There are a lot of plumbing myths that have been passed down through the generations. Some are outright lies, while others are pure legends with only a sliver of reality. On the other hand, some things that are meant to be myths really turn out to be accurate.
We sought out the expertise of a prominent plumbing company to compile a list of some of the most fascinating plumbing myths’ that still exist, along with some plumbing facts that are worth remembering.
1. A 3-drop per minute leak wastes approximately 595 litres of water per year.
Fact:
A leaking tap not only wastes hundreds of litres of water each year, but it also increases your water bill dramatically. This not only costs you money, but it can also damage your plumbing, fixtures, and taps. When you discover a leaking faucet, it’s best to have it fixed as quickly as possible before incurring further costs and causing water damage to your home.
2. Thomas Crapper is the Inventor of the Modern Toilet
Fiction:
The most popular misunderstanding about English plumber Thomas Crapper is that he invented the flush toilet first. “Crapper invented the crapper,” you would think, but the truth is that Crapper hadn’t even been born when the first flushing toilet was invented. Sir John Harington holds the title of being the first to create a flushable toilet. It was built for his godmother, Queen Elizabeth I.
Despite the fact that Thomas Crapper did not invent the flushable toilet, he was the creator of various patents that improved and popularised the adoption of the toilet.
3. It’s Possible That Your Hot Water System Will Explode
Fiction:
While it makes for an intriguing headline, the reality is much less dramatic. Under rare situations, old, poorly maintained hot water systems can occasionally rupture. But instead of an explosion, it’ll result in a cracked tank.
Newer model water heaters also come with pressure relief valves, which are designed to relieve built-up pressure and prevent this problem. People may believe that rumbling noises from water heaters indicate that disaster is imminent. This, on the other hand, is frequently a sign that silt has gathered at the bottom of the tank and is preventing the system from functioning properly. So, if your water heater is making strange noises, it’s time for a tune-up.
4. Grease Shouldn’t Be Poured Down the Drain
Fact:
Fats, oils, & grease should not be thrown down the drain. Grease-Cycle.com explains the grease usually won’t make it all the way down, rather it’ll cling to the pipes, eventually creating a major blockage as food particles wash down the drain and stick to the grease, forming a larger and larger obstruction until the drain is completely clogged.
Instead of pouring it down the drain, you should scrap any fats and oils into an old container or directly into the bin.
5. It’s Ok to Flush “Flushable” Wipes
Fiction:
The term “flushable” is responsible for a lot of costly damage. If anything, flushable wipes have helped plumbers make bucket loads of cash, even though you’d have a hard time finding a single plumber who would recommend their use.
The flushable wipes may clear your toilet, but it does not mean they are completely flushed. Because of their close-knit threads design, it takes a long time for them to break down in water. The wipes can end up amassing somewhere along your pipes. Paper towels, feminine products, and facial tissues are all in the same boat. If you have a septic system, flushing these down the toilet is an absolute no-no and will quickly damage your plumbing.
6. Water Flushes Clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere & Counter-Clockwise In the Northern Hemisphere
Fiction:
Many people believe that water flows counter-clockwise in the northern hemisphere and clockwise in the southern hemisphere, however, this is simply not the case. This myth is based on a misunderstanding of the Coriolis Effect. This effect dictates the direction hurricanes spin and the movements of other large weather events.
Although the Coriolis Effect (also known as the rotation of the earth) has a very minor effect on everything on the planet, it’s so weak, that it’s essentially negligible on small-scale events.
Any small asymmetry in your bathtub will dictate what direction the water will spin and toilets are purpose-built to spin in a particular direction for effective flushing.
7. Snakes & Vermin Might Get into Your House Via Your Plumbing
Fact:
Rodents and even snakes can get access to your home through your plumbing system. Although it is uncommon for these pests to enter your home through your pipes, it is possible. Normally, these animals will seek shelter and then continue on their way, but occasionally these critters will work their way through your plumbing and get into your home
8. Keep Your Taps Shining Using Hand Soap
Fiction:
Some individuals think that cleaning bathroom fixtures with hand soap will make them sparkle. The inverse is true. Soup and water can corrode faucets, showerheads, and other metal fixtures after repeated applications. This is a common plumbing mistake that you should avoid.
9. Lemon Peels Can Be Used to Clean & Deodorise Drains & Garbage Disposals
Fiction:
Lemons are known for their natural cleaning capabilities, and they’re regularly used in cleaning products. Lemons are often stated as being effective at cleaning out and removing bad smells from garbage disposals and drains, but in reality, it has little to no effect
Lemons can make your kitchen smell fresh and clean but throwing them in your garbage disposal does little more than damage the blades or clog up your sink.
If you’ve got a bad smell coming from your drain, try slowly pouring down white vinegar. If the smell remains, contact a plumber to take a look at your plumbing.