There’s a lot of misinformation when it comes to plumbing, and unfortunately, receiving the wrong advice can lead to costly repairs. Whether it’s about what you can flush, how to maintain your drains, or the best way to handle emergencies, many common plumbing myths cause more harm than good. Understanding what you can and can’t do will help you and your home in the long run.

Flushing Wipes is Fine Because They’re ‘Flushable’

One of the most widely known and ignored plumbing myths is whether you can use flushable wipes. You can buy and use them, but it is highly recommended that you do not flush them down the toilet. They don’t break down like toilet paper, so they can cause many issues in your system, such as clogs, backups, and massive sewer blockages known as “fatbergs.” When it comes to toilets, only flush human waste and toilet paper. 

Hot Water Melts Grease and Prevents Clogs

While hot water can liquefy grease — it is only temporary. Once it cools in the pipes, it solidifies and creates potential clogs. What about boiling water?  Boiling water is also dangerous as it can harden the grease already in your pipes.  Instead of pouring grease down the drain, let it cool and dispose of it in the garbage.

Ice Cubes Sharpen Garbage Disposal Blades

One of the biggest plumbing myths involves ice cubes. Contrary to popular belief, ice cubes don’t sharpen the blades of your garbage disposal as your disposal doesn’t actually have blades but blunt impellers that spin around, which don’t need sharpening.  Ice cubes can remove built-up gunk on the impellers, but make sure you don’t put ice down your sink constantly or they can damage the disposal system. 

A Brick in the Toilet Tank Saves Water

This myth has been around for many years and claims that putting a brick in the take of your toilet will reduce water consumption and save you money. While it may save a very small amount of water, it can lead to long-term costly plumbing issues. A brick will deteriorate over time, potentially ruining the toilet’s internal flushing mechanism and plumbing lines. If you want to be conscious about the amount of water you use, you can switch to a low-flow toilet. 

Lemons Will Clean Your Garbage Disposal

Lemon peels may make your garbage disposal smell fresh, but they don’t actually clean it. Large peels may also strain your system, clogging or breaking it, and the citric acid can corrode the metal parts over time. You should also avoid putting other peels in the disposal, including grapefruit, orange, lime, banana, and potato peels. 

Chemical Drain Cleaners are Safe

Many drain cleaners can help loosen clogs, but they can cause issues over time. Because these cleaners contain harsh chemicals, they are powerful enough to damage your pipes and the materials surrounding your sink, bathtub, or toilet. If you have a clogged drain, try removing it with a mixture of boiling water, vinegar, and baking soda. If you still have issues, it’s best to call a professional plumber. 

A Slow Leak is No Big Deal

You may not think a dripping faucet or a slow leak is a major issue, but even a small leak can waste thousands of gallons of water over time, leading to a high water bill and even mold and mildew growth. Fixing leaks early can save you money and prevent bigger plumbing headaches.

A Water Heater Will Explode If You Hear Popping Sounds

A water heater gurgles and bubbles due to sediment that has collected in the tank. These loose minerals (mostly calcium) sink to the bottom of the tank where the heating element sits. When the burner turns on, the sediment causes air bubbles which make popping sounds. This isn’t dangerous, but it can affect how efficient your water heater is. 

A Plunger Can Fix Any Clog

Plungers work well to remove minor clogs, but they can sometimes make a small issue even worse. Most are not designed to handle stubborn clogs or big blockages. You should also never use a plunger if your toilet is on the brink of overflowing.

You should also use the correct type of plunger as there are different types for sinks and toilets. A standard plunger is best for sinks and an accordion plunger is best for toilets. A flange plunger works for any drain.

Know the Facts About Plumbing

Plumbing myths can lead to bad habits that damage your pipes, appliances, and wallet. By knowing the facts, you can keep your home’s plumbing system running smoothly and avoid costly repairs. If you ever have doubts about your plumbing, — consult a professional.