5 Common Plumbing Myths Debunked by Professional Plumbers

Have you ever tried a plumbing hack that your enthusiastic, non-plumber friend told you would lower your water bills or dodge emergency plumbing repairs? However, instead of savings, you’re actually left to deal with the opposite. This is the common consequence when you favor outrageous plumbing myths over expertly vetted advice.

Today, many still believe in the outdated beliefs surrounding plumbing systems. But we’re here to put a stop to that. Read on as we reveal five of the most popular plumbing myths that our plumbers say no to.

Flushable Wipes Are Actually Flushable

Who wouldn’t want hygiene products that you can simply flush down your toilet after use without worrying about clogs? Well, this is not the case for flushable toilet wipes, unfortunately. No matter the label, they’re still not safe for your pipes.

Unlike toilet paper, these products don’t break down as fast. They build up faster than they decay, leading to severe blockages down your sewer line. Especially when you use them daily, your toilet will only back up in no time. And when the clog starts to develop, it’ll only go downhill from there, ultimately leading to a complete clog or even a burst sewer pipe.

So, as enticing as the “flushable” label is, it’s best to just stick with toilet paper that’s relatively safe for your toilet and plumbing.

Chemical Drain Cleaners Solve All Clogs

The sight of clogs at home is always bad news that anyone would want to resolve ASAP. As a result, many may be tempted to turn to store-bought drain cleaning chemicals like most homeowners would do. It’s fast-acting, convenient, and cheaper than calling a plumber, right?

At first, it may work in your favor, especially if you’re just dealing with minor and shallow clogs. However, when tougher blockages come, these products simply do not match. They may work with organic clogs lurking shallow in your sink or toilet. But, they can’t remove severe buildup like tree roots or even solid food debris.

What’s worse than that is that they can even damage your pipes. Some products are highly corrosive, leading to pipe damage the more you use them. Instead, rely on natural drain cleaning solutions like a vinegar and baking powder mixture, boiling water, or regular drain snaking to keep your pipes uninterrupted and undamaged.

Tankless Water Heaters Don’t Need Maintenance

This myth is perhaps the most convenient of them all. Imagine you have a tankless unit installed and forget about routine maintenance needs. Unfortunately, it’s nothing more than what people call them—a myth. Tankless water heaters still need regular care, no matter how efficient and reliable they are. 

These units may not store gallons of water, but mineral buildup still happens. Over time, hard water deposits clog the heating elements, causing your unit to work harder. This leads to lower efficiency and even shorter lifespan.

Just like traditional tanks, tankless systems need annual flushing. A professional can clear out the buildup and inspect the system. That way, you’ll get hot water faster and use less energy every day.

A Leaky Faucet is Harmless

A dripping faucet is perhaps the least threatening plumbing problem at home. The constant sound of droplets can be annoying sometimes. But it’s not a big deal overall, or so you may think. When those drops accumulate, they waste hundreds of gallons each month.

In fact, a faucet dripping once per second wastes over 3,000 gallons per year. That’s enough to take more than 100 10-minute-long showers or fill 60 bathtubs to the brim. But the wasted water shouldn’t be your only concern. If multiple faucets are running, you’ll experience lower water pressure altogether. This leads to slowed-down chores or poor appliance performance. Plus, constant leaks cause extra wear on plumbing parts and fixtures. Not to mention, this wasted water can even find its way into your floors or sink cabinets, leading to mold growth and damage.

Despite the potentially complex consequences, fixing this problem isn’t that hard. Often, it’s just a worn-out washer or seal. This is something you can DIY in your free time.

Brick in the Toilet Tank Saves Water

So, you think you can trick your toilet to use less water by putting a brick in your toilet tank? You’re only setting yourself up for more costly toilet damage and plumbing failure.

As you would expect, bricks can crumble over time, especially when they’re constantly submerged in water. When they do, small pieces fall into the tank and interfere with flushing components. Even if the brick stays whole, it may block the flapper valve or float arm.

In short, this can reduce flushing power or stop your toilet from flushing at all. Want to save water? Install a dual-flush system or use a toilet tank displacement bag designed for the job. No bricks needed.

Get Real Savings with Transou’s Plumbing & Septic’s Top-Rated Plumbing Services

Stop relying on plumbing myths and quick fixes. Trust the experts at Transou’s Plumbing & Septic to keep your pipes in top shape. From clogged drains to water heater maintenance, our licensed plumbers handle it all with care and precision.

We show up on time, work clean, and get it done right the first time. Whether it’s an emergency plumbing repair or a full system inspection, we’re here to help you save water, money, and stress.

Call us today or book online to schedule your next plumbing service. Your home deserves the real deal, not myths.