Debunking Common Plumbing Myths

Common Plumbing Myths

You have heard it all: you can flush “flushable wipes”, boiling water will dislodge clogged drains, or it’s safe to use liquid drain cleaner. There are dozens, if not hundreds, more plumbing myths and DIY solutions out there, but which ones are true, and which ones are well, just myths? Before you waste time, money, and potentially damage your plumbing, let’s debunk a few plumbing myths.

Liquid Drain Cleaners are Safe for Pipes

The ads are certainly convincing but are OTC drainer cleaners safe and effective? The short answer is “no.” Liquid drain cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can corrode your pipes and melt the adhesive on PVC piping. This happens because homeowners rely on these products too frequently and use them incorrectly. Leave the liquid drain cleaners on the shelf and be more judicious about what you pour down the sink.

The only liquid drain cleaner that Atlas Butler Plumbers do recommend as preventative maintenance once a drain has been cleared is Total-C. Total-C is a safe and easy biological way to keep your pipes clean and smelling fresh. Give Atlas Butler a call for more information about Total-C.

Does “Flushable” Mean “Biodegradable?”

Many products, such as bathroom wipes are labeled as being safe to flush down the toilet. That’s true because you can flush them. The problem is that the wipes don’t fully break down in the septic tank or sewer system, leading to clogs. This is because they include chemicals and other materials that aren’t fully biodegradable.

You Can Ignore Slow Drains

A drain is slow for a reason, usually because it’s clogged by hair, grease, oil, bath products, etc. If you have a drain weasel, you can sometimes dislodge a clog (such as hair) yourself. Pouring boiling water down the drain will do nothing but heat your pipes. Ignoring the problem won’t make the clog go away, it will only get worse and end up damaging the pipes. If you can’t fix it yourself, call a licensed plumber.

All Plumbers Are the Same

This is definitely not true. Plumbers undergo specialized training to learn their craft and must keep up with the latest technologies, codes, regulations, etc. Many plumbers specialize in working with natural gas lines, which entails even more rigorous training. Licensing requirements vary by state and some states allow unlicensed plumbers to perform simpler jobs such as unclogging drains. However, a licensed plumber is necessary for a major project such as installing a gas water heater. You can always check with your city, county, and state about licensing requirements for plumbers.

Experience the Atlas Butler Difference

It's to your advantage to work with a trained plumber who has the training and skills to successfully complete your jobs. Atlas Butler plumbers have the right equipment and parts to do the job correctly and will stand behind their work. When your family’s safety and the value of your home are at stake, it’s worth the extra money for peace of mind. Don’t fall victim to plumbing myths. When you want the job done right, contact the licensed plumbers at Atlas Butler. Call 1-800-FURNACE to reach our Customer Service Team 24/7.