Hacks and home remedies are among the most popular categories on social media. It’s easy to pull up a YouTube video or a TikTok post that claims to offer quick and effective DIY fixes for common household problems. Whether it’s using baking soda to remove a carpet stain or using vinegar and olive oil to polish furniture, there is a supposed solution out there for everything…and plumbing is no exception.
That said, it’s risky to take advice from strangers who lack experience and expertise. A lot of these hacks are band-aid fixes that don’t address the root of the problem and only delay the inevitable – while others actually actively harm your plumbing system. Fortunately, Stadler Plumbing is here to help you separate fact from fiction.
When you have a plumbing problem, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to book an appointment. You can reach us by phone at 586-803-1200 or request an appointment online.
Myth: Flushable Wipes Are Actually Flushable
Flushable wipes are one of the most popular personal hygiene products on the market. It isn’t difficult to understand why – they’re a convenient way to freshen up and they’re easy on the plumbing… Or are they?
Despite the marketing, many flushable wipes aren’t biodegradable and are instead made with synthetic materials like plastic and polyester. These materials are great for texture and feel…but are terrible for your pipes and septic tank. Over the past few years, flushable wipes have emerged as one of the leading causes of clogged toilets. When that happens, you can turn to the Stadler team to unclog your toilet and get you back in business.
Myth: Chemical Drain Cleaners Are Safe & Effective
You’ve probably passed dozens of drain cleaners as you’ve ventured down the aisle in your local grocery store. You’ve likely even used one or two in your lifetime. These products are presented as safe by manufacturers, and since they’re sold in stores, many assume that’s true.
The truth? Drain cleaners are packed with harsh chemicals that are bad for your plumbing because they can cause pipes to deteriorate. Even scarier – drain cleaners can cause serious injury if they splash onto your skin or into your eyes.
Myth: Lemon Peels Are Good for Garbage Disposals
Garbage disposals can get stinky as time goes on, and cleaning blades with your bare hands may be intimidating for some. There are plenty of products and home concoctions that have been touted as easy-to-use cleaners. Simply pour the potion or drop the item down the garbage disposal, turn it on, and let it work. Lemon peels have become one of the more recommended cures for dirty garbage disposals.
Now, lemons are a fruit that can seemingly do it all. Need to add a twist of flavor to your chicken dinner? Grab a lemon. Have an ink stain on your favorite shirt? A lemon can help with that too. But is it a good option for cleaning a garbage disposal? Not exactly.
Lemon and other citrus fruits are great for deodorizing your garbage disposal, sure…but they’re not effective as standalone cleaners. In fact, large pieces of lemon can clog the disposal and the citric acid in lemons can also cause the metal blades to corrode.
Myth: Putting a Brick in the Toilet Tank Will Save Money
Placing a brick in the toilet tank is one of the more prevailing myths within the plumbing community. The thought process behind this is that a brick in the toilet tank displaces water. Since there’s less water in the tank, the toilet uses less water per flush. In the end, this should mean you’re using less water overall and paying less on your water bill.
Did you know that toilets are built to use just the exact amount of water needed to flush waste away properly? A brick in the toilet tank doesn’t really save you money. On the contrary, this can make the flush weaker and you might need to flush more than once. You could end up spending more because you’re flushing multiple times. It’s best to leave the toilet tank alone to work as it’s supposed to.
Myth: A Little Leak Is No Big Deal
We’ve all dealt with a leaky faucet at some point. It’s not anything you need to worry about, right? False.
A small leak will eventually add up and can result in gallons of wasted water. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average household’s leaks can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year. Don’t walk by your leaky faucet, call Stadler plumbing and let us take care of it for you.
Myth: Any Plumber Will Do
It’s a natural assumption that all plumbers are the same and have the background to handle any plumbing job. That can’t be further from the truth. Most states do require plumbers to be licensed to work, but we don’t all share the same training, credentials, experience, specialties, or history of customer satisfaction.
Stadler Plumbing is family-owned and has been in business for almost 40 years. Our team of certified master plumbers has seen it all and we’re confident there isn’t a job we can’t tackle.
Don’t Take Chances, Call in the Professionals
When a plumbing hiccup happens, it’s tempting to try to resolve the issue on your own. Instead of risking further damage that can result in expensive repairs, trust Stadler Plumbing to fix the problem. We’re just a phone call away at 586-803-1200 or you can reach out to us online if you have questions.