December 22, 2022
5 Plumbing Myths *Infographic*
Things aren’t always as they seem in the world of plumbing. Old habits, common assumptions and neglect can conspire to damage your home plumbing system at numerous vulnerable points.
Read our tips on five easy practices you can adopt to keep your faucets, pipes and drains working for years to come. When you have Applewood on call 24/7, reliable plumbing help is no myth.
1. If it flushes, it’s fine
Out of sight doesn’t always mean out of mind, especially if you have to replace your sewer line. The things that you flush down your toilet beyond toilet paper and waste can accumulate in your pipes and eventually clog them. Replacing a clogged or destroyed sewer line is a costly and messy endeavor.
Avoid flushing hygiene products, food, floss and especially wet wipes. These items may seem to magically disappear but the reality is, they likely haven’t gone far.
2. All soft food can go down the disposal
Garbage disposals can make post meal cleanup a cinch, but they’re not a one stop shop for all your food waste. Thick peels, shells, bones, grease and fibrous foods can clog the grinding wheels within and send your disposal to an early grave. Plus, that waste can make your sink start to smell.
Always run cold water while using your disposal and only deposit soft food waste that will easily pass through the mechanism. Consider starting a compost pile for the rest or simply throw it away.
3. A leaky faucet isn’t a big deal
A slow drip may seem like a minor problem but the net effect can cost you plenty. Even a slow drip of 5 drops/minute can add up to 21.6 gallons in a month and 263 gallons in a year. That’s water you pay for but never use. How much is your leak costing you? Check the drip calculator.
A leaky faucet may indicate other plumbing problems like old pipes, water pressure problems and corroded fixtures. If you’re unsure how to fix the problem yourself, call your favorite certified Colorado plumber to remedy the situation. We’d be happy to stop your leak and make sure your plumbing is working the way it was intended to.
4. Low water pressure in house can’t be fixed
Low water pressure can be the result of multiple plumbing problems: a faulty pressure regulator, old pipes, clogs, corrosion and worn fixtures. Don’t resign yourself to a shower that’s more drip than spray. Your plumbing expert can diagnose the source of your water pressure problem and give your plumbing a new boost.
Conversely, if your water pressure is too high, it can wear out pipes more quickly, damage fixtures and lead to leaks. If your water blasts out of your fixtures, call us to soften the flow.
5. If nothing is broke, there’s nothing wrong
Routine maintenance on your plumbing systems can keep things working properly, troubleshoot potential problems and extend the life of your pipes.
Consider having your sewer line cleaned annually to ensure outgoing wastewater doesn’t back up. During the visit, your technician can perform a video pipe inspection to assess the condition of your line. Flush your water heater annually as well to prevent corrosion and sediment from slowing your hot water service. If you’re unsure how, we can help!
All Colorado Plumbers Are Not The Same
Applewood is the most experienced, family-owned plumbing business in the Denver, Boulder and Longmont area. We work long hours to spare you overtime charges. We know when you have a plumbing problem, you don’t want to wait. Call us now for fast and reliable plumbing services that Denver can count on!