Some of the many plumbing tips and tricks that you hear about might be the answer that you’re looking for. Others can do more damage than good. To help you understand exactly what is true and what is not, we’ve put together some of the more common myths that many seem to believe about plumbing. If you’re unsure of how to fix a problem with the plumbing in your home then it is always best to call a plumbing professional.
1. In Australia, the water flushes the other way
This is the biggest myth of the whole bunch and stems largely from television shows that seem to state it as fact. The direction of a toilet’s flush is determined by the design of the toilet. Not anything to do with the Coriolis effect.
2. To sharpen the blades in a garbage disposal you can use ice cubes
This will actually damage the garbage disposal if done too frequently. The ice cubes will clean the mechanism but there is no way that you can expect ice cubes to sharpen metal no matter how cold it is. If you’re having trouble with your garbage disposal, it may be time to have a professional take a good long look.
3. Placing a brick in the back of your toilet will cut down on your electricity bills.
So the thought process behind this is that a brick or some other object will displace the amount of water needed in the back of the toilet and subsequently less water per flush. This can work when done correctly, however, your toilet has been designed to use the amount of water it needs to flush properly. Reducing this amount can cause the need for multiple flushes. If you want to reduce your utility bills then you should contact your plumber to enquire about eco-friendly bathroom fixtures that use less water.
4. Clogged sink? Use hot water
This may work once in a while for small blockages but for the most part, if a drain is truly blocked you may need to bring in a professional plumber to clean it for you. Also, you need to be careful about pouring boiling water down the drain especially in the winter months.
5. It’s okay, these are flushable
There are some things that you should never flush down the toilet and while some baby wipes will market themselves as flushable, not all home plumbing and local sewage systems are created equal.
6. Drain cleaners are great!
Some liquid drain cleaners will get the job done, but they will also cause damage to the pipes if used too often. Instead, you could use a plunger or auger. If you are still having no luck then it might be time to have a plumber get the job done for you. They have access to tools and experience that you don’t and with just a quick phone call you could have the drain working perfectly again.
7. If you drop your ring it will be easy to find
This isn’t something that you want to take a chance on. If you have lost your ring then that is something that cannot be replaced and usually has a high dollar value. By calling a professional you will be giving yourself the best possible chance of finding your ring.
8. Plumbers are expensive
You want to use the right tool for the job and if you have a plumbing issue you can’t solve, then you should call a plumber. You will find our rates fair and when you are more than satisfied with the outcome you will be wondering why you didn’t get in touch with us sooner.