8 Common Plumbing Myths Debunked: What You Need to Know

There’s no shortage of advice floating around when you’re talking about plumbing. From quick fixes to age-old tips, it’s hard to know what’s fact and what’s fiction.

Unfortunately, believing common plumbing myths can lead to costly repairs, wasted water and unnecessary frustration. Have you ever thought a leaky tap was harmless or believed chemical drain cleaners were your go-to solution? Think again.

In this blog, we’ll tackle eight of the most common plumbing myths and uncover the truth behind them. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to protect your home and make smarter plumbing decisions.

1. A Leaky Tap is No Big Deal

A dripping tap might seem like a small annoyance, but it can lead to bigger issues than you’d expect. Here’s why ignoring a leaky tap is a bad idea:

Wasted water: Even a slow drip adds up. A single leaky tap can waste thousands of liters of water annually, driving up your utility bills.
Increased costs: Aside from higher water bills, leaks can worsen over time, potentially leading to costly repairs if the tap or surrounding plumbing becomes damaged.
Environmental impact: Water is a precious resource, and unnecessary waste puts additional strain on local water supplies.
Hidden damage: Constant dripping can cause stains, corrosion, and mold growth around the sink, leading to aesthetic and structural damage.

Fixing a leaky tap is usually quick and inexpensive. Don’t let this small issue spiral into a bigger problem − get it sorted sooner rather than later.

A dripping bathroom tap (plumbing myths)

2. Flushable Wipes are Safe for Plumbing

Despite being labelled “flushable”, most wipes are anything but safe to be flushed down the toilet. Here’s why flushing them can lead to major problems:

They don’t break down like toilet paper: Unlike toilet paper, which dissolves quickly in water, flushable wipes stay intact for a long time. This increases the risk of clogs in your pipes.
They contribute to sewer blockages: Once flushed, these wipes can combine with grease and other debris, forming massive blockages known as “fatbergs” in sewer systems.
They can damage septic systems: In homes with septic tanks, wipes can accumulate and reduce the efficiency of the system, leading to expensive repairs.
Environmental impact: Wipes often end up in waterways, harming marine life and contributing to pollution.

The best practice? Dispose of wipes in the trash. It’s a simple step that protects your plumbing, saves money and helps the environment.

3. Pouring Hot Grease Down the Sink is Fine

It might seem harmless to pour hot grease down the sink, especially if you follow it with a stream of hot water. Unfortunately, this is a plumbing myth that can cause big problems.

While the grease may flow down the kitchen drain easily at first, as it cools, it solidifies in your pipes. Over time, this build-up can create stubborn clogs that block your plumbing entirely.

Even with hot water, grease combines with other debris in your drains, forming sticky, hard-to-remove deposits. Worse, this gunk doesn’t just stop in your home’s pipes − it can contribute to massive blockages in city sewer systems, sometimes called “fatbergs”.

The solution? Dispose of grease properly. Let it cool in a container, then throw it in the trash. Taking this small step can save you from costly plumbing repairs and protect your local sewer system. Keep your pipes grease-free − it’s worth the effort.

4. All Plumbing Fixtures Work the Same Way

It’s easy to assume that all plumbing fixtures function in the same way, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. From toilets and taps to showerheads and dishwashers, each fixture is designed with specific features and mechanisms.

For instance, a low-flow toilet conserves water differently than a traditional model, while smart taps offer advanced technology like touchless operation or water temperature control.

Misunderstanding how your fixtures work can lead to inefficiencies, unnecessary wear, or even damage. For example, using excessive force on a low-flow tap can reduce its lifespan, and installing the wrong type of fixture might not comply with your home’s plumbing setup.

To avoid costly mistakes, take the time to understand your fixtures or consult a professional. Knowing how each component operates not only ensures optimal performance but also helps you make smarter choices when upgrading or maintaining your home’s plumbing.

