3 Plumbing myths that may affect your home's drainage system

As much as people rely on their home's plumbing systems, many different myths create confusion and result in drainage issues in your home. Such myths may recommend a specific course of action that ultimately destroys your pipes or clogs your drains. Furthermore, myths often divert your attention from specific warning signs that may recommend timely plumbing repairs.

This article will debunk such myths and help you understand how your drainage system truly works.     

1. It's safe to pour oil and grease down the drain

After preparing a tasty deep-fried meal, you may be left with used grease/oil that you don't know what to do with. If you can't reuse it, many people recommend pouring it down the drain. Besides, the oil will just be washed away into your sewage system, right? Wrong.

Pouring oil and grease down the drain could result in clogged drains or blocked pipes. This is because oil is sticky and tends to accumulate dirt and debris. As oil builds up inside your pipes, the debris will also accumulate and eventually cause a blockage. Oil and grease should be disposed of in a designated container rather than being poured down the drain.

2. Having the plumbing system inspected before buying a home is an unnecessary expense

Buying a home is an exciting time for most people. And because there are many different tasks to complete, some may recommend that you don't need to thoroughly inspect the property's drainage system. Besides, a home inspection report should reveal any issues with the home so they can be fixed, right? Wrong.

While most home inspections do uncover issues that warrant repair, they don't always go into as much detail as a dedicated plumbing inspection. Hiring a plumber to check your pipes, drains and fixtures can help you identify critical plumbing issues before closing on a property.

3. Your hot water tank can blow up

When you hear your hot water tank producing hissing or bubbling sounds, you may panic at the thought of the tank exploding. Indeed, an exploded tank is a homeowner's worst nightmare, so you should be prepared to hide under the bed when this happens, right? Wrong.

The reality is that your tank will probably never explode. Hot water tanks are designed with pressure release valves that allow gas build-up to escape from the tank. Furthermore, your tank is more likely to crack and release water than explode all of a sudden. You can prevent tank ruptures by properly maintaining your hot water system.