Debunking the Most Common Plumbing Myths for Willoughby Homeowners

No homeowner is immune from the occasional clogged drain or dripping faucet. However, the way you address these issues has a huge impact on your pipes and fixtures. Many blindly follow certain plumbing myths without realizing the damage they can cause. 

In this guide, our trusted plumbers in Willoughby, Ohio, set the record straight on common plumbing misconceptions. Find out what you need to know before making a potentially dangerous and costly mistake. 

1. Garbage Disposals Will Pulverize Anything You Send Down the Drain

Having a garbage disposal allows you to easily discard most food scraps. The blades that break down materials have incredibly sharp edges and are tough enough to cut through foods like fruit and vegetable scraps. However, this doesn't mean that you should put everything into the disposal rather than a garbage bin. 



You risk damaging the system if any of the following objects come in contact with the blades:

• Forks, knives, and spoons
• Eggshells
• Animal bones
• Corn husks

In addition, the sink may clog if you send oil, fats, or grease down the drain and run the garbage disposal. 

2. Chemical Drain Cleaners Are the Perfect Solution for a Clogged Sink or Shower

One of the most dangerous plumbing myths Willoughby locals need to understand surrounds chemical drain cleaners. If a wad of hair or built-up soap scum causes water backup in your shower or sink drain, avoid reaching for a bottle of cleaner. These products may seem cheap and convenient, but they often create more expensive problems down the road. 

The harsh chemicals eat through natural clogs, but they can also disintegrate pipes. In its place, use vinegar and baking soda for clogs or contact a professional for hydro jetting services. Natural cleaning attributes contribute to long-lasting pipes and hassle-free maintenance. 

3. Tightening the Handle Will Fix a Leaky Faucet

Does your plumbing system contain a faucet that constantly drips? Handy loved ones or fast internet searches may lead you to believe all you have to do to stop the dripping is tighten the faucet's handle. 

In reality, you might cause further damage and ignore the actual cause of the leak. Consult an expert to sort out this and other plumbing myths.

You'll likely have to replace the fixture's worn-out seal or valve. Consider the long-term effects of over-tightening the handle before you reach for the wrench. This step can damage the threads connecting the fixture and eventually force you to replace the faucet. 

A safer — and cheaper — alternative is to confirm the cause with a plumber and let them handle the repair. 

4. A New Hot Water Heater Doesn't Need Any Maintenance in Willoughby

After you install a new water heater in your home, you might assume that it won't present any problems and, therefore, neglect routine maintenance. Professionals don't recommend this as any number of issues can arise, including:

• Sediment buildup inside the tank
• Faulty thermostat readings
• Broken anode rods
• Tank corrosion and leaks

During tune-ups, experts check for these concerns as well as the unit's temperature and pressure relief valve. In extreme cases, a hot water heater explosion may occur when the valve doesn't regulate pressure properly. Play it safe and book regular maintenance appointments beginning shortly after installation. 

5. Toilet Tank Bricks Help You Reduce Your Water Consumption

One of the longest-standing plumbing myths that homeowners believe to be true is that putting bricks in the toilet tank can conserve water. How did this come to be?

The weight of the brick can displace some of the water inside the tank, causing the toilet to use less water every time you flush it. The main problem with this idea is that modern toilets use significantly less water per flush compared to older models. 

The standard toilet in Willoughby homes today uses 1.6 gallons of water per flush. Older fixtures could use as much as six gallons per flush and lead to extremely high water bills. By placing a brick inside your toilet's tank, your water consumption rate won't decrease drastically, and you risk damaging key components as the brick breaks down. 

Let Willoughby's Trusted Plumbers Care for Your Pipes and Fixtures

Now that you understand the truth behind certain plumbing myths, you know how to address common issues. Reach out to Formica Plumbing and Sewer Co. for help with basic plumbing services. From detecting the signs of bad plumbing pipes to restoring a faulty sink, we're Willoughby's trusted source for piping solutions. 

Contact us today to request a service!