As social media continues to grow and connect people from all over the world, it’s no surprise that DIY and home improvement projects have become increasingly popular. The internet is full of tutorials, how-tos, and “life hacks” that are designed to help homeowners save money and solve problems around the house. However, when it comes to plumbing, not all of these hacks are created equal. In fact, some of them can be downright dangerous and damaging.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at some of the most popular plumbing “hacks” that are making the rounds on social media, and explain why you should avoid them. So, without further ado, let’s dive in and keep your plumbing at its best.
Using Ice to Sharpen and Clean Your Garbage Disposal
This one is easily the most common we’ve seen lately, and it’s not a good idea! The concept is that by grinding ice in your sink’s disposal, you can sharpen the blades and remove any built-up debris. While this may seem like a good idea, it can actually cause more harm than good.
The hard edges of the ice can cause damage to the blades, denting and dulling your garbage disposal. The excess water from the melted ice can leak through and cause rust and corrosion of the blades. We’ve received calls from homeowners that attempted to pack their disposal full of ice, only to have water shoot out of the bottom into their cabinet!
If you’re looking to clean your disposal, it’s best to use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. This will clean the blades and remove any built-up debris without causing any damage. If your disposal is wearing down, you’re not going to be able to safely sharpen the blades like you would a kitchen knife, especially not with ice!
Using Tape to Seal Leaks
Using tape to seal leaks is a dangerous and ineffective solution that should be avoided at all costs. While tape may provide a temporary fix, it will not hold up over time. Eventually, the tape will become brittle and break, causing the leak to become even worse.
And yes, this applies to Flex Seal as well! No matter how good the tape is, it’s not worth risking water damage in your home. Use it temporarily, then call a licensed plumber, like us here at Best Home Services. We will be able to properly repair the issue and prevent it from happening again in the future.
Using Chemicals to Unclog Drains
One of the most common plumbing problems homeowners face is clogged drains. To solve this issue, many people turn to chemical drain cleaners. While these products may seem like a quick and easy solution, they are incredibly dangerous. The chemicals in these cleaners are corrosive and can cause serious damage to your pipes, especially if used too often.
Not only can your pipes be damaged by chemicals, but they can also cause burns and other injuries if not handled properly.
Additionally, chemicals only solve the problem temporarily. If you’re experiencing a clogged drain, it’s best to call in a professional plumber. They have the tools and expertise to remove the entire blockage safely and efficiently.
Flushing “Flushable” Wipes
Ok, this one isn’t much of a “lifehack”, but we see many people advertising their wipes as “flushable”. While these wipes may be marketed as such, they are not designed to break down like toilet paper and can cause significant damage to your plumbing system. When these wipes get caught in pipes, they can cause blockages that are difficult and expensive to remove.
To avoid this problem, it’s best to never flush wipes down the toilet, regardless of what the label says. Instead, dispose of them in the trash. If you’re looking for an alternative to toilet paper that isn’t potentially harmful, consider installing a bidet.
DI-Why!? Call Best Home Servies!
While it may be tempting to tackle repairs yourself when it comes to plumbing you should definitely avoid any DIYs. Plumbing is a complex system that requires specialized tools, knowledge, and experience to repair. Attempting these repairs can potentially cause thousands of dollars worth of damage to your home.
Leave the plumbing to the pros! Like us, Best Home Services. Give us a call today to set up your next appointment!
