Keeping your plumbing system in optimal shape is an essential job for every homeowner. However, there’s a lot of conflicting information out there about plumbing service, maintenance, and regular upkeep. This makes it difficult for many homeowners to understand what they need to do to keep their pipes, faucets, and everything else in working order. To help, here are a few common myths about plumbing service, along with the right information so you can better care for your system.

Don’t Fall for These Plumbing Service Myths!

1. Leaky Faucets Are Normal

While it’s not uncommon for a faucet to have a small leak, it is an issue that should be addressed. Homeowners often believe that small drips won’t cause any harm. However, those little drips can add up and lead to a higher water bill. In addition, regular dripping can stain plumbing fixtures, leading to dirty looking sinks that could require repairs in the future.

2. You Can Flush Any Item Labeled “Flushable”

There are plenty of commercial products that claim they are safe to flush down the toilet, such as wipes and sanitary napkins. However, these products aren’t made to dissolve the same way that toilet paper does, so they can often lead to blockages and pipe backups. In most cases, toilet paper and waste are the only items that should be flushed.

3. Water Flushes in the Opposite Direction South of the Equator

There’s a common belief that toilets in the northern hemisphere flush clockwise and those in the southern hemisphere flush counterclockwise. However, the truth is that the direction of the flushing is determined by the design of the toilet itself, and not by any sort of gravitational issue. So while most homeowners don’t have a particular preference on this issue, it isn’t something that’s solely based on location.

If you have any other plumbing-related questions or need repairs or maintenance, the professionals at GNG Plumbing and The Hardware Store in Fort Morgan and Orange Beach, AL, will help. The team offers a variety of plumbing services, including water heater maintenance and toilet repair. They also offer a hardware retail section for those who want to purchase supplies for their home projects. Call (251) 974-5630 or contact the team online to learn more about the company. You can also find them on Facebook.