10 Common Plumbing & HVAC Myths Debunked

Over the years, pieces of misinformation have made their way into homeowners’ minds under the guise of being “common sense” or “life hacks.” However, it’s important to know the truth behind these myths.

24hr Supply has compiled a guide that debunks 10 common plumbing and HVAC misconceptions. Avoid falling for inaccurate information to keep your HVAC and plumbing equipment in good working condition for years!

Myth #1: “It’s OK to flush baby wipes down the toilet.”

If you use baby wipes or personal cleansing cloths, you’ve probably seen several brands market themselves as “flushable.” Unfortunately, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Baby wipes, makeup remover cloths, and menstrual hygiene products don’t break down when they’re wet the way toilet paper does. Flush too many of these items down the toilet, and you could end up with a nasty clog sooner rather than later. The only things you should be flushing down your toilet are toilet paper and human waste.

Myth #2: “I don’t need to call a plumbing or HVAC expert if everything is working.”

Do you go to the doctor once a year for your annual physical? Treat your plumbing and HVAC systems the same way. Even if everything seems to be working as intended, annual maintenance appointments can help you catch potential problems before they arise.

Once a year, have a plumbing expert look at your pipes and hire an HVAC technician to check out your heating and cooling system.

Myth #3: “My garbage disposal can handle anything I put down there.”

While garbage disposals are an immense help to people who do lots of cooking, they’re not all-powerful. Be careful about which food scraps you put down there, as well as how much food you’re scraping into the sink.

Stringy, high-fiber foods like artichokes and celery can jam up your garbage disposal, as those long strings can wind around the blades. In addition, you should never pour grease or oil down the sink’s drain; over time, the grease will harden and create a nasty clog.

Myth #4: “Turning off the AC when I’m not home is a waste of energy.”

Many homeowners believe that turning the air conditioner off when they’re not using it actually wastes energy. The thought process here is that when they turn it back on when they get home, the HVAC system must work extra hard to cool the home again.

This simply isn’t true. Turning off your AC when you’re not home does save energy. Many homeowners install programmable thermostats to give them control over temperatures while they’re away, allowing them to save on energy.

Myth #5: “It’s a good idea to close the vents in rooms I don’t use.”

This myth also centers around the desire to save money on energy bills. The idea is that the fewer rooms you have to heat or cool, the more money you’ll save.

However, when some rooms have closed vents, the airflow and temperature in the home will become inconsistent. Your furnace will keep trying to heat the entire home evenly, but the closed vents will cause pressure to build in the ducts. Duct leaks are an expensive fix; save money and leave your vents open.

Myth #6: “I can live with inconsistent water pressure; it’s no big deal.”

If the water pressure in your home is unstable or inconsistent, you don’t have to resign yourself to living with it. In fact, you shouldn’t! Unstable water pressure can indicate a problem with your pipes.

Call a plumbing expert with access to professional plumbing supplies and the right know-how to install them. Your home could even benefit from a booster pump to increase that water pressure!

Myth #7: “Where I install the thermostat in my home doesn’t matter.”

Actually, the location of your thermostat matters a great deal! If you install your thermostat in a room with plenty of direct sunlight or near a heat source, it can give an inaccurate reading.

Install your thermostat in a room you use often, and keep it on an interior wall far away from any heat sources.

Myth #8: “Turning the thermostat way, way up will heat my home more quickly.”

When you come indoors from the cold and want to heat up your home quickly, you may want to crank the thermostat. However, cranking it up doesn’t heat your home more quickly. Your furnace (or air conditioner) will heat or cool your home at the same rate, no matter which temperature you set.

Consider using a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home. You can turn off the heat or AC when you’re away. Then, when you’re on your way back home, you can remotely turn it back on so that your home is at the perfect temperature when you arrive.

Myth #9: “Chemical drain cleaners are great for busting clogs.”

While those chemical cleaners may make quick work of dissolving harsh clogs, don’t get into the habit of using them. Commercial drain cleaners rely on harsh chemicals that can damage the interior walls of your pipes. Bleach is one of the worst things you can pour down your drain, as it actively eats away at piping.

If you’ve got a small clog you want to take care of yourself, use a snake or a plunger instead.

Myth #10: “Duct tape is ideal for patching up my air ducts.”

The regular duct tape you see at the store is not suitable for use in HVAC applications. The adhesive isn’t strong enough to grip onto ductwork, and it will peel off or disintegrate under particularly hot or cold conditions.

If you have leaks or holes in your ductwork, call an HVAC professional to look at those ducts. There are some home improvement projects you shouldn’t DIY—and duct repair is one of them.

In reading this guide to debunking common plumbing and HVAC myths, you may have encountered at least one myth you previously believed! Misinformation is common in home improvement circles, as many homeowners want to fix their problems themselves.

However, if you have a bona fide problem with your HVAC unit or plumbing system, it’s best to leave repairs to the professionals. Next time you experience a problem with your heating, cooling, or plumbing, call a repair expert near you. To keep your plumbing and HVAC systems in tip-top shape for years to come, schedule annual maintenance appointments.