The 3 Biggest Plumbing Myths Debunked (#1 is Ridiculous)

There are old wives’ tales when it comes to just about everything, but plumbing seems to get more than its fair share of odd DIY claims, especially since the internet got popular. There are tons of crazy self-help articles that offer advice that even the least experienced plumber would scoff at.

Plumbing myths are often ridiculous and can set you back in time and money. Bringing in a professional is your best bet to fix plumbing problems quickly without creating even more problems by trying to do things yourself. Here are three common plumbing myths that you may have heard before:

Use lemons to clean your garbage disposal. Pipes and drains don’t become clean just because they smell clean. This is one of the most common “plumbing solutions” around that isn’t a solution at all. While seeking professional plumbing services is the best way to deal with any concerns you may have, there are things you can do to help in the meantime. Keeping your garbage disposal free of non-food solids and brushing your drain with a mixture of soap and warm water are proactive plumbing solutions that can hold you over until the pros arrive.

Plumbing fixtures requires little to no maintenance. This is a frustrating myth that has been passed along for generations. Maintaining your fixtures is crucial in both keeping them working as well as adding value to your home. You should always be up to date on the latest advancements in plumbing. A minor kitchen remodel can yield a return on investment of about 83%, and energy efficient toilets can save you tons of money on monthly water bills.

Turn your faucet handle as tight as possible to prevent leaks. This is maybe the most surprising of the plumbing myths to be debunked. While it makes sense on paper that closing your faucet handle tight will stop any drips or leaks, you’re actually making things worse. Overtightening can damage taps and lead to a complete overhaul of the system, as opposed to just a minor fix for a small leak.

There are tons of crazy plumbing myths out there, so be sure that you’re talking to a professional before you try that new trendy DIY tip you saw online. If you’ve heard of any other ridiculous myths about plumbing, feel free to post them in the comments below.