Ever heard a friend say you can pour boiling water down the sink to clear clogs? Or that a leaky faucet isn’t a big deal? Well, not everything you hear about plumbing is true. In fact, there are so many home plumbing myths that even careful homeowners end up believing them.
Think of this blog as a little truth-telling session between you and your pipes. We’ll look at the most common stories people tell about plumbing, separate fact from fiction, and help you avoid costly mistakes. By the end, you’ll know which “tips” actually work and which ones are myths that can harm your home.
Myth #1: A Leaky Faucet Is Harmless
That little drip-drip sound might seem harmless, but it’s more than just a small annoyance. Even a tiny leak can waste gallons of water each day and quietly drive up your utility bills. What’s worse is that steady drip often signals a deeper issue like worn-out washers, high water pressure, or a damaged valve that needs attention.
Leaving it alone might not seem like a big deal now, but over time, it can stain your sink, rust metal parts, and lead to bigger leaks that demand costly repairs. The smarter move? Get it checked early. Routine plumbing maintenance not only saves water but also keeps small problems from turning into major headaches later on.
Myth #2: Running Hot Water Helps Grease Flow Down the Drain
You’ve probably heard someone say that pouring hot water down the sink melts grease and clears the pipe. It sounds logical, doesn’t it? But here’s where this belief joins the list of common plumbing myths. When you pour hot water down a greasy drain, it only softens the fat for a moment. As the water cools, the grease hardens again farther down your pipes, creating tough blockages that attract food bits and soap residue.
Over time, this buildup narrows your drain and slows the flow. The smarter way to handle grease is to let it solidify, toss it in the trash, and rinse your sink with mild dish soap. That’s how you keep your drains healthy and free from clogging.
Myth #3: Flushable Wipes Are Safe for Toilets
Those packets labeled “flushable” look harmless enough, right? But this is one of the biggest plumbing myths that keeps plumbers busy. While these wipes do go down the toilet, they don’t actually break apart like toilet paper. Instead, they stay almost whole as they travel through your pipes, snagging on bends, joints, and other debris.
Over time, they clump together, forming what plumbers call “fatbergs”, which are huge, sticky blockages that can even damage your city’s sewer system. It’s much safer to throw wipes, cotton pads, or paper towels in the trash can. Only toilet paper and human waste belong in the bowl if you want your plumbing system to stay happy.
Myth #4: Chemical Drain Cleaners Fix Clogs Instantly
When your sink drains slowly, grabbing a bottle of cleaner might feel like the easiest fix. But here’s where a big plumbing misconception comes in. Those strong chemical cleaners may seem powerful, but they don’t just eat away at the clog — they also eat away at your pipes. The heat and acid from these products can corrode metal and even melt some plastic pipes over time.
If you want to clear a clog safely, try a plumber’s snake, a wet-dry vacuum, or call a professional plumber who can inspect your drains with a camera. That way, you fix the real problem without damaging your home’s plumbing system.
Myth #5: Lemon Peels Clean Garbage Disposals
Another thing that you’ve probably heard is that tossing lemon peels into your garbage disposal makes it fresh and clean. It smells nice, sure, but that’s where the magic ends. This is one of those myths about plumbing that sounds harmless but can cause hidden problems.
Here’s why: lemon peels don’t actually clean the blades or remove buildup inside the disposal. Instead, the oils from citrus can make rubber parts brittle over time. The scent might mask odors for a while, but the grime and bacteria causing those smells remain.
For a better clean, try ice cubes with a bit of vinegar or baking soda and warm water. It’s gentler, safer, and actually gets rid of debris inside the unit.
Myth #6: DIY Fixes Save Time and Money
It’s tempting to grab a wrench and try fixing that leaky faucet or clogged pipe yourself. After all, how hard can it be, right? This is a classic plumbing fact or myth situation, and unfortunately, it leans toward myth.
