Southwest Florida’s Biggest Plumbing Myths

The Master Plumbers at Best Home Services Address Concerns

Over the years, our master plumbers have heard many disturbing plumbing myths coming out of our customers’ mouths. Just because something is often repeated doesn’t mean it’s true. Because it can be dangerous to your home’s plumbing to continue relying on inaccurate or outdated information, BHS is here to set the record straight on some of Southwest Florida’s biggest plumbing myths once and for all. Please don’t hesitate to contact our plumbers any time an issue or question arises. We’re here for you!

Myth #1: You Can Ignore a Dripping Faucet for a Long Time.

A dripping faucet is not only a nuisance. It also represents wasted water to the tune of at least eight gallons a day, which can add up in your monthly water bills over time. If you can’t figure out why your faucet is dripping, it’s best to call a local plumber for a diagnosis. You could have a leak or something more significant wrong with your plumbing system. It’s always better to err on the side of caution.

Myth #2: Over-the-Counter Products Will Unclog a Drain.

Many homeowners make the mistake of relying on over-the-counter products to unclog a drain. Liquid drain cleaners often corrode your pipes due to their harsh chemicals. You would be far better off using a plunger or auger to snake your drain (although we don’t recommend trying this if you’ve already poured a drain cleaner, as those can cause chemical burns if they splash back up on your skin). Better yet, you should call a professional local plumber, such as BHS. We specialize in drain clearing and sewer jetting services. Ignoring a clogged or sluggish drain for too long can spell disaster in the long-term. Stop throwing your money down the drain on ineffective products; call us today!

Myth #3: It’s Safe to Flush Cat Litter and Flushable Wipes.

Although manufacturers would have you believe their wipes are flushable, the reality is they don’t disintegrate the way toilet paper does and often cause clogs. We also do not suggest flushing feminine products, tissues, or paper towels. It’s also not a good idea to try and flush cat litter down your toilet. Cat litter tends to clump, causing clogs, and cat feces contains harmful parasites and other toxins it’s best to avoid if possible.

Myth #4: It’s Safe to Dispose of Grease Down the Drain.

Grease should not be poured down the drain because it tends to solidify and create clogs. Whether from cooking oils or meat, grease is likely to stick to your pipes and become a magnet for other food particles. There’s even a popular misconception that running hot water prevents clogs from grease build-up. While it’s true that hot water does melt grease, it will eventually cool and re-solidify further down your pipes. It’s better to use cold water when rinsing grease, so it has a better chance of making it all the way through your pipes to the city sewers. However, it’d be best if you refrained from putting grease down your drain at all. Wait for the grease to cool, scrape it into a tin or jug, and dispose of it in the trashcan.

Myth #5: Noises Mean Your Water Heater Is About to Explode.

While we admit you shouldn’t hear unusual sounds coming from your water heater, it’s likely not going to explode any time soon. You probably have a sediment build-up that needs to be cleaned from the unit. The only time your water heater would explode is if you have a gas leak. You can call BHS to come and inspect your water heater for signs of damages. We’re also experts in tankless water heaters.

Call Our Local Plumbers in Southwest Florida 24 Hours a Day

Have you noticed a sluggish drain, foul odors coming from your pipes, or unusual noises coming from your water heater? BHS has local plumbers in Southwest Florida who are available 24 hours a day to provide emergency plumbing repairs and more. Whether you live in Tampa, Sarasota, Naples, or Fort Myers, our plumbers are fast, licensed, and completely at your disposal. Contact BHS any time, day or night, for your peace of mind, thanks to our qualified team and competitive pricing.

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