A woman pours drain cleaner down the sink (plumbing myths)

5. Chemical Drain Cleaners are a Safe Solution

Using chemical drain cleaners might seem like an easy fix for a clogged drain, but they’re not as safe as you think. Here’s why you should think twice before reaching for that bottle:

Damage to pipes: The harsh chemicals in these cleaners can corrode pipes, especially older ones made of metal, leading to costly repairs over time.
Temporary fix: Chemical cleaners often clear only the top layer of the clog, leaving deeper blockages untouched. This means the problem is likely to return.
Harmful to health: The fumes from these cleaners can irritate your eyes, skin, and respiratory system, posing health risks if not handled carefully.
Environmental concerns: Once washed down the drain, these chemicals can harm aquatic life and pollute water supplies.

For safer, more effective solutions, try using a plunger, a drain snake, or call a professional plumber to address stubborn clogs.

6. Small Drips and Leaks Will Fix Themselves

Hoping that a dripping tap or a minor leak will magically resolve itself? Unfortunately, that’s just wishful thinking. Here’s why ignoring small leaks can lead to bigger problems:

Leaks only get worse: A minor drip often signals wear and tear in your plumbing. Over time, the issue is likely to worsen, potentially turning into a major leak.
Increased water bills: Even a slow drip can waste litres of water daily, adding unnecessary costs to your monthly utility bills.
Hidden damage: Leaks can cause unseen damage, like water stains, mould growth, and even structural issues in walls or floors.
Health risks: Persistent moisture from leaks can encourage mould and mildew, leading to poor indoor air quality and potential health problems.

Don’t ignore that drip, drip, drip. Addressing small leaks early is quick, affordable, and saves you from bigger headaches down the line.

7. New Homes Don't Need Plumbing Maintenance

Many homeowners assume that a brand-new plumbing system means no maintenance is needed. While it’s true that newer systems are less likely to have immediate issues, skipping routine maintenance can still lead to unexpected problems down the line.

Even new plumbing is subject to wear and tear, sediment build-up, and small leaks that may go unnoticed without regular checks.

For example, water heaters in new homes still require annual flushing to remove sediment, and pipes can still develop minor issues from water pressure or material flaws. Regular maintenance helps catch these problems early, ensuring your plumbing stays in top shape.

Additionally, manufacturers often require routine servicing to keep warranties valid. So, even in a new home, scheduling a professional inspection can save you money and stress. Think of it like a tune-up for your car − prevention is always better than dealing with an expensive breakdown later.

A frustrated man tries to fix a leaking pipe (plumbing myths)

8. You Can DIY Every Plumbing Issue

While DIY fixes might work for minor plumbing tasks, tackling every issue on your own isn’t always the best idea. Here’s why some problems require professional expertise:

Complexity of plumbing systems: Modern plumbing systems are intricate, and a simple mistake can lead to larger, costlier issues.
Risk of worsening the problem: Without the right tools or knowledge, a DIY attempt can exacerbate the issue, turning a small fix into an expensive repair.
Safety concerns: Working with gas lines, high water pressure, or electrical components (e.g., water heaters) can be dangerous if mishandled.
Compliance with regulations: Certain plumbing repairs require permits or must meet local codes, which DIY projects often overlook.
Long-term costs: Quick fixes might seem cheap initially but can lead to long-term damage requiring costly professional repairs.

For major plumbing issues, it’s best to call in the experts to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.

Myths Can Do More Harm Than Good

Plumbing myths can lead to costly mistakes, wasted resources and unnecessary stress. From believing a leaky tap is harmless to trusting chemical drain cleaners, these misconceptions often do more harm than good.

By debunking these eight common myths, you’re now armed with the knowledge to make smarter decisions about your home’s plumbing. Remember, regular maintenance and professional assistance are key to keeping your plumbing system in top shape.

Don’t let myths steer you wrong − when in doubt, always consult a licensed plumber. A little proactive care can save you money, protect your home and give you peace of mind.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.