We get it. Plumbing might not be the most glamorous part of homeownership. As a result, many people try to find quick fixes to their household plumbing problems. It’s vital, however, that you not get tricked by some of the most popular plumbing myths in the book. Believing outdated or false information can lead to costly mistakes. Let’s set the record straight!
Here are four common household plumbing myths you need to stop believing:
1. A tap that leaks just a little water isn’t that big a deal.
The truth about leaks is that they are lot more than just simple nuisances. Even if you notice just a drip or two every minute or so, know that you are enduring significant wastefulness. A single dripping tap can waste hundreds of litres of water each month. This will both drive up your water bill and put unnecessary strain on your plumbing. Even a minor leak should be checked out quickly.
As reported by Water Canada, in 2021, the City of Toronto reported a leakage rate of 10 to 15 percent. That’s the equivalent of wasting 103 million litres of water per day. “The volume of losses is equivalent to supplying the daily demand of a system servicing a population of about 250,000 people or filling more than 15,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools every year,” says their website.
2. Flushable wipes are safe to flush.
We know what the package says. Don’t believe it! As we cautioned in a blog last month, products that boast they are “flushable” wipes do not break down in our sewage systems the way toilet paper does. If you flush wipes of any kind, you will contribute to the clogging and damage of your local system. It’s as simple as this: only your waste and toilet paper should be flushed.
According to the David Suzuki Foundation, “unflushables” include tampons, condoms, floss, hair, disposable wipes, medications, cooking oil, cotton swabs, pet fish and pet waste.
3. You can put anything in your garbage disposal.
Garbage disposals, which are mounted beneath sink drains, are designed to pulverize food waste into tiny bits. That way, they can easily be washed away so less food ends up in your trash can. This helps you to cut down on funky odours and pests. However, it’s important to know that your garbage disposals aren’t indestructible.
Be sure to avoid putting grease, fibrous vegetables (like celery), bones, past and coffee grounds in your disposal. These items can clog your pipes or dull the blades. When in doubt, compost it instead.
4. Hot water melts grease down the drain.
As one of our blogs from last October made clear, pouring oil down your drain is a no-no! Grease might go down the drain easier when hot. However, it quickly cools and solidifies in your pipes. This can cause nasty blockages even if you pour hot water down the drain after the grease.
Let your oils cool then toss them in the trash. As our previous blog pointed out, oils “create thick and congealed chunks. They stick to the inner walls of your pipes and end up catching other debris like food crumbs and soap scum that may escape through the drain.”
Call 2 Bro’s Plumbing for all of your plumbing needs!
Plumbing is a complex process that deserves the same respect as any other part of your home. Trust your friendly neighbourhood pros at 2 Bro’s Plumbing to help you keep things flowing smoothly. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 905-556-0790 or email us at admin@2brosplumbing.ca.
