follow the DIY video on YouTube. You’ll soon be able to replace a toilet like a pro!”
This last probably is the worst advice of all: there are just some plumbing tasks that anyone who is not a trained and experienced plumber should do, and replacing a toilet probably is one of them. Additional repairs or plumbing tasks that always should be done by a professional include:
- Fixing broken or frozen pipes.
- Finding standing water in a tub or sink that just won’t go away, no matter what you do.
- Poor water pressure.
- Dripping faucets or “running” toilets that continue to drip and run no matter what you do.
- Installing a new toilet or water heater.
- Sewer or septic tank leaks or issues.
If you’re ever in doubt as to whether you can fix a plumbing issue yourself (and we encourage you to always err on the side of being doubtful), call upon the plumbing experts at Plumbing Dynamics for help. If you live in Dallas, give our office a call at 214-929-3431 or send us a message via our online contact us form.
Image courtesy of Simon Howden/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
