Fact or Fiction? Debunking Common Plumbing Myths




With so much ‘information’ freely available online, a lot of homeowners resort to using hacks and tricks to deal with big plumbing problems. However, that’s pretty much like putting a band-aid on a fracture, hoping it will go away. While some of those tips come in handy, the majority are based in fiction.

To keep your plumbing system running smoothly, it’s important to know fact from fiction and not rely on misconceptions to fix major plumbing issues. Your plumbing system is a big investment and you want to make sure it’s getting the care and attention it deserves.

To help clarify matters, we’ve listed down some of the most common plumbing myths out there.

Myth#1: A Leaky Faucet is No Big Deal

A lot of homeowners treat leaky faucets like they’re no big deal. After all, what damage could a tiny drip do? Turns out, a lot! Those tiny drips can turn into 10,000 gallons of water wasted annually, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. That’s equal to 270 loads of laundry! Plus, leaking water can actually end up damaging the faucet and staining the fixture. It’s better to get any leaks fixed immediately.

Myth#2: Toilets Make for Convenient Garbage Chutes

It’s normal for many of us to flush all and everything down the toilet. We believe that whatever we throw down the toilet can be flushed away and gotten rid of. Not exactly … Things that aren’t meant to be flushed down the toilet can actually end up clogging the pipes, creating a backlog of waste. This can end up with sewage water overflowing onto your bathroom floor. So never flush random objects down the toilet.



Myth#3: You Don’t Need to Worry About Pipes Unless They’re Clogged

Out of sight out of mind is what it’s like for many of us when it comes to plumbing related problems. Just because the pipes are draining water for now and aren’t acting up doesn’t mean there isn’t a nasty clog building up inside of them. Food debris can clog the kitchen pipes whereas hair and soap can clog the bathroom ones. Over time, this will result in the water backing up and creating an emergency situation. Have your pipes inspected twice per year and always practice preventative maintenance.

Myth#4: The Popping Noises in the Water Heater are a Sign the Water Will Blow Up

Many people think that the strange rumbling and popping sounds coming from the water heater mean the water’s going to blow up. That’s not entirely true. These sounds are just a result of the water heater kicking up the sediment buildup at the bottom of it.

Debris and loose minerals like calcium from hard water can settle at the bottom of tank. This prevents the heat from rising, resulting in those sounds. It’s a good idea to have your water heater checked.  

Need Help?

Are you having trouble dealing with your plumbing system and need some professional help? Pro Serve Plumbers are here to serve you! With licensed plumbers working in the Fort Worth, TX area, they can help you with everything from drain cleaning to kitchen plumbing repair. 

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