What you don’t know can actually cost you a lot, and this is especially true when it comes to plumbing myths. Here at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Ohio Valley, we have heard some wacky ideas – as well as some convincing ones – and we are here to set the record straight. Specifically, we are going to get to the bottom of some common kitchen myths. How many of these have you heard? Did you believe any of them?
Environmental consciousness is great, but sometimes people get ahead of themselves. Sure, running the dishwasher might seem like it uses a lot of electricity and water, but handwashing those dishes will waste a lot more water. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency states that, over a year, an ENERGY STAR-rated dishwasher can save up to 5,000 gallons of water compared to washing dishes by hand. If you want to save on water, then consider replacing that old dishwasher with an energy-saving, efficient one. If your unit is over 10 years old, then it might be time for a replacement.
Do you rinse your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher? You don’t need to do all of that! Remove the large food items and anything that can clog the drains and set the dishes in the dishwasher. This will save you time, energy, and water.
There are a number of chemical drain cleaners on the market, and they are an attractive option for people who don’t want to spend money on professional plumbers or spend time on dealing with the plumbing issue. Chemical drain cleaners provide quick "results," but they also pose a threat. These can damage the plumbing drains and pipes.
Instead, consider natural options like baking soda and vinegar. Sprinkle half a cup of baking soda in the drain and follow it up with a cup of white vinegar. Let the reaction mix and fizzle for fifteen to thirty minutes before rinsing it down with some hot water. Doing this once a month or two should break apart a lot blockages in drains, but schedule professional drain cleaning once every couple of years to keep the drain line thoroughly clear.
Is your garbage disposal giving off foul odors? Someone might have suggested tossing lemon peels in there, but we do not recommend that unless you have a very powerful garbage disposal. If you are worried about stenches, then use the baking soda and vinegar method we mentioned earlier. Don’t forget to rinse garbage disposals with hot water after each use to wash down food debris.
Is wasting 3,000 gallons of water a big deal? If so, then get that dripping faucet repaired as soon as possible. A drip of water per second adds up to a lot of water in the long run. Plus, repairing a dripping faucet could be as simple as tightening some bolts. Even replacing an old faucet can end up being the cost-effective option.
The plumbing system works fine on its own, they say. You don’t need a plumber unless it’s an emergency, they suggest. This advice could end up costing you. Routine plumbing service is crucial if you want to catch issues early on and nip them in the bud. Schedule an appointment once every two years to enjoy an unparalleled peace of mind.