Introduction
Welcome! Here we shall dive into the free-flowing plumbing realm and debunk the * common plumbing myths!
It’s important to know truth from myth as this could save a lot of time and money and help you maintain your dignity if any of the below topics are brought up in conversation!
If at all you seek further knowledge or require assistance with anything Plumbing related, please hit up the team at Dream Plumbing and Gas, or if in the local area, they’re the first-choice plumber Hornsby.
Myth #1: Toilets Flush the Opposite Way in the Southern Hemisphere
Our first myth is believed to be due to the Coriolis effect. This is primarily due to popular belief reflected in Hollywood films and television shows. In real life this is not the case so let’s go ahead and debunk this myth.
The Coriolis effect is a phenomenon that occurs due to the rotation of the Earth. It describes the apparent deflection of moving objects, such as air or water, as they travel across the Earth’s surface.
In the Northern Hemisphere, the Coriolis effect causes moving objects, including large-scale weather systems, to deflect to the right.
In the Southern Hemisphere, the deflection is to the left. This effect is responsible for the rotation of weather patterns, such as cyclones and hurricanes, in their respective hemispheres.
Although this is a very real phenomenon it has very minimal effect on the direction in which the water flushes in the very small confined space of a toilet bowl. Nice try Hollywood.
The direction in which the water flushes is determined by the manufacturer as to how they’ve designed the bowl itself and which mechanics they have used. Toilets are engineered to create a specific flow pattern that promotes efficient flushing and waste removal.
Toilets typically feature a curved or siphonic trapway, which creates a whirlpool effect when water is rapidly introduced into the bowl after engaging the flush mechanism. Furthermore, gravity is the head determinate behind the flushing direction.
Myth #2: Dripping Faucets Fix Themselves Over Time
Now, onto the second myth, which if it were correct would be something straight out of Hogwarts?
Dripping faucets unfortunately don’t just fix themselves over time. It is important to get to the root cause of this issue as if left to magically work itself out, could lead to further issues and a big bill.
Two common culprits are:
- Worn-out washers
- Faulty cartridges
When a faucet handle is turned off, a washer or cartridge is responsible for creating a watertight seal, preventing water from continuing to flow. Over time, the constant pressure and friction from opening and closing the faucet can cause these components to deteriorate, resulting in a drip.
It might not seem significant at first but Ignoring this issue over a prolonged period can lead to numerous problems.
Firstly, it wastes water. A single dripping faucet can waste hundreds of liters of water annually. This not only has an environmental impact but can also contribute to higher water bills.
Secondly, this can cause damage to the fixture and surrounding areas. The continuous dripping can lead to the build-up of mineral deposits, known as limescale, around the faucet spout or handle. This buildup can be difficult to remove and may eventually corrode the fixture, leading to the need for expensive repairs or replacements.
Thirdly, the constant presence of moisture from a constant drip can create a flourishing environment for the growth of mold. This can cause unpleasant odors, staining, and potentially interfere with one’s health if becoming airborne and breathed in.
Myth #3: Flushable Wipes are Safe for the Sewer System
Our third myth is unfortunately due to the manufacturer’s false statement of “flushable wipes”
That is why it is so important that this myth is debunked and the potential consequences explained.
Contrary to popular belief, flushable wipes do not disintegrate in the same way that toilet paper does. Toilet paper is specifically designed to degrade once flushed but flushable wipes are typically made of sturdier material that is less likely to dissolve.
Although manufacturers often market these wipes as safe to flush, the reality is that they can pose serious problems to your plumbing system and also the environment.
When these wipes are flushed down the toilet they often combine somewhere within the installation and cause blockages. This occurs in both household plumbing and municipal sewer systems. Once combined they can become entangled with other debris, such as grease, hair, and sanitary products, forming clumps that further obstruct pipes and sewer lines.
Blockages from this situation can lead to a variety of issues, including clogged toilets, slow drains, and sewage backups. These problems often require the assistance of professional plumbers to resolve, resulting in costly repairs and inconvenience for homeowners.
To avoid potentially serious issues it is completely advised to only flush toilet paper down the toilet and have a wipes bin to dispose of these wipes properly. This will save time and money and also benefit the environment.
Myth #4: DIY Plumbing Repairs Always Save Money
DIY repairs can sometimes be cost-saving but it’s important to weigh up the risk-to-reward ratio.
Simple things like unclogging a toilet after a big doose can be done (not always successful) by an inexperienced individual, but trying to tackle a plumbing issue that you aren’t licensed for can result in injury, damage to property, and void of insurance.
It is important to keep in mind that something that seems small and insignificant could have underlying issues further down the line so to speak. It could definitely be worth having a professional perform routine maintenance so that if these underlying issues exist, they can be detected and addressed in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
Plumbing systems often require specific tools and equipment that homeowners may not have readily available. Using the wrong tools or materials can lead to further damage, leakages, or possible injury.
Conclusion:
Thank you for reading the article on Debunking 4 common plumbing myths! I hope that you have learned something valuable from reading this and that it may better help your judgment and decision-making in the future.
Written by Jonson Morrissey – Head of SEO at In Essence Consulting.
