Five Common Plumbing Myths That Could Cost You

As plumbers who've worked in Melbourne FL and across Brevard County for years, we've heard just about every piece of plumbing advice out there -- and a lot of it is flat-out wrong. Some of these myths seem harmless, but they can actually lead to expensive repairs down the road.

Here are five plumbing myths we hear from homeowners all the time, and the truth behind each one.

Myth 1: Lemons Clean Your Garbage Disposal

We get why this one sticks around -- toss a lemon peel down the disposal and your kitchen smells great. But smelling better isn't the same as being clean. Lemon rinds don't disinfect the blades or remove the buildup of food residue that causes bacteria growth.

To actually clean your garbage disposal, turn it off and disconnect the power first. Then use a mild dish soap and warm water with a cleaning brush to scrub inside. Some folks use ice cubes and coarse salt to knock debris off the blades, which works well too. Clean it once a month and you'll avoid that funky smell entirely.

Myth 2: You Can Put Anything Down the Disposal If You Run Water

This is probably the myth that causes the most service calls for us. Running water doesn't magically make your disposal capable of handling everything. Certain items will damage the blades or cause clogs no matter how much water is flowing.

Here's a short list of things that should never go down a garbage disposal:

• Grease or cooking oil -- solidifies in your pipes and creates stubborn clogs
• Eggshells -- the membrane can wrap around the blades
• Pasta, rice, or bread -- expands with water and blocks the drain
• Fibrous vegetables (celery, asparagus, corn husks) -- tangles in the blades
• Coffee grounds -- accumulates into a sludge in your pipes

When in doubt, throw it in the trash. It's a lot cheaper than a professional drain cleaning.

Myth 3: If Water Goes Down, Your Drain Is Fine

Just because water is still going down the drain doesn't mean everything is clear. Slow drainage is one of the earliest signs that a clog is forming -- and ignoring it only makes it worse.

Grease, hair, soap residue, and food particles build up gradually on the inside of your pipes. You might not notice a problem until the drain is almost completely blocked and water starts backing up. If you notice water draining slower than usual in any sink, shower, or tub, that's the time to act -- not after the clog becomes an emergency. Our post on unclogging a shower drain covers some easy first steps you can try.

Myth 4: Chemical Drain Cleaners Are Safe and Effective

This is the myth we wish would die for good. Chemical drain cleaners like Drano and Liquid-Plumr might seem like a quick fix, but they cause more harm than good in most cases.

Here's what actually happens when you pour them down a slow drain: the harsh chemicals (usually sodium hydroxide or sulfuric acid) generate heat as they react. That heat can warp PVC pipes, corrode older metal pipes, and damage the finish on your fixtures. They're also dangerous to handle -- chemical burns from splashback are more common than you'd think.

Even worse, if the product doesn't fully clear the clog, you've now got a pipe full of caustic chemicals sitting on top of a blockage, which makes it more dangerous for whoever has to fix it later.

For minor clogs, a plunger or baking soda and vinegar is safer and often just as effective. For anything persistent, call a plumber. We use professional-grade drain cleaning equipment that clears blockages without damaging your pipes.

Myth 5: All Plumbers Are Basically the Same

We understand why people think this -- plumbing is plumbing, right? But the reality is there's a huge range in quality, licensing, and honesty across the industry. Here on the Space Coast, we've been called to fix plenty of botched jobs from unlicensed handymen or companies that cut corners.

When you're choosing a plumber, look for these things:

• Active Florida plumbing license -- you can verify this through the Florida DBPR website
• Insurance and bonding -- protects you if something goes wrong
• Consistent reviews on Google -- look for patterns, not just star counts
• Upfront pricing -- a reputable plumber will give you a quote before starting work
• Local experience -- someone who knows Brevard County's soil conditions, building codes, and common pipe materials

Shaw Plumbing is a family-owned business serving Melbourne, Palm Bay, Cocoa Beach, Viera, and the surrounding Space Coast communities. We're licensed, insured, and we stand behind our work.