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Flushing Away 5 Plumbing Myths

Curtis Butchart • Apr 09, 2020

Pioneer Plumbing Investigates Common Misconceptions

Pioneer Plumbing

1. Toilets Flush The Other Way In Australia 


This idea was originally popularized by Bart Simpson, but unsurprisingly toilets flush the same way south of the equator. The idea stems from something known as the Coriolis Effect, which is why cyclones rotate. Cyclones do rotate in opposite directions between the Northern and Southern hemispheres but there is not enough water in toilets to produce the effect. In such a small capacity the direction toilets drain is mostly determined by the position of the jets and shape of the basin.


2. Your Water Heater Is Going To Explode If You Hear Noises


As long as you get a professional to install your water heater, they are not going to be a safety concern. The T & P (temperature and pressure) release valve relieves pressure in an emergency setting. As long as your uncle Jimmy doesn't seal off the valve upon seeing a few drops of water leaking from this vital component, you can be confident that your water heater will perform safely. You may start wonder if a rumbling sound coming from your heater foreshadows a catastrophe. The reality is, these noises you may hear are likely due to heat climbing through sediment build up on the bottom of your tank. Luckily, Pioneer Plumbing offers hot water tank maintenance, which includes a full flush of your unit. Or if your tank is reaching old age (10-15 years old), there are a variety of options we can professionally replace your current system with.


3. Lemon Peels Will Freshen Your Garbage Disposal. 


Unless you have a heavy duty garbage disposal, it’s best to throw those peels in the trash. If you need to freshen up your garbage disposal, soap and water is your best bet. Foods you should avoid putting down your garbage disposal include: grease, fats, oils, raw eggs, eggshells, pasta, rice, potatoes, bones or bone fragments, and strong foods with thick fibers. Treat your garbage disposal kindly and it will repay you the favor for years to come!


4. You Can Flush Wipes And Paper Towels Down The Toilet


To avoid calling your emergency plumber, never put anything other than toilet paper down a toilet. While the other items may go down, they don’t break down like toilet paper is designed to and may clog up your pipes down the road. Nonetheless, if you were late on the memo, Pioneer Plumbing is an expert at getting everything flowing how it should be. Did you know we are on call 24/7 for such emergencies? 

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5. All Plumbing Companies Are The Same


While it’s true that you can likely get the same types of services done by any plumbing company, the internal structure varies greatly between them. Different companies have different priorities in mind when serving you. That’s not always a bad thing. You may find one company suits your needs better than the next. We prioritize top quality service, reliable technicians, and honest work. We find that once customers experience our level of service, they won’t let another company touch their plumbing again! Like a trusted barber, most times once you find a good plumber you’ll be sticking with them long-term. If you are unhappy with your current provider, it’s time to re-evaluate! Call us if you'd like to discuss your plumbing and heating needs and we'll direct you on the right path. 




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