Heads up! This is a guide for U.S. homeowners battling stubborn plumbing issues (and myths.)
Fast answers—before we start busting common plumbing myths;
Are “flushable” wipes really safe for my pipes? No. Independent lab tests show they stay intact and tangle with grease, forming blockages; toss them in the trash.
Can chemical drain cleaners fix every clog? They often corrode PVC, melt gaskets, and may void fixture warranties—use a plunger or call a pro instead.
Do low-flow fixtures wreck water pressure? Modern aerators keep pressure comfortable while trimming your water bill.
Why these plumbing myths refuse to die
Scrolling social feeds at 2 a.m. after an emergency shut-off, it’s tempting to try “hacks” that promise quick relief. Yet misinformation costs U.S. households nearly 10,000 gallons of water per year in leaks alone and inflates repair bills by thousands.
Below, a licensed Florida master plumber from The Romans Plumbing dismantles 15 persistent myths—and shows what really works.
Myth vs. Fact cheat sheet
| Myth | Why It’s Wrong | Reality & Fix |
| “Flushable” wipes break down | Synthetic fibers stay intact | Trash them; only toilet paper and the “three Ps” should be flushed |
| Hot water melts grease | Grease re-solidifies farther down the line | Scrape cooled grease into the bin |
| Chemical drain cleaners are safe | Their heat and lye pit PVC and metal | Use a drain snake or call a pro |
| Ice cubes sharpen garbage-disposal blades | Most units use blunt impellers | Ice only scrubs residue; it’s not a sharpener |
| Tiny drips aren’t urgent | 180 gallons/week can leak unseen | Fix a leaky faucet ASAP |
| Brick in toilet tank saves water | Brick crumbles, ruining flapper seat | Upgrade to WaterSense 1.28 gpf models |
1. Drain & Toilet Myths
Myth #1 — “Flushable” wipes are safe
Labels mislead. A Canadian study of 101 “flushable” products found zero dissolved adequately. Combined with fats, they create “fatbergs” that cost U.S. cities millions to clear. Toss wipes in the trash to avoid a midnight call-out fee.
Myth #2 — Hot water (or cola) liquefies grease
Sure, it flows past your sink trap—then congeals mid-pipe where temperatures drop. Cue slow drains and funky odors. Instead, wipe pans with a paper towel first.
Myth #3 — Monthly vinegar-and-baking-soda bombs keep drains pristine
The fizzy show makes you feel proactive, but the mild carbon-dioxide reaction scrubs little bio-film. Use an enzymatic drain maintenance product or schedule a professional jetting every two years.
Myth #4 — Chemical drain cleaners are a harmless shortcut
Caustic formulas generate heat up to 212 °F, warping PVC and eating chrome finishes. Frequent use can even void fixture warranties. Try a plunger, a hand auger, or contact us today for a camera inspection.
2. Garbage-Disposal Myths
Myth #5 — Running water prevents clogs
Fats and fibrous foods still collect once the water stops. Scrape plates into the trash; send only small, non-greasy scraps.
Myth #6 — Ice cubes (or lemon peels) sharpen disposal blades
Disposals don’t have knife-edges; they crush with impellers. Ice can knock off residue, but don’t expect “sharper” garbage-disposal blades. Citrus is fine for odor but skip eggshells and coffee grounds.
3. Pipe-Integrity & Leak Myths
Myth #7 — A little drip is no big deal
EPA data shows leaks waste about 10,000 gallons of water per home annually, boosting the average water bill by 10 %. Replace washers or cartridges the same week you spot a drip.
Myth #8 — Pipes only burst where it snows
In Florida slabs, copper lines corrode from soil chemistry and high chlorine levels, leading to pinhole leaks and sudden blowouts. If you hear water under the floor, explore what a slab leak is (and how to fix it) for next-step guidance.
Myth #9 — Dish soap lets grease slide safely away
Soap emulsifies grease only temporarily—once diluted, fat solidifies downstream. Collect cooled grease in a tin can, then trash it.
4. Water-Heater Myths
Myth #10 — Water heaters are “set-and-forget” appliances
Sediment blankets the burner, forcing longer heat cycles and doubling operating costs in severe cases. Drain a gallon every six months and book annual water heater maintenance in Orlando.
Myth #11 — Tankless heaters = instant, endless hot water
You still wait for hot water to traverse pipes, and undersized units can’t keep up with simultaneous showers. Use a recirculation loop for “instant” hot water and size tankless models by total gallons-per-minute demand.
👉 Other water heater-related blogs you should explore:
- water heater troubleshooting,
- water heater noise & knocking,
- water heater explosion risks,
- water heater keeps shutting off.
5. Conservation & Fixture Myths
Myth #12 — Dropping a brick in the toilet tank saves water
True in the ‘70s; harmful today. Modern toilets are engineered for 1.28 gallons per flush. A brick crumbles, eroding seals and demanding double flushes—using more water. Upgrade the fixture instead.
Myth #13 — Low-flow fixtures feel like a trickle
Aerator technology maintains satisfying pressure while cutting flow to 1.5 gpm or less. Studies show users adapt quickly without longer shower times. Installing WaterSense faucets can save up to 700 gallons a year per household.
6. Permit & DIY Myths (Florida focus)
Myth #14 — Replacing a water heater is simple—no permit needed
Florida Building Code requires a permit and final inspection for any tank or tankless change-out. Skipping paperwork risks code violations and insurance trouble.
Myth #15 — Duct tape is a permanent pipe fix
Temporary wraps buy a few hours. Insurers may deny water-damage claims if makeshift repairs replace licensed workmanship.
When to Call The Romans Plumbing
If you notice warm slab spots, sky-high water bills, or persistent clogs after trying safe DIY steps, our Orlando-based, state-licensed team is on-call. We arrive with camera scopes, hydro-jetting rigs, and no-mess slab-leak detectors.
Contact us today before a myth turns into major damage.
Key takeaways
Believing “quick fixes” can backfire—damaging your plumbing system and your wallet. Swap myths for maintenance and call certified plumbers when in doubt.
Your pipes, water heaters, and garbage disposals will thank you with fewer emergencies and a lower water bill.
FAQs
Will a dripping faucet really raise my water bill?
Yes—just one drip per second can waste over 3,000 gallons of water annually, enough to take 180 showers. Fix a leaky faucet quickly or call a pro.
Are enzyme-based drain cleaners safer than chemical drain cleaners?
Enzymes break down organic matter without harsh chemicals, making them pipe-safe for routine maintenance. They won’t cut through solid blockages; schedule professional augering for those.
How often should I drain my water heater to remove sediment?
Most pros recommend every six to twelve months depending on your water hardness. See our Orlando water heater lifespan guide for a step-by-step flush schedule.