Sure, small fixes like tightening a loose handle might be possible, but deeper plumbing issues often hide behind the surface. Without the right plumbing tools or knowledge, you might solve one problem and accidentally create another. For example, using too much plumber’s tape or over-tightening a joint can crack fittings or damage threads, leading to leaks that cost far more to repair.
Professional plumbers don’t just fix what’s visible. They check for underlying causes like water pressure imbalances, corroded pipes, or outdated connections. So while DIY might seem faster or cheaper, it can often end up doing more harm than good in the long run.
Myth #7: Bleach Tablets Keep Toilets Fresh
Dropping a bleach tablet into your toilet tank might seem like an easy cleaning shortcut, but here’s the truth — it’s one of those common plumbing myths debunked by every experienced plumber.
Bleach is strong and can corrode rubber seals, flappers, and gaskets inside the tank. As time passes by, this leads to leaks and running toilets that waste water and drive up your bill. Instead, what you can do is use gentle toilet cleaners or a vinegar-based solution to keep your toilet clean without damaging the internal parts. It might take a few extra minutes, but it’ll save you from expensive repairs later.
Myth #8: Low-Flow Fixtures Reduce Water Pressure
A lot of people still believe that low-flow toilets or showerheads mean weak water pressure. But that’s not the truth about plumbing at all. Modern low-flow fixtures are designed with advanced aerators that mix air into the water stream, that keep the flow strong, saving you gallons every day.
Imagine taking your regular shower but using up to 40% less water; that’s exactly what today’s efficient fixtures do. This small switch not only cuts down your water bill but also helps the environment. So if you’ve been avoiding low-flow fixtures because you thought they’d ruin your shower experience, you’re missing out on some serious savings and sustainability.
Myth #9: Pipes Only Freeze in Northern States
It’s easy to think frozen pipes are only a problem for cold, snowy places, but that’s far from true. Even in warmer areas, pipes can freeze when temperatures drop suddenly or when pipes are poorly insulated. When the water inside freezes, it expands, putting pressure on the pipe walls until they burst. That’s when you end up with leaks, water damage, and a big repair bill.
A simple way to prevent this is to wrap exposed pipes in insulation sleeves and keep cabinet doors open on freezing nights so warm air can circulate. You can also let a trickle of water run through faucets to stop freezing.
Myth #10: All Plumbers Are the Same
Many homeowners think hiring any plumber will do, but just like doctors have specialties, plumbers do too. Some focus on residential plumbing systems, while others handle complex commercial setups. A licensed plumber goes through years of training, testing, and certification to ensure every repair meets safety codes. Choosing the wrong person might save you a few bucks today, but it can cost you thousands if the issue returns or causes water damage later.
When Plumbing Myths Turn Into Costly Problems
Sometimes what starts as a small plumbing issue can turn into a full-blown disaster because of bad advice. Maybe you tried a DIY hack you saw online or ignored a slow drain thinking it would fix itself. But when water pressure drops, you notice stains on your ceiling, or hear gurgling sounds from your pipes, that’s your plumbing system crying out for help.
This is when calling a certified plumber becomes the smartest move. Professionals use advanced tools like video camera inspections and electronic leak detection to find problems that aren’t visible to the eye. They can spot weak seals, hidden leaks, and even early corrosion before it causes flooding. So instead of trusting another “quick tip,” let an expert handle it.
Knowing the Facts Keeps Your Plumbing Healthy
Now that we’ve cleared up the confusion, you can see how much these old stories can cost homeowners. Believing in common home plumbing myths not only wastes water but can also damage your pipes and fixtures over time. The best thing you can do for your home is to stay informed, question what you hear, and take preventive care seriously.
Instead of trusting random plumbing hacks or believing those old plumbing misunderstandings you read online, it’s always best to call a professional who knows what’s really going on inside your pipes. At Arthur’s Remodeling, we offer expert plumbing services to fix leaks, replace pipes, and keep your system running smoothly. Call (714) 495-9569 or visit Arthur’s Remodeling.