Plumbing emergencies are difficult to deal with, and in an effort to resolve the issue quickly and prevent damage, many homeowners will try to take matters into their own hands. While this may work in some minor cases, an easy fix may not always be possible, and you could potentially end up making the problem worse. In order to avoid some of the major pitfalls that go along with DIY plumbing, take a look at some of the plumbing myths that just simply aren’t true:
- There is no job too big for a plunger: While a plunger can take care of most minor obstructions, it is a good idea to avoid trying to plunge away large blockages. The larger jobs are best left to a professional plumber in Modesto, CA, as trying to unclog your toilet could actually make the blockage worse. For help avoiding constant backup and overflow in your toilet in the first place, try switching to toilet paper that is both clog- and septic-safe.
- Water heaters can’t explode: While the normal operation of a properly functioning water heater is as safe as anything else in your home, if something goes wrong, your family’s safety could be at risk. Sometimes your water heater has high water pressure due to thermal expansion. Under normal circumstances your pressure relief valve will kick into action to make sure that these dangerous amounts of pressure are released. However, if this valve fails, there is a chance that your water heater could explode. In order to avoid this dangerous situation, make sure that your water heater is being inspected routinely and that the relief valve is still in good working condition.
- Leaky faucets don’t cause that much damage: Although a small drip coming from a pesky faucet doesn’t seem like that big of a deal, the reality is that you are letting your hard-earned money drip right down the drain. Even a tiny leak that drips 60 times in a minute can waste 2,000 gallons of water per year. In addition to being a waste of money, a leaky faucet could eventually lead to other moisture-related problems in your home, and could actually raise the humidity levels high enough for mold to begin to develop.
- Toilet drainage depends on geographic location: Many people believe that the water in the Southern Hemisphere drains in an opposite direction due to the Earth’s rotation, but this is not the case at all. The direction your water drains will depend on the actual plumbing in your home, and the direction that the jets inside your toilet bowl are pointing.
If you are ever in doubt about any plumbing issues in your home, your best bet will be to call a plumber in Modesto, CA to do the job. Here at Alvarado Pumping Septic Service, we take pride in the quality of all of our work, and offer emergency plumbing services if you ever find yourself in a sticky situation. To learn more about all of the services we offer and to schedule your appointment, give us a call today.