There are common plumbing myths that many homeowners and business owners believe. For example, plungers are mistakenly thought to be able to clear any clog, but that's not true. Some clogs can't be moved by a plunger and require the help of a professional plumber. It's important to understand what's fact and what's fiction when it comes to plumbing so that you get the right plumbing service when you need it. Here are some common myths debunked.

It's Not Safe to Use the Shower During a Thunderstorm

A common plumbing-related myth is that you shouldn't use the shower during a thunderstorm. This myth stems from the idea that lighting will travel through pipes and that it's attracted to water. Metal pipes can conduct electricity, but so can any other metal object in your home. Your pipes are not conduits for electricity any more than your refrigerator and washing machine are.

A Leaky Faucet Is Not a Big Problem

About one out of every ten homes has a plumbing leak, according to the Statistics Database. You may think a leaky faucet is no big deal, but did you know you can waste about 10,000 gallons of water annually because of a leaky faucet, according to Comfy Living? That's an incredible amount of water to waste. Leaky pipes and faucets are issues that need repair as soon as possible from a reliable plumbing service.

You Can Flush Liquids Down the Toilet

There's a myth that you can flush grease, paint, and other solvents down the toilet. It would be best to never flush anything but human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Anything you flush down the toilet winds up in the sewer system and could be a groundwater contaminant. Some solvents become solids, like cooking oil, when they cool. Flushing anything down the toilet that's not human waste is a recipe for disaster.

Over-the-Counter Plumbing Chemicals Are Always Safe

There's a myth that you can use over-the-counter plumbing chemicals on all clogs and pipes. It's simply not true. Over-the-counter chemicals can harm your pipes and, in some cases, make the clog worse. Additionally, they can potentially cause physical harm to the user. You should always approach chemicals with caution. Read the label completely before you use them. Better yet, call a plumber instead to help clear your drains.

Don't fall for these common plumbing myths. Get the plumbing services you need for your property when you need them. Call our plumbers at Rooter-Man today to get started.