Plumbing is by no means something I am fond of. Even with moderate DIY skills, I never look forward to jobs involving sinks, drains, toilets and showers. I am also a bit hesitant because I know there are plenty of misconceptions out there. I don’t want to do something stupid only to regret it later on.
To satisfy my curiosity, I did some research into common plumbing misconceptions. I focused on Salt Lake City, UT to see how it compared to other regions of the country. I discovered some interesting things, including the following six plumbing myths:
Myth #1: Liquid Drain Cleaners Are Fine
You have probably seen liquid drain cleaners at grocery stores and home improvement outlets. We’ve been led to believe these products are fine, that they will not damage the plumbing. Think again. Liquid drain cleaners contain caustic chemicals that can damage plumbing over time.
Even worse, liquid drain cleaners only help with minor clogs that are close to the surface. They do little to help clogs deeper down in the pipes. They can even make deep clogs worse.
Myth #2: Flushable Wipes Are Okay, Too
Hand-in-hand (on the perceived safety scale) with liquid drain cleaners or flushable wipes. Despite what manufacturers claim, flushable wipes do not break down as easily as toilet paper. They are more likely to cause clogs. The clogs will not always develop in your plumbing, either. They can develop in municipal sewer lines. This is apparently a big problem in Salt Lake City.
Myth #3: Small Leaks Aren’t a Big Deal
The idea that small leaks are not a big deal is pretty common around the country. But any small leak can become a major problem given enough time. In an environment like Salt Lake City, where precipitation is limited, any waste of water is a bad idea. But waste is only the tip of the iceberg. Small leaks are often a sign of a potentially larger problem.
Myth #4: Municipal Water Doesn’t Need Softening
The number of people who believe municipal water doesn’t need softening is surprising. The truth is that municipalities don’t always go to great lengths to soften hard water. And according to Utah plumbing contractor Superior W&A, the Salt Lake City region is known for extremely hard water.
A water softener is a good idea in most parts of the state because of water hardness. A softener will prevent mineral buildup in pipes. It will reduce the risk of major plumbing repairs. And of course, it will make appliances, showers, tubs, and toilets easier to clean.
Myth #5: Soft Water Is Salty Water
Do not avoid investing in a water softener because someone told you that soft water is salty water. While it’s true that water softeners add sodium, the amount is exceptionally low. According to Superior Water & Air, the volume of sodium is far below the FDA standard for ‘low sodium’. Your water will not taste salty, and you won’t have to worry about health and safety issues.
Myth #6: Salt-Free Softeners Work Just as Well
This final myth is up for debate depending on how you judge the quality of your water. Nonetheless, salt-free water softness doesn’t do as good a job at eliminating calcium and magnesium. So if this is an issue for you, you are better off with a salt-based water softener.
Plumbing is a complex beast. I am more than happy to call in a professional when something goes wrong. As for the most common plumbing myths, don’t fall for them. Know the truth about your plumbing so you can make smart decisions and when needed, look for plumbing services in Utah.
