Being a homeowner in the Salt Lake Valley brings a deep sense of security and joy, but it also comes with unexpected maintenance costs. With the hard water running through our municipal lines and shifting temperatures throughout the year, plumbing issues are an inevitable part of owning a home here.
With countless online “experts” sharing DIY hacks, knowing whom to trust can be challenging. Following bad advice can quickly turn a minor leak into a flooded basement. That is why relying on a trusted, local plumbing company for accurate answers and professional service is always the smartest decision.
The Danger of DIY Plumbing Hacks
We frequently see well-intentioned homeowners in Midvale, Sandy, and West Jordan trying to address complex plumbing issues on their own rather than calling a licensed professional. When you lack the proper diagnostic tools or experience, DIY repairs can end up costing you significantly more in secondary water damage.
While there are simple maintenance tasks you can handle on your own, it is crucial to know where to draw the line. Many popular online plumbing tips have no merit whatsoever. Here are eight of the most common plumbing myths we recommend avoiding:
Avoid These 8 Common Plumbing Myths
No. 1: You Can Safely Drain Hot Grease in the Kitchen Sink
- Myth: Running hot water while pouring grease down the drain keeps it liquid.
- Fact: Once you pour grease down the drain, it quickly cools and solidifies inside your pipes, creating a sticky trap for other food debris. Over time, grease and cooking oils will build up until the pipe is completely clogged. To avoid this, wait for the grease to cool, wipe it away with a paper towel, or pour it into a disposable container and throw it in the trash.
No. 2: A Wire Hanger is a Great Alternative to a Plumbing Snake
- Myth: You can clear a stubborn clog by shoving a bent wire hanger down the drain.
- Fact: People have been substituting wire hangers for plumbing snakes for years, but it is a terrible idea. Professional plumbing snakes are specifically designed to navigate the curves of your pipes and safely clear blockages. Wire hangers are rigid and sharp; they can permanently scratch and damage the inside of your pipes, leading to rust and future leaks. If you have a severe clog, skip the hanger and call a professional plumbing company in Salt Lake City.
No. 3: “Flushable” Wipes Are Actually Safe to Flush
- Myth: If the packaging says “flushable,” it won’t harm your plumbing.
- Fact: Even though many wipes are marketed as flushable, they do not disintegrate in water as traditional toilet paper does. Wipes—including baby wipes, makeup removers, and cleaning wipes—are one of the leading causes of severe sewer line blockages across Utah. Always dispose of wipes and feminine hygiene products in the trash can.
No. 4: A Plunger Will Fix Any Clogged Sink
- Myth: If water is backing up, plunging it vigorously will eventually clear the line.
- Fact: While a plunger is great for simple toilet blockages, it doesn’t always help a bathroom or kitchen sink drain better. If a sink is completely stopped up, plunging might actually push the clog deeper into the system or break the P-trap seal under your counter. Give it one or two gentle tries, but if it doesn’t clear, you need a professional since the blockage is likely deep in your home’s main line.
No. 5: Any Food Can Go Down the Disposal if the Water is Running
- Myth: The garbage disposal can grind up anything as long as you use enough water.
- Fact: Disposals are meant for small food scraps, not bulk waste. Fibrous materials like banana peels, celery, and corn husks will wrap around the blades. Hard items like eggshells and thick, starchy foods like pasta, rice, and oatmeal will turn into a thick paste that clogs your pipes, regardless of how much water is running.
No. 6: You Can Clean Your Garbage Disposal With Lemon Peels
- Myth: Tossing citrus peels into the disposal is the best way to clean and deodorize it.
- Fact: While the aroma of lemon peels is pleasant, throwing them into the disposal causes multiple problems. The thick peels can easily jam the appliance, the citric acid can cause metal corrosion over time, and the rinds can dull the grinding impellers. Instead, run the disposal with a handful of ice cubes to knock debris off the blades, or pour a mixture of water and white vinegar down the drain to neutralize odors.
No. 7: Bleach Tablets Are Great for Keeping the Toilet Clean
- Myth: Dropping a bleach tablet in your toilet tank keeps the bowl clean with zero effort.
- Fact: The harsh chemicals in bleach tablets sit in your tank 24/7, slowly eating away at the delicate rubber seals, flappers, and internal toilet tank components. This directly leads to constant running water and internal leaks. Only use liquid cleaners designed specifically for the bowl, and keep bleach out of your tank entirely.
No. 8: All Plumbers Provide the Same Level of Service
- Myth: A plumber is a plumber, so you should hire the cheapest hourly rate you can find.
- Fact: This is a massive myth! You may find a cheaper rate on a classified ad, but you will not receive the same level of diagnostic expertise, warranty protection, and professionalism. Plumbing Utah offers quality craftsmanship, expert knowledge, and excellent customer care. You get absolute peace of mind knowing we fix your plumbing problems correctly the very first time.
Trust Your Local Salt Lake Plumbing Company: Plumbing Utah
It may be tempting to save money with DIY solutions, but you should only take on plumbing issues yourself if you have the proper experience. At Plumbing Utah, we dispatch licensed, trained, and certified plumbers directly from our Midvale headquarters to utilize the latest repair methods and technology.
Our team is available 24/7 for residents across Salt Lake City, Sandy, Midvale, and West Jordan in case of a plumbing emergency. We offer comprehensive, top-rated services, including fixture repair, whole-home re-piping, drain cleaning, trenchless sewer line repair, and advanced leak detection.
Do not let a simple plumbing myth turn into a costly disaster. Call (801) 601-1298 to request an inspection, or contact us online today!
