Your plumbing system plays a key role in so much of your daily life in Kansas City, making it one of the most crucial parts of your home. When it comes to plumbing, many people make a variety of mistakes that eventually result in major problems and force them to spend money on fixing issues that are almost entirely preventable. We’ll debunk some of the most common plumbing myths by explaining what types of issues they can cause and when to call a plumber.
Flushable Wipes Won’t Clog Your Plumbing
An increasingly large number of people have switched to using wet wipes after going to the bathroom because they clean more thoroughly and effectively than toilet paper. This trend has resulted in many companies producing “flushable” wipes that they claim won’t clog your plumbing. It’s true that these wipes normally won’t clog the toilet except if you try to flush too many at once. The concern is that the wipes don’t break down when flushed like toilet paper does. They often get stuck inside a home’s sewer line, creating a blockage that clogs the line and eventually results in constant sewage backups inside the house.
The same issue happens from regularly flushing feminine hygiene products. This type of blockage can sometimes get so severe that it causes the sewer line to break, necessitating a costly sewer repair or replacement. The best way to avoid major sewer issues is to make sure everyone in the household knows to flush only waste and toilet paper.
Chemical Drain Cleaner Is the Best Solution for Clogs
One of the biggest DIY plumbing risks is using chemical drain cleaner to unclog pipes or fix issues with slow drains. The reason these drain cleaners can be so effective is that they contain strong acidic or alkaline chemicals. Acidic drain cleaners work by dissolving and eating through organic materials, while alkaline drain cleaners react with water and produce extreme heat that causes substances like fat, grease and soap scum to melt.
Using either type carries a substantial risk of damaging your drain and sewer lines, resulting in leaks and expensive, invasive repairs. The safer solution for overcoming drain issues is to use a plunger, and, if that doesn’t work, hire a plumber to snake the drain.
You Can Safely Pour Fat, Oil and Grease Down the Drain
Another plumbing myth far too many people believe is that you can pour fat, oil and grease down the kitchen sink as long as you flush the drain with plenty of hot water. The thought is that hot water will melt solid fat or grease so that it washes out of the house’s plumbing system into the municipal sewer main.
What actually happens is that the liquid fat, grease or oil floats on top of the water and ends up clinging to the inside of the pipes instead of getting flushed out. The substances then solidify as they cool, forming a sticky coating within pipes that can trap toilet paper, food scraps, hair and whatever other solids go down the drains. This then leads to a major clog that plumbers lovingly refer to as a fatberg. Whether you have hot water running or not, pouring fat, oil and grease down the drain will always lead to frequent clogs and significant issues like your sewer line backing up.
You Should Set Your Water Heater to a Higher Temperature in Winter
Many people wrongly believe that the water coming into a house is colder in winter, and turning the water heater up will maintain more consistent temperatures and ensure the water is always hot. The truth is that the water temperature doesn’t really change from summer to winter, as underground water lines are always buried below the frost line where the temperature remains constant. The reason your water sometimes feels colder in winter is that the water lines in places like the basement or inside exterior walls are colder.
Turning your water heater up during the winter will help your shower water to heat up more quickly, but that’s really the only benefit it has. If you set the temperature above 120 to 130 degrees, your water heater will have to work harder and run more frequently. Not only does the increased workload result in higher energy bills, but it can also make it more likely that your water heater will break down and not last as long. Setting the temperature too high increases the risk of someone getting scalded as well, which is a serious concern if there are any small children in the house.
If you’re searching for an honest, dependable Kansas City plumbing service, Reddi Services is the company to call. We’ve been helping homeowners since 1957, and our experienced team is always on hand to tackle any issues 24/7. From drain and sewer cleaning to repairs and installation, we’re here to provide the expert advice and assistance you need.
If you have any plumbing questions or need to schedule service, contact our team at Reddi Services today.
