Seven Plumbing Myths Busted

In the age of YouTube and Google, it’s easy to see why many people believe they are do-it-yourself experts. However, there is still a mystery behind the pipes of plumbing that only experts like those from Michael’s Plumbing can understand and undertake.

With this in mind, we bring you seven plumbing myths that we’ve busted:

1. Leaky faucets can be stopped by turning the handles as tight as possible.
   BUSTED: If your faucet is leaking, resist the urge to flex your muscles on the handles. Overtightening the faucet handles can cause damage to the faucet, which can eventually cause breakage in the pipes. Instead, turn the handles firmly until water ceases to flow. If that doesn’t work, call Michael’s Plumbing at 407-219-9772 to see how a new faucet can help stop the drip.
2. Wipes labeled as “flushable” are safe for my toilet.
   With the increase in hygienic products, it’s easy to get lazy and wipe and toss. While we won’t disagree that these wipes can be flushed, that doesn’t necessarily mean they will go through your pipes like biodegradable toilet paper. This means the wipes can accumulate in your pipes and cause a clog. It’s best to treat any type of wipe just like other items, such as sanitary napkins, and toss them in the trash.
3. Water pressure fluctuates often, and that’s okay.
   Fluctuating water pressure is not normal and could mean that there is a problem in your pipes. Your water pressure should stay pretty stable, but if it isn’t, contact Michael’s Plumbing to have an expert check them out.
4. Garbage disposals can handle anything.
   Unless you have a garbage disposal made of indestructible material such as titanium, it is not equipped to handle just anything. Anything that is not a food item should never go down a garbage disposal, as well as thick, heavy food items (i.e., gravy, meats, etc.), bones, coffee grounds and grease, should be avoided. Keep water flowing and continue upkeep of your garbage disposal to prolong its life.
5. Pipe clogs call for heavy duty chemicals.
   While clogs in your pipes can be frustrating and seem like only brute force will move them, sometimes those clogs just need that magic touch. Using harsh chemicals can not only eat away at the clog, but also eat away at your pipes. This can cause a very expensive pipe replacement project. The experts at Michael’s Plumbing can come in and unclog your pipes and provide routine maintenance to help prolong your pipes’ usefulness for years to come.
6. Lemons can improve the smell and condition of your garbage disposal.
   While a lemon can provide an invigorating scent for a limited time, it can cause a lot more unseen damage over the years. Lemons do not clean your disposal, instead dropping a lemon in your sink can dull or even break the blades of the disposal. To remove the stench and prolong your disposal’s life, turn off your disposal and disconnect it from the power source. Then you can use warm water, soap and a brush to gently scrub the grime and gunk away.
7. All plumbers are created equal.
   Your plumbing is essential to your home and it’s not something that should be placed in the hands of just any plumber. We urge you to keep Michael’s Plumbing in your contacts and allow us to bring quality care and products to your Orlando area home at an affordable cost.

Contact the experts at Michael’s Plumbing to learn more about how we can bust those plumbing myths and help you get the biggest bang out of your plumbing buck.

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