separating plumbing fact fiction

Separating Plumbing Fact and Fiction, Part 2

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the basics on separating plumbing fact from fiction. A major part of basic home plumbing care among homeowners is understanding a few simple facts about their system, and also knowing which tips they’ve heard from friends or the internet are true and which might be harmful to their plumbing.

At Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric, we’re here to help. Our plumbing services range from sewer line repair to water filtration, water softeners and various emergency plumbing services, plus numerous areas of expertise we’ve assisted homeowners with through the years. In today’s part two of our series, we’ll list a few other common plumbing statements and evaluate whether they’re true or false.

Bleach Use in Toilets is Okay, But Requires Care

FACT.

One common format some homeowners use to clean toilets is the bleach tablet, which is often sold at many home improvement stores. As many are aware, however, bleach can be harmful to porcelain and other surfaces in large enough quantities – does this mean you should avoid such tablets?

No, as long as you’re taking the proper care. Specifically, do not let bleach tablets soak into your toilet bowl for more than 10 minutes. It must be flushed before this period to prevent any future damage, and can be used consistently if you stick to this schedule. If you let bleach sink in for longer periods of time, however, you risk ruining parts of your toilet within six months or even less.

A Faulty Water Heater Will Explode

FICTION.

While older and worn-down water heaters may have some issues, we’re not quite sure where this explosion myth came from. Rather, certain rare water heater types may rupture after enough strain – but this rupturing will cause a crack in the tank, not an explosion of any kind. Modern tanks, on the other hand, have built-in relief valves that remove any danger of pressure buildup or explosion risk. While an improperly-maintained water heater may lead to several issues, from sediment collection to poor efficiency, explosion is not one of these risks.

Small Pests May Attempt to Invade Plumbing Pipes

FACT.

Homes have pipes that run from the sewer system to the roof or parts of the drainage system, and without proper attention these could serve as entry locations for small pests like mice or rats. This is highly uncommon, however, and can be easily prevented by installing basic screens that don’t block water from escaping, but do stop critters from entering the system through these areas.

For more on separating truth from myths within your plumbing system, or to learn about any of our plumbing or HVAC services, speak to the staff at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric today.