Introduction: Debunking drain myths
When it comes to plumbing myths and drain care misconceptions, there are many misunderstandings and misconceptions that lead to ineffective maintenance or even damage. Mortdale Plumbing, specialising in resolving a blocked drain and serving Mortdale and surrounding areas, is committed to dispelling these myths and providing the accurate maintenance information you need know about.
In this article, we will examine common myths about general plumbing misconceptions, from the idea that pouring grease down the sink is harmless to using dangerous drain cleaners as a quick fix.
By dispelling common myths about blocked drains, we encourage people to dismiss unfounded claims, thus preventing plumbing crises and educating our community on robust drain maintenance practices.
Having serviced local homes and workplaces for years, our team at Mortdale Plumbing has seen firsthand how these myths can cause issues like backups, overflows, and clogs affecting garbage disposals and more.
We want to empower you with the truth you need to know about your plumbing and handle any problems correctly should they arise.
Armed with insight into plumbing problems, you’ll save time and turn off problems at their source, avoiding unnecessary frustration and expense. We’ll clear up 5 common plumbing misconceptions about what not to put down drains, when to turn off water for repairs versus call the pros, and the critical steps every homeowner should take for smart drain care. Let’s get started dispelling some most common misconceptions in plumbing!
Myth 1: Flushing inappropriate items down the toilet
Many common plumbing myths include the idea that items labelled as 'flushable,' such as wet wipes, are safe to flush down the toilet. However, this is mistaken - these products, despite being labelled as safe flush, should never be flushed down the way toilet systems work, as they are notorious for creating blocked drains.
Although marketed as flushable, wipes and other inappropriate items do not break down like toilet paper. They can all gather inside your pipes, which can cause significant impact on your sewer system with serious clogs. In fact, flushable wipes constitute over 50% of the build up causing concerns about blocked pipes.
The only things that should journey down your toilet are human waste and toilet paper. Instead of flushing them into your plumbing, food, grease, feminine products, and especially not cat litter down toilet, baby wipes, paper towels, and other trash should always go into your garbage can. Flushing inappropriate items can easily lead to problems like backups, floods, and damage.
At Mortdale Plumbing, we frequently encounter drains which we clear, not just with liquid drain cleaners, but also those jammed with supposedly 'flushable’ wipes. Trust us, your toilet bowl and pipes only are the things that can handle toilet paper and the different types of waste that comes from your body. Don’t believe the myth - stick to only flushing the essentials.
Myth 2: Hot water prevents grease clogs
It’s a common myth that pouring hot water down a sink can prevent grease oil in the drain from solidifying and causing clogs. However, this is false - contrary to the belief that hot water melts grease, it simply shunts it down the pipeline where it recongeals and obstructs drains.
Hot water alone does not break down grease, thus will not prevent a situation where oils they turn into stubborn sink clogs. Once the grease travels further down drain pipes and cools, it adheres to the pipe walls, solidifies, and begins to clog up, gradually forming a blockage. This may occur near junction points in your plumbing system as they become prodigious clogged drains.
The correct method to manage oils, grease fat, and other fats is to avoid the urge to pour grease down sink drains entirely. Any greasy byproducts like peels can be captured from your kitchen sink and disposed of using your garbage disposal or with solid wastes in a bin. Using drain strainers can assist by catching harmful materials that can travel and damage your plumbing before they descend through drain pipes.
Ultimately, the myth that hot water prevents grease clogs in your sink causes more harm than good. Only by changing habits and handling grease correctly can households and businesses keep your drains free from annoying, costly grease-related clogs and overflows.
Myth 3: Small leaks are harmless
It’s a common misconception that minor leaks are not a major plumbing issue. However, even a cold water leak can end up wasting hundreds of litres of water over time, leading to higher water bills.
More concerning is the potential damage that small leaks can lead to. As leaked water seeps into crevices and cracks, it can compromise structures and foundations, which can also cause an inadvertent increase in your water bill. What starts as a minor drip can evolve into more serious water damage or even flooding.
Experts estimate how much water is wasted by the average household leak: more than 220 litres per day. At this rate, utilising plumbing services to address even minor leaks is prudent, so you avoid draining water and money unnecessarily.
As your trusted Mortdale plumbers, We recommend quickly turning off water at the first sign of a leak - no matter how small it may appear. Catching and repairing minor leaks early prevents unnecessary waste and more costly repairs later on. We’re at your service at all hours to inspect potential leaks and to promptly call plumber if necessary, before executing professional repairs to prevent escalating issues.
Don’t believe the myth - neglecting tiny leaks puts your home and finances at risk, so it’s sensible to call your local plumber. Call Mortdale Plumbing right away if you spot pooling water, see drips, or notice higher water bills. We’ll locate and fix even minor leaks to prevent water wastage and more serious issues.
Myth 4: DIY drain cleaners are effective
The dangers of homemade drain cleaners
A prevalent myth is that homemade drain cleaner concoctions Some people believe that methods such as grinding ice cubes in the disposal can sharpen blades, though this is a misconception. However, this is far from the truth.
