Plumbing Misconception That Could Come Back to Bite You

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A plumbing misconception is a “view or opinion that is incorrect because it was based on faulty thinking or understanding.” We’ve all been guilty of misconceptions; but in most cases, it’s harmless. There are those times when our backward thinking could cost us. For example, do you know exactly what your homeowner’s insurance policy covers? This is probably the most common. It usually comes to bite us when the unpredictable happens, then we find out we weren’t covered.

Water From The Meter To The Home Is The Homeowner’s Responsibility

Here is a common misconception regarding our water infrastructure and our utilities. Most homeowners think it is the responsibility of the public utility department to bring water to the home. Truly it is the water department’s responsibility to bring water to the meter. When asked, 61% of homeowners did not know that the water pipe carrying water from the street to the home was the homeowner’s responsibility. Furthermore, they assumed that their homeowner’s policy would cover any damage should the pipe burst. They learned that most basic homeowner’s policies would not cover water line breaks due to normal wear and tear.

Here Are A Couple Toilet Misconceptions

Some people have begun to put bricks or water bottles in their toilet tanks in an effort to save water. At the same time, they must be commended for having the right idea to save water. This is where the problem lies; manufacturers build their toilets to flush a certain amount of water to ensure everything goes down smoothly. While it may work for liquid waste, you’ll have problems with solid waste. What you’ll end up doing is flushing twice and defeating the purpose. If your toilet is still using 3.5 gallons a flush (GPF), then it needs replacing. Installing a new water-saving toilet is a better choice. Toilets are one of the more cost-effective investments for your home. A dual-flush 1.1 and 1.6 GPF toilet from Glacier Bay costs less than $170 from your local home center, and you’ll save thousands of gallons of water every year.

Another Myth Associated With Our Toilets Are Flushable Wipes

Does it mean that anything that goes down our toilets is flushable? While they say flushable, the fact is makers aren’t legally bound by any law, nor are they held accountable. It would be best if you flushed nothing down your toilet except for solid, liquid waste and toilet paper. According to Euromonitor International, the personal wipes industry reached 2.2 billion. That was five years ago, while the market continues to grow. Officials for wastewater treatment around the country are reaching out to the public, begging people to quit flushing wipes even if makers say it’s safe. A recent tweet by the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County said, “Even wipes labeled as ‘flushable’ can lead to toilet and pipe blockages.”

Plumbing Misconception - flushable wipes

The Myths Of Our Kitchen Sinks

If you complete a search on, “How to get the stink out of your sink,” you will get some pretty ridiculous opinions of which none of it is science. Some will say to drop a couple of lemon slices or lime into your drain and turn on your garbage disposal. Some say that the citrus is terrible for your disposal while others, including bobavilla.com, advises doing it. Regardless if a lemon could have your drain temporarily smelling better, you shouldn’t. The best approach to a clean smelling drain is to use a bristle brush with a handle, baking soda, vinegar, and boiling water. Pour baking soda down the drain, use your handled brush to disperse the baking soda. Then pour the vinegar down the drain and use your brush to spread it. Let it sit for ten minutes. Next, scrub inside your drain then pour boiling water down it.

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