The Most Common Plumbing Misconceptions and What You Should Know

One of the most common plumbing myths is the idea that all fixtures and pipes can handle drain cleaning chemicals. A lot of people think that these chemicals are a quick fix for plumbing problems, especially for tough clogs, but they can actually do a lot of harm to your plumbing system. If your pipes are old, if they're made of certain materials, or if your plumbing system is just generally not very robust (which can happen in older homes), then pouring caustic drain cleaning solutions down your sink can cause serious damage. But even if your plumbing is in good condition, your best bet for getting rid of a tough clog is a mechanical method, like a plunger or a snake, or hiring a pro.

Often, the most significant plumbing problem is a seemingly simple clogged drain or toilet. Many people underestimate the impact of such blockages, believing they're easy to fix or that they'll resolve on their own. However, clogs can lead to really serious problems like water backflow, pipe damage, and even flooding if not properly addressed. The simple solution to avoid all that is to use the right tools and methods for clearing blockages and to not use harsh chemical drain cleaners. Regular maintenance solves that too. And what solves the problem in most poorly draining plumbing systems is to be incredibly mindful of what goes down the drain and to have daily or near-daily rituals that encourage good drainage.

Plumbing troubles commonly arise with dripping faucets, which are often the result of an exhausted washer or an O-ring that has seen better days, and leaky pipes, which are usually the result of corrosion, excessive water pressure, or pipe joint damage. Toilets that run are an all-too-common occurrence, too, generally caused by malfunctions of the flapper valve, which is the part that keeps the toilet from flushing when it isn't supposed to. Clogged drains and toilets are also a frequent source of plumbing headaches, as are problems with low water pressure, which is usually the result of pipe corrosion, a hidden water meter valve, or some other plumbing malfunction. And of course, when it comes to plumbing, one cannot forget about the water heater, which is just as prone to problems as the rest of the system and which often causes its owner to wonder whether or not he or she really has made the right decision in selecting plumbing as a profession after all.

One entertaining piece of trivia about plumbing is that the ancient Romans were some of the very first to have a plumbing system that incorporated aqueducts and lead pipes for the transportation of water. Their advanced engineering allowed the city of Rome to sustain such a large population, efficiently serving it with fresh water and the removal of waste.

Accurately diagnosing the root cause of a plumbing problem is one of the hardest things to do. Plumbing systems are complex, and problems can occur in hard-to-reach places that make determining the origin of a leak or a blockage nothing short of a Herculean task. The average person could not hope to do it, and for good reason. Since the dawn of civilization, plumbing has been almost tantamount to witchcraft. The improper diagnosis of any problem can result in wasted time, amounts of grief that are hard to tally, and further amounts of damage that also are hard to tally. To avoid all that, effective and efficient plumbing problem diagnosis is what we all need.

A common misconception is that a sink drain can have a 90-degree elbow and work just fine. But this isn't true. A sink drain with a 90-degree elbow is at risk of becoming clogged and draining slowly because that sharp turn is just too sharp for debris to get through smoothly. The best way to create that turn in the drain is with two 45-degree elbows. Not only does that make for a smoother transition, but it also cuts down on the risk of blockage.

The plumbing pipe most often cited as an example of a bad plumbing pipe is polybutylene pipe. From the late 1970s to the mid-1990s, low-cost and easily installed plumbing made of polybutylene popular. However, polybutylene was found to be a faulty material. With the kinds of oxidants found in many public water supplies, polybutylene tended to react and eventually break down, which led to a number of nationwide class action lawsuits and calls for homeowners to replace this ticking time bomb of a plumbing pipe before it could cause expensive water damage.

Sure, here's a rephrased version while keeping the original structure intact: Yes, the job of a plumber can be a tough one. It demands not only mental acuity but also plenty of brawn. Plumbers must frequently lift and carry heavy objects, work in confined or uncomfortable spaces, and stand for long periods (LOL). All this can lead to serious and even debilitating injuries if a person doesn't have proper training, doesn't work in an "ergonomic" way, or simply isn't physically suited to the task. Of course, regular exercise, stretching, and the kind of safety practices that keep one from getting "squashed" (like using the right tools) can and do reduce the chances that a plumber will get injured.

"Plumber's crack" is a humorous term used to describe the situation when a person's lower back and upper buttocks are exposed for all to see. This sight is most commonly associated with plumbers, who tend to work in odd positions and constricted spaces that force their clothing—as well as their body—to fit a certain way. Plumbers are not the only ones who experience this. Anyone with a comparable line of work that necessitates a lot of physical bending and squatting could just as easily suffer from "plumber's crack." The simple solution: If you work in a space where your torso and lower half might not be in line, put on a belt. Better still: wear high-waisted pants.

Some plumbing pipe types should not be used today. Here are four examples. 1. Lead pipes. They leach lead into the water we drink. 2. Galvanized steel pipes. They corrode and contaminate the water supply. 3. Polybutylene pipes. Although used in the late 20th century, they degrade when exposed to the oxidants in our public water supply. 4. Any pipe that is not up to code. Outdated materials can lead to significant plumbing problems.