Plumbing advice gets passed around like folk wisdom — and some of it is genuinely helpful. But a surprising amount is wrong, outdated, or actively damaging. Here are six myths we hear constantly from Avon-area homeowners, and what to do instead.
Myth 1: "Flushable" wipes are safe to flush
They aren't. "Flushable" means "it will leave the toilet bowl" — it doesn't mean the wipe will break down like toilet paper. Flushable wipes are the #1 cause of sewer backups in modern homes, and they're particularly bad news for older sewer mains with any roughness or slight root intrusion. Throw wipes in the trash, even the ones labeled flushable.
Myth 2: Running water while the garbage disposal is on prevents clogs
Partly true, but mostly irrelevant. The real issue isn't water flow — it's what you put in the disposal. Fibrous foods (celery, corn husks, onion skins), starches (pasta, rice, potato peels), grease and oil, and eggshells all cause clogs downstream regardless of how much water you run. Scrape plates into the trash; use the disposal for small incidentals only.
Myth 3: A lemon keeps the garbage disposal smelling fresh
Mostly myth. Running citrus rinds through a disposal smells nice for about 30 seconds and then does nothing. What actually keeps a disposal from smelling: run it with cold water for 15 seconds after each use, and periodically scrub the rubber splash guard with dish soap and a toothbrush — that's where the smell lives.
Myth 4: A dripping faucet isn't worth fixing right away
A single dripping faucet wastes thousands of gallons per year, which costs money if you're on city water. More importantly, a drip means the cartridge or washer has already failed — and the next stage is usually a full failure where water won't fully shut off. Fix the drip now; it's a cheap repair.
Myth 5: Hot water clears grease from the kitchen drain
It moves the grease further down the line, which is worse. Hot water temporarily melts grease; as soon as it cools (10 feet down the drain where it's dark and cold), it solidifies again — now it's a clog in a harder-to-reach place. Wipe greasy pans with a paper towel before washing; never pour grease down the drain.
Myth 6: Chemical drain cleaner is a safe first-line fix
It's none of those things. Chemical drain cleaner damages older cast iron pipes, corrodes PVC joints, damages seals on pop-up drain assemblies, and produces hazardous fumes. It also often doesn't actually dissolve the clog — it just sits on top of it. Plungers, drain augers, and boiling water are all safer and more effective starting points.
What to Do Instead
When you have a real plumbing problem, start with the gentlest fix (boiling water, plunger), escalate to mechanical tools (drain auger), and call a plumber when you hit your limit or when symptoms suggest a bigger issue (multiple drains backing up, gurgling, sewage smell). JD's Plumbing is available at (440) 455-9625 for Avon-area homeowners.