When it comes to plumbing, there are plenty of misconceptions out there. Some of them are silly, while others can actually be harmful or even fatal if left unaddressed. Read on for some of the most common myths about plumbing and what you should know in order to keep your home’s pipes functioning optimally.

You can save money by taking your own shower

One of the most commonly cited reasons for foregoing a plumber is that it will save money. Unfortunately, this is not the case. In fact, it’s likely that going it alone will cost you more.When you hire a plumber, they are trained to shut off the water supply before beginning any work. This is because they want to make sure they don’t run out of water, which can be a costly mistake.If you attempt to do this yourself, you might not have the skill set required and could end up causing more damage than good. This is an easy one to debunk, but there are plenty more myths about plumbing that are just as ridiculous.

Alligators and snakes live in the sewers

This one is almost as silly as the “you can save money by taking your own shower” theory. In fact, there are not a single living thing in a sewer. The only thing that might live in the sewers is bacteria.The sewers are designed to carry away human waste and sewage. The water that flows through them is treated with chemicals to remove harmful contaminants.

You can check your pipes by listening to the water running

Another common misconception is that you can hear what type of pipe you have by listening to the water running. In fact, this can be a really dangerous thing to do.Water flowing through a pipe isn’t loud or even particularly loud. It’s the same volume whether it’s a large pipe or a small one. This is one of the reasons why you should always call a plumber when there is an issue with your home’s plumbing.

A good plumber should be able to fit a square peg into a round hole

Another silly myth is that a good plumber should be able to fit a square peg into a round hole. In reality, a good plumber will be able to fix whatever issue you have and do so efficiently.A good plumber can also help you understand your home’s plumbing layout. If you’re in the process of buying a home and want to make sure it’s in good condition, hiring a plumber ahead of time is a great idea.

Homes with outdoor spigots don’t have indoor plumbing

This one is a little like the “you can check the pipes by listening to the water running” misconception. In fact, homes with outdoor spigots do have indoor plumbing, but it’s a lot more complex than most people realize.The water from the spigot is collected by a pipe that runs to a nearby building. From there, the water travels through a large pipe, into a small pipe that leads to a building, and then into a toilet. The water then travels back to the spigot.

The cheapest plumber is usually the best one

This is a classic example of what not to do. Cheap isn’t always bad, but it is often a sign of low quality. If you choose to hire a plumber on the cheap, you might end up regretting it.This is especially true if you have a major issue that requires a large amount of work. In this case, you’re better off hiring a professional with years of experience and a solid reputation than someone who charges less but doesn’t have the proper skills.

Plumbing isn’t something you should DIY

This is one of the most important myths about plumbing. There are plenty of people who attempt to tackle home plumbing jobs themselves.While this can be a good way to save money in the short term, it’s not the best method. You risk causing more damage to your home and wasting a lot of money in the process.If there is an issue with your plumbing and you don’t know how to fix it, call a professional.

Bottom line

Don’t be afraid to talk to a plumber if you have a problem. You don’t need to be afraid of making the wrong decision. There are plenty of misconceptions about plumbing, but these should all be easy to avoid.Remember, you can always call a professional. Don’t try to save money by attempting a project you aren’t equipped to do.

Frequently Asked Question

  • Keeping the Water On During an Emergency
  • Overusing Drain Cleaners
  • Fixing Plumbing Issues on Your Own
  • Ignoring a Plumbing Issue
  • Using a Handyman Instead of a Licensed Plumber
  • Turning Off Your Heater in the Winter
  • Not Scheduling Plumbing Service
The most common plumbing problems are clogged drains and toilets, leaky faucets and pipes, water heater issues, low water pressure, and a running toilet.
It can be caused by a hair clog or food and can be easy to fix. However, when multiple drains are slow, that can be a sign of a deeper plumbing problem. Slow drains are one of the first signs of a problem somewhere in your system, and left alone could lead to bigger issues
  • Delaying Plumbing Repairs. Maybe you have a leak in your bathroom sink
  • Throwing Food Waste in the Drain
  • Washing Hair Down the Drain
  • Allowing Dirt to Clog Your Pipes
  • Using Soap Bars With Fat
  • Tossing Objects in the Toilet