Here are some common plumbing myths and tips you’ll want to avoid! Most homeowners know a thing or two about how to maintain and repair various items and appliances in their home. From fixing a minor leak to silencing a running toilet, the average homeowner can take care of lots of DIY plumbing repairs around the house with the help of the internet or advice from friends and family. Every once in a while, though, at Affordable Service, we run into homeowners that are actually harming their plumbing system due to DIY tricks that don’t actually work. 
 
Adding Bricks to Your Toilet Will Save Water and Money. This common plumbing myth is based on the fact that toilets are one of the biggest sources of water use in the home. In theory, placing a brick in the toilet tank reduces the amount of water per flush. However, this DIY money-saving trick can actually harm your plumbing. Placing a brick in your toilet tank is a sure-fire way to break your flapper, causing you to have flush twice. In addition, the brick can disintegrate over time causing even more problems! If you are concerned about saving water and money, contact Affordable Service! We can install a high-efficiency toilet in your home that will save you more water and money over time. You Can Use a Plunger to Unclog Your Sink. This isn’t always true, especially in cases where you have a double sink. If you use a plunger to unclog the sink, one may clear, but the other one might become clogged. This is easily fixed though, if you are sure to cover one sink while you unclog the other. Please note, you should never use chemical drain cleaners, especially not with a plunger, the potential splash-back could cause severe skin damage if it comes in contact with your face or hands. Visit our blog to read up on the right way to unclog your sink. Lemon Slices Will Clean Your Garbage Disposal. While it’s true that throwing a lemon slice or two down the garbage disposal will aid in keeping it smelling fresh, this trick does little to actually clean the garbage disposal. Read your garbage disposal’s manufacturer’s manual and read our blog on What Not to Put in the Garbage Disposal to keep your garbage disposal clean and in good condition. Taking proper care of your plumbing system will ensure the longevity and efficiency of your fixtures and appliances. Plenty of maintenance and minor repairs can be done at home, but make sure you’re not doing more harm than good. If you’re ever in doubt, contact Affordable Service. Our experienced plumbers will give you the right advice and help you address any plumbing problems in your home.