While these DIY drain 'remedies’ like a baking soda vinegar mix may seem harmless, they can damage your plumbing system. Acidic ingredients eat away at pipes, bleach corrodes plastic pipes, and common combinations like baking soda and vinegar react aggressively, with substances such as lemon peels that can cling to pipe interiors and leave residue.
Rather than clearing blockages, these abrasive amateur solutions get out the inner drain lining. Pipes become more prone to future clogging, leaks, and repairs. Additionally, DIY cleaners rarely resolve the root causes of drain issues like hair buildup, mineral deposits, and grime.
Why professional drain cleaning is best
When facing any drain issues, don’t just employ a plunger to clear a clog; the most effective resolution is to consult professional drain experts like our team, renowned across the Gold Coast. Unlike homemade cleaners dumped down indiscriminately, our drain technicians use industry-leading equipment and methods to clear blockages while preventing pipe damage.
We inspect drains first using cutting-edge cameras to identify issues precisely. Customised hydrojetting and rodding equipment then thoroughly scrubs clogs away. Professional strength enzymatic drain cleaners break down organics and prevent future obstructions as a finishing touch.
Instead of risking your home’s wellbeing with DIY attempts, have the experts at Mortdale Plumbing professionally clean out your drain system. Our technicians can accurately diagnose issues, clear blocked drain completely, and help upkeep your drains to prevent damage and future emergency callouts.
Myth 5: DIY plumbing repairs are fine
It’s a common misconception that plumbing repairs are simple enough for DIY. However, attempting repairs without professional training and equipment can seriously compromise safety, code compliance, and your home’s plumbing system.
DIY repairs may seem convenient, but come with risks
While some might think they’re set to fix plumbing issues like minor leak patches or drain unclogs, most cases are more complex and may need plumbing diagnostics. Without pinpointing the root issues, DIY fixes offer only temporary reprieve, which can lead to recurring complications.
Good-intentioned yet unskilled repairs can destabilise pipes and fittings, which can make the plumbing situation significantly worse. Utilising parts that are excessively mismatched with your existing plumbing causes a plethora of issues.
For instance, putting a brick in the toilet tank can cause undue stress and potential damage. Undetected gas leaks patched improperly can cause serious safety dangers and might re-occur and ignite dangerously.
The perils of DIY gas, drainage, water heater and other system repairs
Tackling repairs to household gas lines, main drains, sewer connections or water heaters without training puts safety in serious jeopardy. faulty DIY fixes to critical components such as your sewer line can trigger disasters like fires, floods, or complete system failures.
Incorrectly altering or installing new plumbing can violate building codes. Without certification, essential safety features may be ignored too. This compromises function and compliance at inspection.
Ultimately, while DIY plumbing might seem like a money-saving quick fix, the resulting risks and potential for expensive consequences are simply not worth it. For dependable, enduring plumbing works, your go-to should always be the certified technicians at Mortdale Plumbing.
Proper drain care and maintenance
Maintaining a properly functioning drainage system is essential for every Mortdale home and business. By regularly checking and maintaining components like your toilet tank, you address some most crucial aspects of wastewater flow, prevent blockages, and evade expensive plumbing crises.
Ensure adequate venting
Many homeowners are unaware their drains require proper venting to allow air intake and regulate pressure. When drains become blocked or improperly installed, hazardous wastewater gases can reverse direction, flowing south, back up into properties and hindering drainage.
Our licenced professionals, representing all plumbers dedicated to excellence, can often recommend annual assessments and clearances of your home’s plumbing vents to thwart issues before anything unwanted goes down. Proper venting is one most crucial aspect for all drainage fixtures to operate safely and efficiently.
Monitor water pressure issues
Consistent spikes in water pressure can stress drainage pipes and loosen joints over time. On the other hand, drops in water flow can leave wastewater stagnating.
For optimal drainage function, water pressure should remain between 350-500 kPa. Tracking irregular pressure changes allows our technicians to pinpoint and rectify any pipe or fixture damage before it worsens.
Address invasive tree roots
Tree and plant roots often infiltrate underground sewer lines seeking moisture. As they grow, the roots can crack pipe joints, trap debris, and impede wastewater flow.
If you suspect root invasion, our drain technicians can thoroughly inspect pipes using CCTV cameras and advanced detection methods. From there, we can remove the obstruction and advise whether pipe repairs, replacement or root barrier installation is the best solution.
Schedule regular drain inspections
To keep drains free-flowing and prevent destructive clogs, leaks and overflows, we recommend scheduling complete professional drain inspections every 1-2 years.
Our licenced plumbers will clean your toilet and remove blockage assessments in your entire household wastewater removal system using high-tech pipe cameras. We’ll identify any underlying issues early, so they can be fixed before causing emergency callouts.
Don’t wait for serious plumbing trouble - book comprehensive drain checks with Mortdale’s drainage experts today to keep pipes cleared and household drainage operating safely all year round.
