There is a “plumbing wisdom” that seems to have been passed down generations. It includes talks about the utility of in tank cleaners for toilets, running water while disposing waste, the working of drains, sacred user manuals, etc.
The problem is that though “everybody knows it”, we couldn’t trace the wisdom to authentic sources and so we decided to go out for a myth debunking journey. The results, unfortunately, in many cases, is an oversimplified or just plain wrong plumbing fact. Let us share our trophies with you:
Myth #1: “In Tank” Cleaners Keep Toilets Smelling Good and Sparkling Clean
“In tank” cleaners, though seemingly make your chores easier by decreasing the time you have to spend scrubbing your toilet, they are a cost that you should cut because they simply bleach smelly build-up, but don’t get rid of it.
A simpler DIY action would be to use vinegar down the overflow tube. Vinegar removes smelly build-up that can damage the flow of your toilet at a fraction of the cost of “in tank” cleaners.
Myth #2: Running Water with Garbage Disposal Prevents Blockage
It’s something most of us have done. And though it may seem logical that a combo of running water in the wake of using garbage disposal will help flow of waste down the drain, it mostly results in jamming the drain — and making us reach our hands down the drain to unblock whatever leftovers got jammed in the pipes.
A blockage has to be removed. Running water after it will only cram it further. Our advice: keep the ratio between water and waste to 4:1, so that the waste is separated and flows with ease down the drain.
Myth #3: It’s all good As Long as Stuff is going Down the Drain
This is the typical “Out of sight, out of mind” fact, but one that doesn’t really apply to the plumbing world.
Even without you knowing, foods like pasta and rice soak in water, bloat, and cause clogs in your drains. Hence, it blocks the passage for other waste to peacefully pass through the pipes.
Our wisdom from experience dictates that you can prevent the blockage only by using sinks, toilets, and showers correctly. How? By making sure that you fill the sink with water prior to draining; placing a hair screen in the drain when using showers, etc. And be sure to use the proper drain cleaning products if need be.
Myth #4: Water and Soap on Bathroom Fixtures Makes Them Just as Sparkly and Clean as Your Hands
According to this fact, leaving bits of soapy water on the sink after washing your hands or utensils is alright — Wrong! The mixture of water and soap causes faucets and fixtures to corrode, and hence peel and bubble. You are best advised to wipe the fixtures off after each use; it’s the extra 2 seconds that help prevent fixtures from corroding.
Myth #5: Users Manuals Are Sacred Books, Readable Only By the Select Few
Though user manuals contain some complicated drawings, they contain information that is useful for the layman as well. Though they may not be the most entertaining read in the world, they can save you money and time in the long-run!
Stay Tuned for More!
For more informative plumbing advice from the experts at Bonfe, stay tuned!
