Drain Cleaners Los Angeles: Plumbing Myths Unveiled - American Drain Company

YOUR DRAIN CLEANER IN LOS ANGELES AND PLUMBING MYTHS

February 8, 2019

When you hear the word “myth,” most people think about Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster and a good Adam Sandler movie. But what we are writing about today are household myths. These aren’t the types of myths that will make you scream in horror, like Bigfoot or an Adam Sandler movie, but they can be concerning nonetheless.

For example, you might think that your microwave emits radiation that can harm you. You can breathe a sigh of relief because this is only a myth. Although microwaves do use radiation to heat up your leftover fish, you need to be inside to nuke yourself.

You might also believe that you have to rinse your plate and other utensils before placing them in the dishwasher. But alas, this too is a myth. There are probably millions of homeowners who insist on pre-rinsing their dishes before placing them in the dishwasher. However, detergents need food and other debris to clean and without it, alkaline levels increase and leave you with cloudy dishes.

Not surprisingly, there are several plumbing myths as well. These myths have been around since the invention of pipes, toilets and sinks. American Drain Company, your drain cleaners in Los Angeles, considers some common plumbing myths you may have heard about and possibly believe.

YOUR WATER HEATER IS READY TO EXPLODE

There is a rumor that if your water heater starts making bubbling and gurgling noises, you should leave because it is ready to explode. The truth is that these noises are caused by air popping due to sediment blocking the burner in the tank. In no way are you in any danger of suffering an exploding water heater.

FLUSHABLE WIPES ARE, WELL, FLUSHABLE

Flushing the occasional baby or other types of wipe might be alright, but too many wipes down the toilet will create a clog. While these wipes are designed to disintegrate, it takes time. If you are flushing several wipes a day, there just isn’t enough time for them to disintegrate. Lucky for you we have the means to clear that clog should it happen to you.

LEMON PEELS CLEAN, DEODORIZE AND MAKE YOUR SINK SMELL GOOD

We agree, dropping a lemon in your disposal and turning it on will make your sink smell nice. But that lemon is also causing corrosion due to the citric acid. Just something to think about.

SNAKES AND RATS CAN’T ENTER YOUR HOME THROUGH YOUR TOILET

Unfortunately, snakes and rats have been known to move through pipes and find their way into people’s homes. But it is not very likely to happen to you. But you might want to check anyway, just in case.

THE BRICK IN THE TOILET TRICK TO SAVE WATER

There are some people who think placing a brick in the tank of their toilet will save water. While this might be true, it is not a very smart move. A brick will disintegrate over time, causing issues with your toilet and plumbing. A brick might also displace too much water and cause you to have to flush more than once to ensure everything goes down the drain. And this wastes more water than when you didn’t have the brick in the toilet.

A better way to save water is by having a water-saving toilet installed.

ICE CUBES SHARPEN GARBAGE DISPOSAL BLADES

There are two myths perpetuating here. First of all, garbage disposals really don’t have blades that grind things up, they have impellers instead. Impellers are teeth-like grooves which can actually be cleaned by dumping ice into the disposal. But the idea that ice sharpens blades in your disposal is preposterous.

HOT WATER HELPS GREASE GO DOWN THE DRAIN

No way. No matter how hot the water is, it will not help move grease through the pipes. If this were true, then there would be millions of people chugging hot water to clear out their clogged arteries.

Grease, in any form, should never be dumped into your drains as it will always cause a problem. The worst case scenario is a complete breakdown of your drainage system. So any greasy residue that you need to deal with should stay far away from sinks, toilets and pipes.

A SLOW DRIPPING FAUCET IS OF NO CONCERN

This is a problematic myth many homeowners believe. Even a slowly dripping faucet will add to your monthly water bill. And if that isn’t bad enough, a leaky faucet wastes hundreds of gallons of water over a short period of time.

COMMERCIAL DRAIN CLEANERS ARE SAFE

Many commercial drain cleaners contain chemicals that will erode your pipes and eventually cause more damage. If you suffer a clogged pipe, it is in your best interest to simply call a plumber who can clear the clog safely, effectively and efficiently.

AS LONG AS IT DISAPPEARS DOWN THE TOILET, IT IS ALL GOOD

Just because that huge wad of toilet paper, toothbrush or toy car disappeared down the toilet, it does not mean it won’t cause problems. You might be safe for the time being, but that toy car could come back to haunt you. It is best if you call a plumber just to be on the safe side.

IT’S QUITE FINE TO FLUSH A GOLDFISH DOWN THE TOILET

If the fish is dead, then it is OK to flush it down the toilet. The problem is that some people flush fish down the toilet when they are only mostly dead. A live fish can travel the sewer system and wind up in a stream where it can alter our delicate ecosystem. So make sure the fish is completely dead before holding a ceremony and flushing it down the toilet.

THERE IS NO DANGER IN USING A PLUNGER

For the most part this is true, However, if you attempted to clear the clog with chemicals first, using a plunger could cause splashing that might get on your face or in your eyes.

Again, if you have a clogged toilet or sink, it is best to call American Drain Company.