It’s safe to say that everyone has had some sort of plumbing issue in the home, whether it is a clogged toilet or a dripping faucet. We all have different ideas about how to fix these problems based on what our parents taught us growing up and bits that we picked up from co-workers. However, there are many common plumbing bathroom myths & misconceptions that circulate around when it comes to resolving plumbing issues.
In this blog post, we will be debunking some of those most popularly held beliefs so you can properly address any future plumbing issues with ease!
When it comes to plumbing though, it’s best to leave the work to professionals. Check out this plumbing company that services Chicagolands.
Table of Contents
Myth #1 – If you have a clogged sink, pouring boiling water down the drain will clear it
This is a popular myth that many people believe to be true. However, it can actually make matters worse. Hot water can cause grease and oils to become even more solidified in the drain, making it harder for the clog to be removed. It’s best to use a plunger or a snake auger to clear out any clogs instead.
Myth #2 – If your toilet is running, adding food coloring to the tank will help you find the leak
This myth is actually false and could lead to problems further down the line. Food coloring can stain your toilet bowl and cause discoloration, making it harder to find the actual source of the leak. You should use a dye tablet or special leak detector instead to properly address any leaks in your toilet.
Myth #3 – If you have a clogged toilet, pouring bleach down the drain will clear it up
This can actually cause serious damage to your pipes. Bleach can corrode metal pipes and erode plastic ones, causing long-term damage that could potentially be expensive to repair. The best course of action here would be to use a plunger or auger to clear up any clogs instead.
Myth #4 – If your toilet is constantly running, you need to replace the flapper
This myth is a bit more complex and depending on the issue, could be true or false. The flapper is the mechanism that controls the flow of water from your toilet tank to the bowl, so if it’s malfunctioning, then a replacement might be necessary.
However, this isn’t always the case, and there may be other factors, such as a worn-out fill valve, a running flapper chain, or an obstructed flush valve that could be the cause of the issue. In this case, it’s best to have a professional assess your toilet and provide a more accurate diagnosis.
Myth #5 – You can fix a running toilet by adding more water to the tank
This is a myth that many people believe, but it can actually be more detrimental to your toilet. Adding more water can lead to overflowing and flooding, as well as adding strain to the mechanism of the toilet. The best thing to do in this case would be to have a professional assess the cause of the running toilet and fix it accordingly.
Myth #6 – You can fix a leaky faucet by tightening the screw on the handle
This is another common myth that could lead to more issues. Tightening the screw on a leaky faucet can actually cause further damage as it could strip the threads and make matters worse. It’s best to replace the entire faucet if possible or have a qualified plumber come in and take care of the issue for you.
Myth #7 – If your toilet is overflowing, flushing a diaper will stop the flood
This is a myth that should never be relied upon because it can cause serious damage to your plumbing. Flushing any kind of foreign object, particularly one as large and absorbent as a diaper, will only worsen the situation by clogging up your toilet even more.
The best thing to do in this case is to turn off the water supply to the toilet to prevent further flooding and then call a plumber who can safely address the issue.
Conclusion
When it comes to plumbing issues, it’s important to separate fact from fiction. There are many myths and misconceptions about bathroom plumbing that could lead to further damage if not addressed properly by a professional.
Knowing the truth behind common plumbing myths can help you make more informed decisions when it comes to tackling any future problems with your bathroom plumbing.