By Corbin Moyer, Master Plumber
Let’s be honest—most people don’t think about plumbing until something goes wrong. And when it does, the flood of misinformation (pun intended) doesn’t help. Over the years, I’ve heard some wild plumbing myths that make my job more, shall we say, interesting. Today, I’m tackling five of the most common myths I’ve encountered to save you from unnecessary stress, expense, and embarrassment. Let’s bust these myths—one clogged pipe at a time!
Myth #1: "Flushable Wipes Are Safe for Your Toilet"
Why It’s a Myth
The word “flushable” on a package of wipes is as misleading as a dating app profile picture. Sure, the wipes go down the toilet—just like a hamster might fit into a snake—but the story doesn’t end well.
The Reality
Flushable wipes are anything but flushable. They don’t break down like toilet paper, which means they stick around, causing clogs that can take over your pipes, your day, and sometimes your wallet. Case in point: London’s infamous fatberg of 2017—a 130-ton monstrosity made of wipes, grease, and other “unmentionables” that cost millions to remove (The New York Times). And no, it didn’t smell great.
The Fix
Keep your plumbing happy by flushing only the “three Ps”: pee, poop, and (toilet) paper. Anything else belongs in the trash. Your pipes (and I) will thank you.
Myth #2: "You Can Put Anything Down a Garbage Disposal"
Why It’s a Myth
Some people treat garbage disposals like a culinary black hole. Eggshells? Sure! Bacon grease? Why not! Leftover chicken bones? Bring it on! Spoiler alert: this is a terrible idea.
The Reality
Garbage disposals are built for small food scraps, not entire meals or weird science experiments. Things like grease, fibrous veggies, and bones can dull the blades, clog your pipes, or even break the disposal. This isn’t just me being dramatic—fat and grease are major culprits behind sewer blockages like the aforementioned fatbergs (Water ResearchFoundation, 2016).
The Fix
Scrape plates into the trash or compost bin before rinsing them. Think of your garbage disposal as a helper, not a superhero. And please, for the love of all things plumbing, keep the bacon grease far, far away.
Myth #3: "A Leaky Faucet Is No Big Deal"
Why It’s a Myth
It’s just a little drip, right? You can barely hear it (unless it’s 3 a.m., when it becomes the loudest sound in the universe). Surely, it’s not worth fixing immediately.
The Reality
A dripping faucet can waste up to 3,000 gallons of water a year (EPA WaterSense Program), which is like leaving your garden hose running for an entire weekend. Beyond the environmental guilt trip, all that wasted water is going to show up on your utility bill—and probably lead to rust and water damage while it’s at it. So, yeah, it’s a big deal.
The Fix
If you’ve got a drippy faucet, grab a wrench and tighten it up—or call a plumber if you’re unsure what’s wrong. Just don’t ignore it unless you’re aiming to make a cameo in a future EPA water waste campaign.
Myth #4: "Plumbing Repairs Are Always Expensive"
Why It’s a Myth
People assume plumbers charge a fortune to fix even the smallest issues. I get it—it’s easy to imagine me rolling up with a golden wrench and an invoice that could fund a luxury cruise.
The Reality
Yes, some plumbing repairs are pricey, but that’s usually because small problems have been left to spiral out of control. A tiny leak or clog is often a quick and affordable fix. Ignore it, and you’re inviting water damage, mold, or worse, which does get expensive. According to HomeAdvisor, the average plumbing repair is manageable if caught early (HomeAdvisor Cost Guide, 2023).
The Fix
Don’t let fear of cost keep you from tackling plumbing problems early. Trust me, catching issues while they’re small saves you big bucks (and a lot of headaches) down the road.
Myth #5: "Boiling Water Can Unclog Any Drain"
Why It’s a Myth
Hot water melts grease, right? So, it stands to reason that boiling water can clear any clog. Unfortunately, this logic falls apart faster than a soggy cardboard box.
The Reality
While boiling water might temporarily move grease further down the drain, it doesn’t actually eliminate it. Instead, the grease just cools and hardens elsewhere, turning into an even tougher clog. Worse, boiling water can warp PVC pipes, which are common in most modern homes. According to the Water Environment Federation, grease clogs are among the most stubborn plumbing problems, and hot water alone won’t solve them (Water Environment Federation, 2021).
The Fix
Skip the boiling water trick. For minor clogs, use a plunger or enzyme-based drain cleaner. For major clogs, call a pro who can diagnose and fix the issue without causing further damage.
Conclusion
Plumbing myths are like bad advice from your well-meaning but uninformed neighbor—dangerous if followed, but easy to avoid once you know the facts. From ditching flushable wipes to addressing leaks before they turn into waterfalls, a little proactive care goes a long way in keeping your plumbing (and your sanity) intact.
And when you do need help, just know you’re not alone. Call 1-A Services at 817-369-8879 for expert advice and service. We’ve got your back (and your pipes). Now, go forth and be the hero your plumbing deserves!
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