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Flushing 6 Common Plumbing Myths Down the Drain

When it comes to your home’s plumbing, what you don’t know can hurt you. Over the years, many plumbing myths have swirled around, leading well-intentioned homeowners astray. At Three Way Plumbing, our goal is to help homeowners by providing the truth. Equipped with this information, you’ll be able to take better care of your home’s plumbing system.  

Are flushable wipes actually flushable? Can you safely pour grease down the drain? Let’s flush out the facts and wave goodbye to these persistent plumbing myths once and for all. 

1. Flushable Wipes Are Flushable 

You’ve seen them on store shelves, boldly labeled as “flushable.” But are they? The truth is most wipes — even those claiming to be flush-friendly — are made from materials that don’t break down like toilet paper. Instead of disintegrating, they linger in pipes, causing blockages and backups.  

The result? Costly plumbing issues for you and major headaches for municipal sewage systems. So, what should you flush? Stick to the tried-and-true duo of human waste and toilet paper. 

2. Drain Cleaners Are “Always” Safe 

Faced with a clogged sink or sluggish shower drain, many of us reach for liquid drain cleaners. They’re safe and effective, right? Not so fast. These chemical concoctions can do more harm than good. The harsh ingredients can corrode pipes, leading to leaks and more serious damage down the line.  

Plus, if they come into contact with your skin or eyes, drain cleaners can cause painful injuries. Before resorting to these bottled remedies, try a plunger or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Your pipes will thank you. 

3. Small Leaks Aren’t a Problem 

What’s a little drip here and there? A lot of wasted water, that’s what. According to the EPA, household leaks nationwide can waste over a trillion gallons per year. And it’s not just your water bill taking a hit.  

Over time, even minor leaks can spur the growth of mold and mildew, rotting cabinetry and weakening your home’s structure. When you spot a leak, no matter how small, take action. A quick fix now can save you from a flood of problems later. 

4. Ice Cubes Sharpen Garbage Disposal Blades 

Tossing a handful of ice cubes down your garbage disposal to sharpen the blades may seem smart. After all, aren’t sharp blades better than dull ones? Here’s the thing: your garbage disposal doesn’t actually have blades. It has impellers that pulverize food scraps against a grind ring.  

While ice can help clean the impellers, it won’t make them any sharper. And if you’re in the habit of putting lemon peels down the disposal to freshen it, stop! The citric acid can corrode the metal, and large chunks can jam the mechanism. 

5. Putting Things in Your Toilet Tank Saves Water 

Have you heard the one about putting a brick in your toilet tank to save water? While it’s true that displacing some of the water in the tank can reduce the amount used per flush, a brick isn’t the way to go. Over time, it can crumble, and the grit can damage the flushing mechanism.  

If you’re looking to conserve water, consider installing a modern, high-efficiency toilet instead. These can significantly cut your water usage without compromising performance. In fact, we can help you get one installed in no time.  

6. Grease is Safe to Pour Down the Drain as Long as it’s Hot 

Think running hot water with your grease makes it okay to pour down the drain? Think again. While hot water may temporarily keep grease liquid, it will eventually cool and solidify in your pipes, leading to nasty clogs.  

What if you pour the grease directly down the drain while it’s super hot? Well, of course it’s a liquid so it’ll go down the drain but if you cook, you know what happens to grease. It’ll stick to things. 

So, as it’s going down the pipes, it’ll latch onto everything and then as it cools, you’ll have yourself a disaster. Grease should never go down the drain under any circumstance. Leave it until it hardens or soak it up with something and put it in the garbage.  

Final Thoughts 

When plumbing issues bubble up, it’s tempting to fall back on quick fixes and folk wisdom. But as we’ve seen, many common plumbing “solutions” can worsen the problem. If you’re unsure how to tackle a plumbing problem, don’t risk it.  

Call in a professional plumber like the guys at Three Way Plumbing. Remember, not all plumbers are created equal. Hiring a reputable company that puts customer service first and stands behind their work is the key to getting your plumbing issues fixed… and fixed right!  

With the right plumber on your side, you can separate plumbing facts from fiction and say goodbye to plumbing myths. 

Contact our team today!