Plumbing Myths That Could Be Costing You Money in Wickliffe, OH

Although some plumbing myths have kernels of truth, is it worth allowing them to dictate how you tackle important tasks? If you’re relying on half-truths to decide whether to schedule plumbing repair services in Wickliffe, OH, you could be making some real money-wasting mistakes. 

Let’s go into some common plumbing myths so that you can save instead.



Myth: Assuming You Don’t Need a Licensed Plumber for Most Jobs

It’s a mistake to think that anyone other than a licensed plumber can guarantee results on your plumbing job. The Wickliffe, OH, Building Dept. oversees construction projects and permits. If you’re working on an installation, you might not be able to obtain a permit for the work you want to do unless you have the licensing to do so in this region.

Doing your own repairs or installing appliances that use water might also mean your manufacturer automatically voids their warranty. This costs you money for subsequent repairs. Manufacturers often require licensed plumbers to do this kind of work.

Myth: Believing Plumbing Repairs Can Wait

One of the other common plumbing myths is that minor problems will resolve themselves. With plumbing, small problems rarely go away on their own. The longer you ignore them, the worse they get – until they burst at the seams.

If you wait to do repairs, the problem could deteriorate until it leads to a broken pipe or backed-up sewer that ruins your flooring and belongings. Fixing problems early is often cheaper, especially if you must replace drywall or floors.

Myth: Leaving Leaky Faucets To Drip Is Okay

A dripping faucet certainly is an annoyance. However, it can also lead to a lot of wasted money. Drips add up over time, resulting in a higher water bill.

Were all the faucets and toilets in your house installed at the same time? You might notice multiple faucets starting to leak simultaneously. Our plumbers can inspect all your fixtures and prevent these leaks.

Myth: Using Flushable Wipes Is the Same As Using Toilet Paper

Can you put flushable wipes, diaper wipes, and similar items down the toilet? Absolutely not. This is one of the most common plumbing myths we encounter. 

Any of these items will lead to clogged sewer pipes and P-traps. That means expensive repairs and pipe snaking. 

Myth: Freezing Pipes Never Affect Modern Homes

Although modern home designs do a better job of protecting pipes from freezing temperatures than older designs, severe cold snaps take their toll. 

Have you got pipes in a crawl space or an unheated basement? Take protective steps, especially from late November through March in Wickliffe, OH. For example, removing garden hoses from outdoor spigots can prevent costly damage from frozen pipes or burst pipes.

Myth: Pouring Drain Cleaning Liquids Into Your Pipes Is a Good Substitute for a Plumber

Chemical drain cleaners are popular among people trying to fix sink clogs. While it’s true that they may cause temporary reductions for clogs, they don’t remove the underlying condition. 

If you have significant grease buildup or hard water scaling, the clog could return, costing you money in repeated treatments. You need our plumber.

Myth: Wielding a Plunger Will Fix Sink Clogs

Some common plumbing myths lead to big trouble. One example is using a plunger on your clogged sink. Often, doing this will drive the foreign object deeper into the pipes! 

Avoid a bigger drain problem that’s tougher — and more expensive — to fix. Limit your plunger use to the toilets.

Myth: Hard Water Isn’t a Big Problem in Wickliffe, OH

Wickliffe, Ohio, has a higher-than-average concentration of minerals like calcium and magnesium in its water. Unless you have a water softener installed, hard water can cause significant problems for your pipes and appliances.

These minerals cause a buildup of scale inside pipes that can lead to frequent clogs and affect water pressure. Scale also ruins dishwashers and washing machines, leading to appliance replacements. Neighbors or friends who tell you hard water is not a big deal here probably use a water softener.

Don’t Get Taken In By These Plumbing Myths — Learn the Truth From Our Licensed Plumbers in Wickliffe, OH

Put the plumbing myths aside, and stop searching for online advice about fixing a leaky faucet or balky garbage disposal! Save time and money by relying on Formica Plumbing and Sewer Co. for plumbing repairs, advice, and inspections you can trust. Hiring a plumber doesn’t have to be a guessing game, so contact our licensed plumbers for expert service today!