The average home has about 12 plumbing fixtures, ranging from sinks to faucets and shower heads. All these fixtures need regular maintenance and upkeep to avoid expensive repairs in the future. Unfortunately, many people have misconceptions about plumbing, which can lead them to avoid necessary steps and end up paying for repairs in the long run. These false assumptions may seem harmless at first glance, but can quickly turn into costly problems if left unaddressed. Here are some common myths about plumbing and how to avoid them:
Some people believe that all plumbing fixtures are interchangeable and that one brand will do everything from a shower head to a kitchen sink with equal effectiveness. In truth, each type of plumbing device has its own function and should be used for its designated purpose. A shower head is meant to reduce water pressure and shower you with a steady stream of water. A kitchen sink is meant to store and distribute water for cleaning purposes. If you put a shower head in a kitchen sink, it will quickly become clogged with soap scum and other debris. This will not only make the sink’s functionality ineffective, but it will also require you to spend money on cleaning supplies to unclog it and sanitize the sink.
Some people believe that they will need a plumber for any project involving the plumbing system in their home, from installing a new faucet to replacing the toilet. This might be true if you want to install a brand new faucet or repair a leaking toilet. However, for most projects, you can handle the project yourself without calling a plumber. For example, you can fix a leaking faucet by replacing the washer inside it. You can also replace a broken toilet seat without calling a plumber (unless the broken toilet seat is part of the tank’s water supply system).
Some people believe that they have to replace the entire plumbing system in their home once in their lifetime. This is not true. In fact, the average home only requires minor repairs and replacements every 10 to 15 years. This means that you only need to replace the pipes and water supply system once in about 30 years (or less). It also means that you can extend the lifespan of your plumbing system by making sure nothing breaks or leaks during the next 10 to 15 years. This will allow you to avoid major plumbing repairs and replacements in the future.
If you live in an older home with no plumbing and plan to install a new faucet or toilet, you might think that you can avoid expensive plumbing repairs in the future by installing a modern-day faucet or toilet. However, older homes often have old-fashioned plumbing systems that do not comply with modern building codes. If you live in an older home and plan to install a modern-day faucet or toilet, you will have to install a special adapter to connect the new faucet or toilet to the old plumbing system. This will likely increase the cost of your plumbing project and might require you to hire a professional plumber.
Some people believe that their neighbours don’t mind the loud banging and thumping sounds coming from the plumbing in their building. In truth, most people find these noises disruptive and irritating. Unfortunately, there are few things that can be done to reduce these noises. You can try to fix the problem by adjusting the water flow rate or lowering the temperature or volume of the water. However, this might not be enough to reduce the noises to a level that meets your neighbours’ standards. In such cases, you might need to replace your pipes with new ones that are less noisy.
The above myths about plumbing may seem harmless at first glance, but they can quickly become costly problems if left unaddressed. Remember, the best way to avoid unnecessary plumbing bills is to be informed and take the necessary precautions. Remember - if it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.