Plumbing myths come and go through the years. A few have stuck around for quite a while, confusing people all over the globe. Don’t burst your pipes by believing one of these widely known plumbing myths. If you have a plumbing problem, it’s best to call in the experts and let them handle the problem before more damage happens in your home.
Toilets Flush the Other Direction in Australia
Jets in the toilet bowl determine the direction your toilet flushes, not where you live. This popular myth started with the phenomenon known as the Coriolis Effect which has more to do with cyclones than with toilets. The next time someone tells you this plumbing myth, wow them with your new knowledge.
Hot Water Gets Rid of a Grease Build-Up in Your Pipes
Pouring hot water down the drain is a plumbing myth. All it does is melt the grease block, allowing it to trickle further down the drain where it will reharden. Eventually the grease build-up will reach an area where the hot water will no longer move it along the drain and it will require the help of a professional plumber and a drain snake for removal. Cold water will solidify the grease before it clogs the drain, giving it a chance to make it to the sewer line.
Flushable Wipes
Flushable wipes are a recent problem in plumbing systems. These disposable products do not live up to the flushable hype, sometimes causing huge problems in plumbing systems. Huge clogs of cooking grease and flushable wipes called fatbergs were recently found in the sewers, causing massive blockages and millions of dollars’ worth of damage. The moral of the story is these wipes are not as flushable as they seem.
Drain Cleaners are Safe
Drain cleaners sold in a store are often labeled as safe for household use. The chemicals contained in the cleaner are highly corrosive to remove the blockage. This can backfire, taking part of your plumbing with it. Don’t let the chemicals eat away at your pipes. Try a plunger or an auger or call in the professionals to get the job done right.
About the Author: Vincent Sposari, Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Olympia
Vinnie has been a trusted plumber since 1989 and a Mr. Rooter owner since 1992. With over 31 years to back him, Vinnie has experience with a wide range of plumbing related solutions and systems. He and his team specialize in plumbing repairs, drain cleaning, emergency plumbing, and more.