While some myths carry an element of truth, others can be false, misleading and downright dangerous. Unfortunately, the latter category effectively describes most common plumbing myths. If you want to keep your plumbing system functional, it’s important to acquaint yourself with these illusions and know how to avoid them.
Your Drain is OK As Long as Things Keep Going Down
Even when your drain seems okay, the risk of serious clogs could still be high. And if you notice that the flow is unusually slow, take it as an early warning sign of a looming blockage. Other symptoms of developing clogs include the accumulation of waste particles in the discharge pipe and the presence of unpleasant odours. If you notice any of these indicators, stop using the drain immediately and have the clog removed before it becomes a more complicated issue.
A slow draining sink can be a sign that a blockage is building up
Plumbing Fixtures Can Be Cleaned With Hand Soaps
Baking soda and other gentle detergents are the recommended cleaning solutions for most plumbing fixtures, especially those made of brass. Toilet bowls on the other hand need to be leaned using disinfecting agents to eradicate germs and minimise the risk of infection. Hand soap should never be used to clean plumbing fixtures. While the products may seem harmless, they’re highly likely to damage surfaces on the fixtures.
Hand soap is generally not great for cleaning plumbing fixtures
Plumbing Fixtures Don’t Need Regular Maintenance
This is probably the most dangerous of all plumbing myths. Anyone who neglects their plumbing installations could face huge problems in the long term. If left unchecked, the pipes will become obstructed by tree roots, shifting house foundations and other clogs. Such issues will inevitably require expensive repairs.
To keep your plumbing network fit and functional, you need to maintain the fixtures located within and outside your house. Check your sinks, tubs and toilets regularly to minimise the risk of clogs. Also remember to check for obstructions within your sewer clean outs.
Plumbing Snakes are Ideal for Clearing Blocked Drains
Clogged drains are common problems across most households. Most homeowners assume that plumbing snakes are the best tools for dealing with such problems. Although they’re effective for minor clogs, hydro jetting is now the go-to solution for blocked drains. Hydro-jetters are preferred over conventional plumbing augers for several reasons:
-The fittings used on storm water lines tend to have tight radii. Although it might be possible to snake through these fittings, there risk of causing extensive damage is quite high.
-Plumbing snakes could potentially damage the thin-walled pipes used on most storm drains. Aggressive use of these tools is likely to cause cracks, or even damage the pipes completely.
A hydro jetter consist of an array of hoses with special nozzles which are usually connected to high-pressure water pumps. The equipment works by pumping a powerful water jet into blocked drains. The pressure will then push the accumulated material out of the way, thus clearing the pipe. Hydro jetting machines have several features that make them highly suitable for clearing blocked storm drains, including:
-Self-propelled jet heads that can easily navigate through storm water networks.
-Flexible hoses (when unpressurized) that can navigate through spaces that would otherwise be inaccessible with other kinds of equipment.
-Versatility: hydro jetting machines can be used with different sizes of hose.
With a plumbing auger, it’s quite likely that the metallic snake will find its way around the clog, as opposed to pushing it out of the way. On the other hand, hydro jetters could even break through tree roots, depending on how much power the equipment produces. So if you want to keep your storm water drainage system functional, hydro jetting would be your best bet.
Most Plumbing Jobs are DIY Tasks
Residential plumbing is a more complex area than most people realise. While household plumbing issues may seem quite manageable, homeowners risk turning minor defects into complicated problems by opting for the DIY route. There’s also the likelihood of encountering unexpected safety risks.
Professional plumbers have the resources and knowledge required to handle all these issues. They also have a wealth of experience under their belt. So if you have a clogged toilet or a leaky faucet, it would be advisable to have the problem handled by a licensed technician. Call WestEnd Plumbing today on 0447 232 342 or complete a contact form.
