myths busted

Plumbing Myths Busted — Part I

Every industry has myths that have somehow remained in public consciousness for decades, and the plumbing industry is no exception. As one of the top residential plumbing companies in Toronto and the surrounding areas, we’re proud to be a go-to resource for information about drain cleaning, frozen pipe repair, and other common plumbing problems.

If you need residential plumbing in Toronto or any of the surrounding areas, then schedule an appointment with The Great Plumbing Co. today!

Common Plumbing Myths

Ice Is an Effective Disposal Blade Sharpener

You’ve probably heard that pouring a few ice cubes down the sink will keep your blades sharp before. Maybe you had a parent who would put a few ice cubes in the disposal every month or so, or maybe you read about this myth online. This myth is false, in large part because most garbage disposals have teeth and grinding mechanisms instead of blades (and even if they did have blades, ice would quickly dull them). Ice can damage and jam the mechanisms in your disposal, so call us for garbage disposal repair if you’re concerned that your disposal isn’t working as well as it once did.

Hot Water Prevents Grease Clogs

While it’s true that hot water melts grease, it’s unlikely that a hot stream of water will carry the grease all the way out of your plumbing system. In fact, it’s likely to cool down around the same area and cause a buildup further down the pipe, which can be even more difficult to repair. You don’t want a clogged pipe to burst and cause damage to your home, so practice proper grease disposal whenever you’re cooking with oils and fats. For instance, if you’re cooking bacon on a weekend morning for your family, then pour the grease into a disposable container and throw it away once it’s solidified. Alternatively, you can reuse the grease, use it for compost, or ask your local waste management company for disposal advice.

You Can Flush Wipes

Wipes, and even wipes marketed as flushable, are one of the most common reasons why clients schedule clogged toilet appointments with our plumbing company. Toilet paper is designed to break down as it travels through your plumbing system, but wipes won’t break down as easily. If you’re going to use wipes — even flushable ones — then err on the side of caution and find somewhere to throw them away rather than putting them down the drain. We provide exceptional bathroom plumbing, so get in touch with us if you need help with a clogged toilet in your home.

These are just a few of the most common plumbing myths we’ve heard in the past few years. Keep an eye on our blog page for future posts in which we’ll continue to revisit this topic in more detail. If you’re ready to get started with an appointment, then click on the button below to schedule plumbing services at a time that is convenient for you. We look forward to working with you soon!