Debunking Holiday Plumbing Myths: What You Need to Know Before Your Guests Arrive
Instead of dealing with plumbing inconveniences, let this holiday season bring happiness for you and all of your guests by uncovering the truth behind some of the most common plumbing myths.
Myth 1: “Just throw it in the garbage disposal - it can handle everything!”
Truth: No matter how new your garbage disposal may be, it is not invincible. It can handle most smaller food scraps, but common holiday leftovers such as bones, coffee grounds, potato peels, fibrous vegetables (like asparagus), and more can cause some serious damage to your system. Even food items such as rice and pasta can damage your garbage disposal because they are starchy foods which absorb water and expand. All these foods and more should be thrown away in the trash can instead. If you have to ask yourself, “Should this go down the disposal?” it is probably a safer bet to just throw it away, but if it is too late be sure to contact a licensed plumber for a garbage disposal service.
Myth 2: “Pour the grease down the drain, it’s safe if you turn on the hot water.”
Truth: During the short period of time the grease is being poured down the drain, it might appear the hot water is dissolving it, but once the grease cools, it hardens inside your pipes. The clogging and trapping of debris will be extremely problematic during the holiday season when you are cooking and using more oils/fats than usual. Let the grease harden or soak it with paper towels and throw it into the trash to avoid a plumbing call.
Myth 3: “If it says ‘flushable’ my toilet can handle it.”
Truth: Despite many products advertising as flushable, it doesn’t mean they are. Wipes, paper towels, cotton swabs, and other hygiene products are known to cause clogs in pipes and backup your sewage system. To avoid this holiday nightmare, only flush toilet paper and invest in a small waste bin to throw away other bathroom waste. If your toilet is constantly getting clogged, flushing inconsistently, or leaks, it may be time for a toilet replacement service.
Myth 4: “Leaving a faucet dripping is the best way to prevent pipes from freezing.”
Truth: The constant flow of water can help prevent stagnant water from freezing in pipes and reduce pressure in the system, but it is not always the most optimal solution - especially in warmer areas. The better alternative is to insulate the exposed pipes to keep your home’s temperature consistent. In addition, leaving cabinet doors open where pipes are located can significantly reduce the likelihood of freezing as warm air is able to circulate around the pipes.
Myth 5: “If my drains are working slow, I can just use a store-bought drain cleaner to fix it.”
Truth: Commercial drain cleaners are great at eating through the dirt and grime clogging your drain, but they can also damage your pipes, especially if used repeatedly. During the holidays, extra use of sinks and showers may speed up the process of clogging drains, but using a chemical solution regularly will only lead to a premature pipe replacement. Instead, use a drain snake or call a professional plumber to protect your system in the long-run.
Myth 6: “Any plumbing issues can wait until the holidays are over.”
Truth: Ignoring a small plumbing issue can lead to a bigger, more costly emergency — often at the worst time. What starts as a slow drain could become a full-blown clog with a house full of guests. If your notice issues, call a plumber early to prevent a holiday disaster.
Stay Ahead of Holiday Plumbing Issues
Don’t let these plumbing myths ruin you and your guest’s holiday spirit. Plumbing is the last thing you want to spend money on during this time of the season, but if you need any plumbing or water treatment services, contact us as we are here to help! Our expert technicians can ensure your plumbing keeps flowing during the busy holiday season.