Common Plumbing Myths Debunked by Experts

Did you know that nearly 10% of homes in the U.S. have leaks that waste up to 90 gallons of water per day? That’s according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Shocking, right? Even more surprising is that many of these leaks stem from misconceptions about
plumbing—bad advice that homeowners have heard for years and never thought to question.

Plumbing myths are everywhere. Some are harmless, but others? They can lead to costly repairs, water damage, and even health hazards. Ever heard that “flushable” wipes are actually safe for your pipes? Or that leaky faucets aren’t a big deal? Spoiler alert: both are dead wrong.
The problem with these myths isn’t just that they’re incorrect. It’s that they cost homeowners thousands of dollars in preventable plumbing issues. So today, we’re setting the record straight.

In this blog, we’re busting the most common plumbing myths—with expert insight—so you can protect your home, your wallet, and your peace of mind.

Let’s dive in!

Myth #1: Flushable Wipes Are Safe for Your Pipes

Manufacturers market “flushable” wipes as safe alternatives to toilet paper. But here’s the truth: they don’t break down like toilet paper. Unlike traditional toilet paper, which disintegrates quickly in water, wipes stay intact much longer, creating massive blockages in sewer lines.
According to plumbing experts, these wipes are a leading cause of fatbergs—giant masses of solidified grease, wipes, and debris that clog municipal sewer systems. In fact, a study by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies found that more than 90% of sewer blockages in major cities involve so-called flushable wipes. The solution? Stick to toilet paper, and never flush wipes, even if the label says they’re safe.

Myth #2: A Leaky Faucet Is Just an Annoyance

That dripping faucet might not seem like a big deal, but it’s wasting water—and money. A single leaky faucet dripping once per second can waste over 3,000 gallons of water per year. That’s the equivalent of 180 showers! Beyond the wasted water, persistent leaks can indicate high water pressure or worn-out washers, both of which can lead to pipe damage over time. The longer you ignore it, the worse it
gets. The fix? Call a plumber as soon as you notice a leak. A simple repair today can prevent costly water damage tomorrow.

Myth #3: Hot Water Dissolves Grease in Your Drain

Pouring hot water down your drain might seem like a quick fix for grease buildup, but it actually makes things worse. While hot water temporarily liquefies grease, once it cools, the grease solidifies further down the pipe, sticking to the walls and collecting debris.
Over time, this buildup leads to stubborn clogs that require professional hydrojetting or drain cleaning. Instead of rinsing grease down the sink, collect it in a container and dispose of it in the trash.

Myth #4: Chemical Drain Cleaners Are the Best Way to Clear Clogs

Walk down any grocery store aisle, and you’ll see shelves lined with powerful drain cleaners promising to blast through tough clogs. But here’s what they don’t tell you: these chemical cleaners contain harsh acids that can corrode your pipes. Repeated use of these chemicals eats away at metal and plastic piping, leading to expensive repairs or even full pipe replacements. Plus, they pose health risks—their fumes can be
dangerous, and accidental skin contact can cause burns. The safer, more effective solution? A professional drain cleaning service using hydrojetting or snaking. If you’re dealing with frequent clogs, a plumber can assess the root cause and provide a long-term fix.

Myth #5: Ice Cubes Sharpen Garbage Disposal Blades

This one sounds logical, but it’s completely false. First of all, garbage disposals don’t even have blades—they have impellers. These impellers don’t need sharpening because they work by grinding food against a stationary ring. That being said, ice cubes do help clean your disposal by knocking off food particles and debris. If you want a fresh-smelling disposal, toss in some ice cubes with a few lemon peels. Just don’t
expect them to sharpen anything!

Myth #6: If Water Is Draining, There’s No Clog

Just because water is draining doesn’t mean your pipes are in the clear. Partial clogs allow water to pass through, but they gradually worsen over time. By the time you notice a full blockage, the problem has already escalated.

Warning signs of an impending clog include:
● Slow drainage in sinks, tubs, or showers
● Gurgling sounds from your drains
● Unpleasant odors coming from your pipes

If you notice any of these, don’t wait until the drain stops working completely. Call a plumber to inspect and clear the blockage before it turns into a plumbing emergency.

Myth #7: Plumbing Is a DIY Job
Sure, you can fix minor issues like replacing a washer in a faucet or plunging a clogged toilet. But when it comes to major plumbing problems, DIY solutions often do more harm than good. Plumbing systems are complex, and mistakes can lead to:
● Burst pipes
● Water damage
● Voided warranties

Instead of relying on YouTube tutorials, trust a licensed plumber to handle repairs, installations, and maintenance properly.

Final Thoughts
Plumbing myths have been around for decades, and while some are harmless, others can cause serious damage to your home’s pipes, drains, and sewer system. By debunking these myths, we hope to help you make informed decisions about your plumbing—and save you from
costly repairs down the road.

If you’ve fallen victim to any of these myths and suspect plumbing issues in your home, don’t wait. Contact A+ Drain Cleaning and Plumbing today for expert service! Whether it’s drain cleaning, leak repairs, or a sewer line inspection, our team is here to help.

Your plumbing deserves the best care—let’s keep it running smoothly!