There are several plumbing myths that have been passed down from generation to generation. Some are complete falsehoods, while others are tales with a grain of truth. On the other hand, some things that are supposed to be myths, that turn out to be true.

We enlisted the help of a reputable plumbing business to create a list of some of the most interesting plumbing myths that still remain, as well as some plumbing truths that are worth remembering.

Water Flows Clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere & the Opposite Direction in the Northern Hemisphere

Fiction:

It’s a common belief that water flows in one direction in the northern hemisphere and the opposite in the southern, but this is simply not true. This myth is based on a misconception about the Coriolis Effect. This influence determines how hurricanes spin and how other huge weather phenomena move and so changes the temperature of your thermostat.

Although the Coriolis Influence (also known as the Earth’s rotation) has a very slight effect on everything on the globe, it is so weak that it is practically inconsequential on small-scale water flow

Any asymmetry in a drain will determine the direction the water spins, and toilets are designed to spin in a specific direction for optimal flushing.

Your Hot Water System Can Explode

Fiction:

While the title is striking, the truth is far less dramatic. Old and poorly maintained hot water heaters tanks occasionally burst. This doesn’t result in an explosion, rather a crack will form and water will trickle out.

Pressure relief valves are also included in newer models of water heaters to release built-up pressure and prevent this issue. People may feel that rumbling noises from water heaters is a signal of an impending tragedy. This, on the other hand, is typically an indication that silt has accumulated at the tank’s bottom and is preventing the system from operating correctly. If your water heater is producing unusual noises, it is time to get a plumber to come out to check on the system.

Snakes & Rodents Can Enter Your Home Through Your Plumbing

Truth:

Many pests and even snakes may get entry to your house. through your pipes. Although these pests rarely access your house through your pipes, it is doable. Normally, these creatures would seek refuge in your pipes and then go on their way, but on rare occasions, these critters will scurry their way through your pipes and get into your home.

The Modern Toilet Was Invented by Thomas Crapper

Fiction:

A popular myth about English plumber Thomas Crapper is that he was the first to create the flush toilet. “Crapper created the crapper,” you would imagine, yet Crapper wasn’t even born when the first flushing toilet was created. Sir John Harington is credited with inventing the flushable toilet. It was designed for his godmother, Queen Elizabeth I.

Even though Thomas Crapper did not invent the flushable toilet, he filed several patents for the modern toilet, which popularised and improved the toilet worldwide.

A 3 Drop Per Minute Leak Can Waste 595 Litres of Water Annually.

Truth:

A leaking tap can waste hundreds of litres of water every year. It can also significantly raises your water bill. A water leak can not only wastes money, but it can also cause damage to your plumbing, fixtures, and taps. When you detect a leaky faucet, it’s important to have it repaired as soon as possible to avoid further expenses and water damage to your property.

You Can Flush “Flushable” Wipes Down the Toilet

Fiction:

The phrase “flushable” has caused a great deal of harm. If anything, flushable wipes have helped plumbers make a lot of money, despite the fact that not a single plumber would endorse using them. The flushable wipes may clean your toilet, but they are not totally flushed. Because of their close-knit fiber structure, they take a long time to degrade in water. The wipes can accumulate somewhere along your pipes. Paper towels, feminine hygiene items, and face tissues are all in the same category. And If you have a septic system, flushing items down the toilet can cause a lot of damage to your system.

Grease Should Not Be Dumped Down the Sink

Truth:

Fats, oils, and grease should not be dumped down the sink. Often, grease will cling to the pipes, ultimately leading to a huge blockage as food particles wash down the drain and attach to the grease, gradually building a large obstruction until the drain is entirely blocked.

Instead of throwing it down the drain, scrape any oils and grease into a container or directly into the garbage bin.

Use Hand Soap to Keep Your Taps Sparkling

Fiction:

Some people believe that polishing bathroom fixtures with hand soap would make them shine. The opposite is true. After repeated applications, soup and water can damage faucets, showerheads, and other metal fixtures. This is a basic plumbing error that should be avoided.

1. Use Lemon Peels to Clean Smelly Drains

Fiction:

Lemons are well-known for their natural cleaning properties and are frequently used in cleaning products. Lemons peels are often said to be effective in cleaning and removing unpleasant odours from garbage disposals and drains, but in truth, they have next to no impact on your Vivint cameras and other stuff.

Lemons peels can make your home smell clean and fresh, but putting them in your garbage disposal will only harm the blades and may cause a blockage in your drains.

If you have a nasty smell emanating from your plumbing, try slowly pouring white vinegar down the drain. If the odour persists, call a plumber to take care of the issue.