Table of Contents
Common Plumbing Myths: Let’s Stop Believing These Already
Hey there, fellow Clevelanders! Let’s talk plumbing myths. You know, those “facts” your neighbor swears by or that viral TikTok hack that totally works (spoiler: it doesn’t). We’ve all fallen for a few, but as your local plumbing nerds at Cleveland Plumbing Guy, we’re here to separate the truth from the trash. Grab a coffee, and let’s dive in—no waders required.
Myth #1: “Lemon Peels Clean Your Garbage Disposal!”
Ah, the classic “fresh disposal” hack. Sure, tossing lemon peels down the drain makes your kitchen smell like a spa, but let’s get real: citrus rinds are terrible for your disposal. They’re fibrous, they wrap around the blades, and guess what? They’ll clog your drain faster than you can say, “Why is there water pooling in my sink?”
Here’s the fix:
- Use ice cubes and baking soda to scrub the blades.
- Flush with cold water (hot water just melts grease and sends it downstream to haunt you later).
- If your disposal sounds like it’s auditioning for a horror movie, call a plumber near me—or better yet, call us. We’ll handle it without the drama.
Myth #2: “Chemical Drain Cleaners Are Safe!”
Raise your hand if you’ve ever dumped a bottle of “magic” drain cleaner down a clogged sink. We see you. Those chemicals might dissolve hair and gunk, but they also eat through pipes over time. IMO, it’s like using a flamethrower to light a candle.
Why we hate this:
- They corrode older pipes (common in Cleveland Heights homes).
- They’re toxic for kids, pets, and the environment.
- They rarely fix the root problem.
Instead, try a drain snake or call for professional drain plumber services. For stubborn clogs, our team offers bathroom drain cleaning services that won’t leave your pipes looking like Swiss cheese.
Myth #3: “A Leaky Faucet Isn’t Urgent!”
Oh, just a drip, right? Wrong. That “harmless” leak wastes hundreds of gallons a year—and your water bill will show it. Plus, constant moisture breeds mold and stains sinks. Not exactly the vibe you’re going for.
Pro tip:
- Fix leaks ASAP to avoid higher costs down the road.
- For DIYers: Replace washers or cartridges (YouTube can help… sometimes).
- If you’re out of your depth, Cleveland Plumbing Guy’s emergency services are here 24/7. No judgment, just solutions.
Myth #4: “Running Water While Using the Disposal Prevents Clogs!”
This one’s half-true. Yes, you should run water, but cold—not hot. Hot water liquefies grease, which then solidifies in your pipes. Think of it like bacon fat in a mason jar… except it’s in your sewer line. Yikes.
The right way:
- Run cold water before, during, and after using the disposal.
- Never put grease, coffee grounds, or potato peels down the drain (trust us on this).
- If things go sideways, our sewer cleaning services can tackle even the nastiest blockages.
Myth #5: “All Plumbers Charge the Same Price!”
Ever heard the phrase, “You get what you pay for”? Cheap plumbing can lead to expensive disasters. We’ve seen “budget” fixes that turned into sewage clean up nightmares.
What to ask before hiring:
- Are they licensed and insured?
- Do they offer upfront price estimates?
- Can they handle emergencies like gas leak repair?
Shameless plug: Cleveland Plumbing Guy checks all these boxes and throws in a friendly, no-pressure vibe. Because who wants a grumpy plumber at 2 a.m.?
Myth-Busting Cheat Sheet
Still skeptical? Here’s a quick table to bookmark:
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| Lemon peels clean disposals | They clog blades and attract pests |
| Chemical cleaners are safe | They corrode pipes and harm the environment |
| Leaky faucets aren’t urgent | Wastes water and spikes bills |
| All plumbers cost the same | Quality varies—always vet your pro |
FAQs: Let’s Settle This Once and For All
1. “Can I fix a gas leak myself?”
Absolutely not. Gas leaks are deadly serious. Evacuate, call 911, then ring us for gas leak repair. Your safety > your pride.
2. “Will drain cleaners work on sewage backups?”
Nope. Sewage issues require heavy-duty sewage clean up tools. Store-bought solutions just can’t handle… uh, that.
3. “Is low water pressure normal in older homes?”
Not necessarily. It could mean corroded pipes or hidden leaks. Let us diagnose it before you resign yourself to weak showers.
4. “Why does my toilet keep clogging?”
Maybe it’s haunted, but probably it’s a partial blockage or faulty flush mechanism. We’ll exorcise it for you.
Need a Myth-Buster? We’re Your Guys
At Cleveland Plumbing Guy, we’ve heard it all—and fixed it all. From emergency floods in Cleveland Heights to routine sewer cleaning services, we keep it honest, affordable, and human. No upsells, no jargon, just great service.
So next time your drain does something weird (or your neighbor shares a “genius” hack), give us a call. We’ll set the record straight—and your plumbing. 🙂
Stay dry, Cleveland.
– The Cleveland Plumbing Guy Team
