Plumbing Newport News
There are many plumbing myths that have people convinced that they’re saving money and saving the environment. However, well-meaning people use and spread these myths and cost thousands of dollars of damage to Plumbing Newport News Va systems each year. There are three myths in particular that have been around for decades and are particularly damaging.
Myth #1: If the toilet is clogged, use a plunger.
Most people do not know how to properly use a plunger to unclog a toilet. If you are like many people, you probably apply as much pressure as possible when pressing down on the plunger. This is the worst thing you could do when your toilet is clogged. There’s a wax ring sealing the toilet to the floor and guiding the waste down through the pipe. Its purpose is to keep the waste from coming back. If the clog is in the pipe and not the siphon opening, you are damaging the wax ring. This can allow seepage of sewage and water into the floor around the toilet, which can cause thousands of dollars in damage if left unchecked.
A plunger is only a useful tool if it’s used properly-the plunger must form a seal around the siphon opening. You must then press gently and slowly. Pressing down too hard or too quick is what causes damage to the wax ring. You can now pull back the plunger. Sometimes, seeking an alternative method such as an auger or calling a professional, like A-1 American Services, will be your best bet.
Myth #2: Draino will help you unclog pipes quickly and will not harm your pipes.
The speed with which the over-the-counter drain product works depends on the type of clog you have. Some items like meat and hair take longer to dissolve than others, so it could take hours for an acid-based drain cleaner to work. While it is sitting there eating away at the clog, it is also eating away at the pipes. This can cause further problems when you have to hire a Plumbing Newport News Va service provider to snake the drain, only to have the snake poke through the wall of the weakened pipe.
Myth #3: Run water with the garbage disposal to prevent clogs.
Running the water only pushes the food down the disposal drain and clogs can still happen. If there’s already a blockage or if the food is too big to go through the pipe, water will not get past the blockage. Ideally, you should fill the sink with water and let it sit to separate the food waste. This will make it easier for the food to flow down the drain, and you’ll actually be conserving water in the process.
Perhaps the biggest myth is that plumbing issues should be tackled on your own using DIY methods. There are many reasons why a drain can become clogged or the plumbing does not work correctly. A-1 American Services will send the best HVAC Virginia Beach to identify the cause of the problem and recommend a solution that will stop further damage to your plumbing. While you may have a general idea of how to fix the area where the plumbing issue is originating, there could be underlying issues that you may miss.
A-1 American provides air conditioning, heating and plumbing services to homes and businesses in the Hampton Roads Virginia cities of Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Newport News and Hampton and north into Williamsburg. A-1 American provides emergency service and repair, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays. A-1 American charges by the job, not by the hour. A-1 American prides itself on immediate response, punctuality, courtesy and customer satisfaction. Call us today: Southside 757-425-2400 Peninsula 757-595-9900 Williamsburg 757-565-1900
