When it comes to your plumbing system, sometimes, it is helpful to start fresh and ignore all of the “plumbing advice” you may have accumulated over the years. While your dad may offer a tried-and-true method for unclogging pipes, following other people’s plumbing advice can actually hurt your plumbing system in the long run.

Before you make a costly mistake by following the same old advice that ending up getting your parents a new plumbing system, take a minute to review a few of the most common plumbing myths.

Flushable Wipes Can Be Flushed

Although it indicates in the name that these wipes are flushable, this product is actually the bane of every plumber’s existence. The toilet paper industry is not regulated, so wipe creators can call them anything they like. They can call them biodegradable, flushable, septic-safe, more, but we are here to tell you to not flush these wipes. They do not disintegrate quickly and will eventually lead to obstructions in your pipes or clogs in your septic system.

It Is Safe to Use Commercial Drain Cleaners

Just because you can buy it, does not mean you should use it. Drain cleaning products are dangerous because the same ingredients that can eat away obstructions will also eat away your pipes. These harsh chemicals have no way of telling what is a pipe and what is a clog, so they will corrode both. We never recommend commercial drain cleaners because they will prematurely age your plumbing system.

Orange And Lemon Peels Will Lightly Scent Your Garbage Disposal

Everyone wants a fresh-smelling kitchen, and we appreciate natural solutions, but this one does not work. In fact, citrus peels can actually dull your garbage disposal blades because of the citric acid inside of them. Plus, the peels are notoriously leathery and hard, which means that they can easily clog your drains and garbage disposal. A fresh lemony smell is not worth a broken garbage disposal. Instead, opt for products that are designed specifically for a garbage disposal.

If a Drain Clears, You Are Good

A lot of people mistakenly think that, as long as a drain eventually clears, it is working fine, but this is not necessarily true. Drains that are moving slower and causing water to pool are an indication that something is wrong. Even if they will drain eventually for now, there will come a time when they will not anymore. This is probably because there is a partial blockage hidden in the pipes, which is why they are so slow to drain. Another obvious sign is gurgling or bubbling water as the drain empties. Do not wait until it clogs completely. Instead, call a plumber and get to the bottom of the issue.

Are you worried about the health of your plumbing system? Contact Almighty Plumbing in Antioch, CA to talk about your plumbing system and schedule an appointment for drain cleaning.