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All About Common Plumbing Myths

Posted on February 17, 2017 by

myth-or-factAll About Common Plumbing Myths

Your plumbing system delivers water both into and out of our homes, day, and night. Many homeowners know some basic quick plumbing fixes, but how much of those fixes actually work?

Read on to know which information holds true, and which common plumbing myths can finally be put to rest.

Water Heaters Can’t Explode

This myth is both wrong, and can be dangerous if an issue arises and is not immediately addressed. Water heaters are pressurized machines, containing a temperature-pressure (TPR) valve which controls the pressure and heat of the water inside the heater.

If a water heater malfunctions, pressure can quickly build up inside of the tank. If this pressure is not relieved, the tank can explode. To relieve this pressure during a malfunction emergency, immediately turn on any hot water tap in a house.

This lessens the pressure inside of the tank by removing some of the water and heat from within. As soon as the tap is running, locate the turn-off switch on both gas powered and electric water heaters, and contact a professional for further assistance.

Water Going Down a Drain Means There is No Clogclogged-drains

Just because water is draining, doesn’t necessarily mean there is no issue with your drainage. There are a couple of other hints that may demonstrate a clog somewhere in your plumbing system, including:

  • A drain is producing a foul odor.
  • Water that drains slowly.
  • There is a water back up somewhere in your home.

If you notice symptoms of a clogged drain anywhere in your home, contact a plumbing professional for assistance in locating and removing the clog before the situation becomes dire.

leaking-faucetA Leaking Faucet Isn’t So Bad

A leaky faucet can quickly go from a mild annoyance to a costly issue. A slow, steady leak from a faucet can waste $20 of water quickly, and hundreds of dollars over time.

Water enters our homes under heavy pressure, and faucets require a tight water seal to be effective in holding back this pressure. Leaky faucets can be easily fixed by tightening the washer on the leaking tap or faucet. If this solution does not solve the leaky faucet issue permanently, a plumber can assess the cause of the leaky tap and safely fix the problem.

Plungers Can Fix Any Clog in a Home

As handy as plungers are to have around, they are not developed to fix every plumbing problem a homeowner may run into. Plungers are designed to fix minor, malleable clogs by disrupting their position in a drain. For moderate or major clogs, or even minor clogs deep within a pipe, plumbers are the best-equipped individuals to effectively remove the blockage.

Creatures Do Not Swim Up Pipesrats-in-pipes

As scary as the idea may seem, creatures can find their way into a home quite easily. Frogs love the damp and dark environment pipes provide, and can move through a plumbing system quickly. Rats are another small creature that can crawl out of a drain or toilet.

Rats follow the smell produced by food washed down drains and follow the scent until they find what they are looking for. But beware – a rat’s sense of smell can sometimes become confused, and these rodents can end up in your toilets instead of your kitchen sink.

If you’re seeking plumbing assistance in the Abingdon or Bel Air, MD areas, or are curious to have further myths answered, contact the experts at PlumbCrazy by calling (410) 679-7575.