Standard Plumbing Myths You Should Learn About
Everybody loves mythology. From the stories of Greek gods & fairy tales to modern urban legends, myths capture our imagination and entertain us.
Some myths, however, can be misleading. Particularly those told about plumbing. So, in an effort to debunk some incorrect myths, here are a few commonly held beliefs that are patently incorrect.
With Enough Force, You Can Get Rid Of Any Clog Using a Plunger
Toilet plungers create pressure inside the drainpipe to dislocate the clog composed of grime and debris and restore the proper flow of water. In order for it to work, there can be no other escape route for that pressure.
Therefore, if the clog is located beyond points where other pipes split off, a plunger will be of little use no matter how much force is applied. In such cases, a pipe snake or auger may be the right tool for the job. Alternatively, a process known as hydrojetting that uses highly pressurized water can blast away accumulated grime and dirt to completely clean the inside of the drainpipes.
It’s Impossible for a Water Heater to Ever Explode
They can and sometimes do. TV’s Mythbusters guys featured a segment on exploding water heaters. When pressure is allowed to greatly exceed the safe limits of the heater with no possibility of escape, the tank explodes, launching hundreds of feet in the air.
Fortunately, there’s a safety feature built into the heater that allows mounting pressure to vent out. The temperature pressure release valve found on top of the tank automatically opens to let water escape when the internal temperature and pressure get too high.
For safety reasons, it’s important to test your temperature pressure release valve regularly by placing a bucket under the valve’s drain tube and lifting its tab to let a bit of water out. If no water comes out, it may be damaged or clogged and need to be replaced.
A Leaky Faucet Isn’t Critical
Although it may not qualify as a plumbing emergency, a dripping tap also shouldn’t be ignored. If left unattended, a faucet that releases a single drop every 5 seconds will end up wasting over 400 gallons over the course of a year. If you have one or two dripping taps, you could end up paying for it dearly on your water bills.
Please let us know if you have any other plumbing stories that you would like to have confirmed or denied. And for plumbing repair or maintenance in your Oxford, NC home, call 919-693-9221 to speak with the friendly pros at Flow Master Plumbing & Pump Service, Inc.