Plumbing Myths Debunked by Trusted Plumbers in Winston-Salem, NC

Plumbing is an essential part of our daily lives yet many people have misconceptions about how it works and what’s required to keep it in top shape. At Transou’s Plumbing & Septic, we’ve heard it all when it comes to plumbing myths and misconceptions– from using store-bought cleaners to toilet tablets. That’s why we’ve compiled this article to debunk some of the most common myths we’ve encountered. From what you should and shouldn’t flush down your toilet to how often you need to clean your pipes, our team of trusted plumbers in Winston-Salem, NC is here to set the record straight. So read on to learn the truth about plumbing and ensure that your home’s plumbing system is in tip-top shape!

Myth 1: Chemical Drain Cleaners are Safe and Effective

Before you reach for that big bottle of chemical cleaner, do you know if your pipes can handle the stringent solution? Did you know that these seemingly convenient solutions can cause irreparable damage to your pipes, especially if you have older or plastic pipes? That’s right, these chemicals can erode your pipes, leading to leaks, bursts, and expensive repairs. And that’s not all – these drain cleaners also pose health and environmental risks, as they release harmful chemicals into the air and water supply.

But don’t worry, there are alternative methods that are both safer and more effective. For instance, a trusty plunger or drain snake can work out the gunk and unclog your drain without causing any harm to your pipes. Enzyme-based cleaners are another excellent option, as they’re gentler on your pipes and don’t pose any health or environmental risks.

Myth 2: Running Water While Using the Garbage Disposal Prevents Clogs

Now, let’s talk about another common plumbing myth: running water while using your garbage disposal supposedly prevents clogs. 

While running water can help flush food particles down the drain, it’s not a guaranteed answer for clog prevention. Sometimes water can cause food to bunch up together instead of breaking them apart. Remember that oil and water don’t mix so if you have greasy food traveling down the garbage disposal, water won’t do a thing.

To keep your garbage disposal running smoothly, you have to be mindful of what you’re shooting down there. Avoid fibrous or starchy foods like potatoes and bread and always chop up larger items before tossing them in.

Myth 3: Toilet Tablets with Bleach Keep Your Toilet Clean and Fresh

Let’s face it – toilet cleaning is nobody’s favorite task. And while bleach tablets may seem like a quick and easy solution to keep your toilet fresh and clean, they can actually do more harm than good. Yup, using bleach tablets can damage internal components like rubber seals and gaskets, leading to costly repairs down the line. Plus they can conceal underlying cleanliness issues by covering up smells and other symptoms of issues deep inside your pipes, leaving you unaware that these issues need to be addressed.

Instead of relying on bleach tablets, it’s best to stick to regular manual cleaning with a toilet brush and appropriate cleaning products. While it may take a little more elbow grease, manual cleaning is not only more effective at keeping your toilet clean, but it’s also gentler on your toilet’s internal components.

Myth 4: All Leaks are Visible and Easy to Detect

We all wish that leaks were easy to spot, but unfortunately, many leaks go undetected for months or even years, causing damage to your home’s structure and foundation, wasting precious water, and increasing your utility bills.

There are strategies you can use to detect and address hidden leaks before they become bigger problems. Scheduling regular plumbing inspections and maintenance can help catch leaks early on and prevent costly repairs down the line. Additionally, you may want to consider investing in leak detection devices and technologies, such as moisture sensors and water alarms, which can alert you to potential issues before they cause significant damage. Ask a plumber in the Winston-Salem area to make recommendations for your plumbing needs.

Myth 5: Most Plumbing Issues Can Be Fixed DIY Style

Last but not least, the myth about doing it yourself. Plumbing systems can be complicated and attempting a DIY repair without the proper knowledge and experience can lead to even more significant issues and expenses in the future. For example, improper pipe repairs can result in leaks, water damage, and even mold growth. Not to mention, some DIY fixes might violate local building codes, which can lead to fines or complications when it’s time to sell your property.

When You Should Call a Professional Plumber

There is no shame in knowing when to wave the white flag and call a professional plumber to have a look. Don’t wait until you’re standing in ankle-deep water, holding a wrench, and wondering, “What on earth am I doing?” Here’s a list of situations where it’s best to leave the job to the pros and save yourself from turning a small issue into a full-blown disaster:

Major Plumbing Makeovers: It’s Not DIY Time!

So you’ve been binge-watching home renovation shows and got inspired to revamp your bathroom or kitchen. Awesome! But before you start ripping out pipes and installing new fixtures, pump the brakes and call a professional plumber. They’ll make sure everything is installed correctly, up to code, and working like a charm. Trust us, you don’t want to turn your dream renovation into a nightmare.

Clogs That Just Won’t Quit

We’ve all been there—staring down a stubborn clog that laughs in the face of plungers and drain snakes. When you’re dealing with persistent or recurring clogs, it’s time to call in a professional plumber. They’ll swoop in like a superhero and diagnose the problem, which could be something like a blockage in your main sewer line. Yikes!

Major Leaks or Burst Pipes: SOS, Send a Plumber!

When you find yourself dealing with a major leak or a burst pipe, don’t panic! Just pick up the phone and call a professional plumber ASAP. They’ve got the tools and expertise to track down the source of the leak, fix the damage, and prevent future issues. Trust us, they’re way better at handling these situations than a roll of duct tape.

Water Heater Woes: Keep Calm and Call a Pro!

Water heater repairs and replacements can be tricky and downright dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. Soi f your water heater is acting up, resist the urge to tinker with it yourself. Instead, play it safe and let a professional plumber handle the repairs. They know their way around water heaters and they won’t accidentally turn your home into a steam room.

Don’t Fall For Another Plumbing Myth – Call A Plumber Now!

So there you have it—our upfront, myth-busting guide on knowing when to let a professional plumber assess your plumbing situation. While you may feel confident enough to do some of the plumbing work yourself, know that if you have more questions than answers, it would be better to call in the pros. Save yourself time, money, and potential headaches and let our team of trusted plumbers swoop in and save the day, leaving you with a perfectly functioning plumbing system minus the mistakes.

Looking for a plumber in Winston-Salem, NC? Check out Transou’s Plumbing & Septic!