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Myths are a significant part of human culture, but when it comes to myths and legends about your plumbing, these stories do more harm than good.
Being in the plumbing business, we hear these myths all the time and thought that it was time to put a couple of the more persistent—and possibly damaging—ones to rest.
Do Your Pipes Provide a Creature Barrier Between Your House and the Outside World?
Answer: No
As terrifying as it may be to believe, creatures like rats can, in fact, survive in sewer lines long enough to make their way through the labyrinth of pipes and into your home. Rats are excellent swimmers and can squeeze their way through very small holes.
Combine that with being extremely motivated by the scent of food, and you have an animal that can and has swam its way through pipes and into toilets.
Can You Fix Any Clog With a Plunger?
Answer: No
Plungers are amazing. But they don’t have super powers and they can’t remove all clogs. Take, for example, a tree root that’s grown into your pipes. You can plunge and plunge all you want, but you aren’t going to remove the blockage.
When you’re dealing with stubborn clogs, major sediment and mineral buildup, and impossible blockages, your best bet is a drain auger, water ram, or a professional plumber.
Is It True That Water Heaters Never Explode?
Answer: It’s not true
Your water heater, under the right circumstances, can indeed explode. And there are a number of factors that can lead to an explosion, including a temperature or pressure gauge that’s been set wrong or is malfunctioning, improper maintenance, improper installation, and a problem with safety devices or valves.
The most common cause is a problem with the temperature and pressure relief valve because if the temperature and pressure inside the closed tank become too high, the water heater can explode through your home and shoot into the air.
A Leaky Faucet Isn’t a Big Deal, Right?
Answer: Incorrect
Even a leak that has a rate of one drop of water per second will account for over 3,000 gallons lost over the year, and you could save up to 10 percent on your water bill by fixing it.
Leaks are wasteful and easy to fix, so if you notice a leaking faucet in your sink, tub, or shower, you should fix it immediately. The most common cause of a leaking faucet is a washer, gasket, or loose connection, so start with these issues if you’re dealing with a drip.
Can a Drain Be Clogged if It Still Runs?
Answer: Yes
While a completely stopped-up drain is the most obvious sign of a clog, it’s not the only indication. When it comes to blocked sewer lines, a common warning sign is a gurgling sound in the toilet when you run water elsewhere in the house.
Similarly, if you flush a toilet and have water come up through another drain, it means there’s a sewer line clog. Another thing to watch out for is slow-running drains because this usually means the pipes are partially clogged and need attention.
There’s plenty of great information out there about plumbing systems, problems, and simple DIY fixes, but there’s also a lot of bad information that can be difficult to sort through. If you have any questions about these myths or have more legends that you want to check out with the experts, call the specialists in San Mateo, CA. You can reach James Caccia Plumbing Inc at (650) 442-1470.