Plumbing Myths That Could Be Costing You Money

There are many plumbing myths floating around that could be costing you a substantial amount of money. From what you can flush down the toilet to whether DIY jobs are worth it, these misconceptions can often lead to bigger and more costly problems. Understanding what plumbing myths can be problematic can help you avoid inflated water and power bills, potentially expensive repairs and replacements, stress, and worsening plumbing issues in the future.

Myth: A Leaky Faucet Isn’t a Major Problem

Many homeowners dismiss a leaky faucet as a minor annoyance they don’t have to worry about once they close the bathroom door. However, although it may seem like a minor problem, it could indicate a more significant issue or become more costly if it goes unchecked by a professional plumber.

Depending on the frequency of the drips, it could lead to a considerable amount of water wasted unnecessarily per year. Water bills can become larger over time as the problem worsens.

It’s also a seemingly minor issue that could be a symptom of a much larger plumbing problem. Calling a plumber can allow them to take a deeper look at your plumbing system to see what’s happening beyond the surface.

Myth: Flushable Wipes Can Go Down the Toilet

Although there are wipes that say on the packaging that they’re flushable, wipes have no place going down the toilet. Many homeowners believe that flushable wipes are safe to flush and break down as easily as one-ply toilet paper. However, it’s a myth that can lead to serious plumbing issues and expensive repairs or replacements.

Flushable wipes don’t break down nearly as quickly as toilet paper does. They can lead to stubborn and substantial clogs that only get larger over time. It’s better to dispose of these wipes in the trash rather than risk blocking your pipes and paying for an expensive repair.

Myth: You Can Hold Off With Plumbing Repairs

There’s a huge myth that you can easily hold off calling a plumber to diagnose and fix the issue if the problem seems minor. The primary problem with this is that you can’t see what’s happening behind your walls. Seemingly minor issues that some homeowners don’t consider a big deal include a dripping faucet, a little leak from a hairline crack in the pipe, low water pressure, slow drains, and a slight odor emanating from the drains.

Even if these issues are relatively minor when you notice them, they can easily worsen into much larger problems, more expensive repairs or replacements, and much bigger headaches. For instance, water dripping from a hairline crack in the kitchen drain pipe might not seem like a huge deal, but continuing to use the sink on a daily basis can mean that the pipe might eventually burst and send water throughout the kitchen and other areas of your home. It’s much more cost-efficient to deal with these issues while they’re seemingly minor than when they turn into huge problems.

Myth: Most Plumbing Fixes are a DIY Job

The myth that most plumbing fixes are a DIY job often ends up costing homeowners a massive amount of money and unnecessary hassle. The truth is that calling a plumber is typically the most cost-effective action with the most success.

Unfortunately, putting in the effort and following online tutorials doesn’t mean there will be a successful outcome when you try a DIY fix for a plumbing issue. Situations like using a plunger to clear a minor clog are typically something homeowners can do. However, leaks and other plumbing problems are better left to the professionals.

Plumbers understand how to diagnose the issue properly and already have the correct tools and materials needed to make the repairs or replacements. They also have the experience and know-how to efficiently and effectively repair these issues to increase the chances that they don’t happen again.

Another problem that may result from DIY fixes is that the situation worsens rather than improves. For example, a homeowner may try to fix a minor leak, but it ends up turning into a burst pipe or damage to other plumbing components. It can also result in additional issues, such as mold growth from water leaks.

Attempting DIY plumbing fixes may seem like an easy way to avoid hassles and a larger expense, but it could actually end up costing you more money, especially if you need to hire a plumber to fix your mistakes. It’s safer, easier, and more cost-effective to call a licensed plumber who can do the job correctly the first time.

Myth: An Annual Plumbing Inspection Isn’t Necessary

We typically recommend an annual plumbing inspection, especially if you have an older home and you haven’t recently updated the plumbing system. The older a plumbing system gets, the more prone it is to damage.

Doing self-inspections of the pipes you can see and constantly evaluating the system’s performance, such as scanning for leaks, is important. However, having a professional plumber come in once a year to check what’s happening that you can’t see can go a long way toward preserving your system.

For example, getting a video inspection can allow the plumber to see what’s going on deep into your system and check for leaks, failing valves and connections, and corrosion. This allows you to get a jump start on making repairs or doing replacements. If left unchecked, they become huge issues that can cause problems in your home or property and come with a hefty price tag. 

One of the best times to schedule an annual plumbing inspection is right before winter. This lets the plumber evaluate the system and make repairs before the busy cooking and guest hosting that typically happens during the winter holiday season. It will also ensure no current issues could turn into massive problems, such as bursting pipes from water freezing due to pipe cracks.

Myth: Non-Chunky Food Can Go Down the Kitchen Drain

Another plumbing myth many homeowners believe is that non-chunky food can easily go down the kitchen drain without a problem. People are often aware that letting items such as chunky pieces of vegetables, meat, and pasta isn’t a good idea as they could lead to clogs. However, various other items can also lead to significant clogs, even if their appearance doesn’t seem like it.

Food items such as coffee grounds, rice, vegetable peelings, grease, oil, and honey are only a few of the items that should never go down your kitchen drain. They can easily stick to the sides of the pipe’s interior, leading to numerous issues, including foul odors. They could also become a clog as more food particles go down the drain, and everything gets stuck together.  

Ready for Answers? Contact the Pros

Don’t fall into the trap of believing common plumbing myths. Contact Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical in Weatherford, TX, for help with all your plumbing needs, including emergency plumbing services. We also offer heating, electrical, and air conditioning services to residents in and near the area.