Common Plumbing Myths
When is comes to plumbing in your Saratoga Springs home, it's a common topic of conversation. Because plumbing is so popular, many people think they're experts, so there are a lot of myths going around. However, a closer look shows us that while these myths may be popular, they don't work as advertised.
In fact, many times people who go by these common myths wind up doing more harm to their plumbing then good. To see if you and your Saratoga home are falling victim to some of these common myths, here are some of the most common held myths in today's plumbing.
It's OK to Pour Grease Down Your Drain with Hot Water
You have probably been told that it's ok to pour grease down your drain as long as you run hot water while doing it. You might have even seen your parents do this at some point. The problem is that the grease can still harden and cause clogs this way, although it may occur further down in the pipes. It is better to get rid of the grease another way.
If there is a small amount of fat, you can let it cool in the pan. When it hardens, wipe it into the garbage using a paper towel. You can also pour it into a dedicated heat-proof container.
Put Lemons in your Garbage Disposal to Clean It
You may have been told that you can toss a Lemon into your Saratoga home garbage disposal and grind it up to clean it. If you have done this before, you might have noticed that you can enjoy a nice, fresh lemon smell from doing this.
The problem with this is that the acid that is in the lemons can break down the metal in the garbage disposal and can cause it to wear out more quickly. Instead, plumbers recommend putting a few ice cubes down the disposal. After the blades cut up the ice, it will be able to reach particles and send them on their way.
If the Water is Flowing, Everything Should be OK
If the water is flowing easily through your drains and pipes, you might think you have nothing to worry about. However, you should always keep a close eye on your plumbing anyway. Grease an other small particles can cause small clogs that, overtime will get worse, and you might not notice it till it's too late.
Plumbing can be Maintenance-Free
I'm not sure how this one started, but it's a fact that many people believe their pipes, drains, disposals, and toilets don't need on-going maintenance. But, by checking for leaks, cracks, or other issues, you can call a plumber to fix it while it's a small issue. If you don't check your plumbing regularly a small repair can become a major repair and cost a lot more.
Use Soap to Clean Your Faucets
You might think that it's harmless to use soup to clean your faucets, and you might not think it's a big deal if you get soap on the faucets when you use your sink. The problem is that the soap can actually start breaking down the finish on your faucets, so it's better to always clean off the soap if you want to protect your faucets. Instead, you should use a cleaner specifically designed for the type of finish on the fixtures.