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Viral Plumbing Hacks That You Should Avoid

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You may have seen some of those viral plumbing hacks floating around online. They are typically in a big “lifehack” video full of wacky creations that don’t always work. While some of these tricks may work in a pinch, they can actually do more harm than good if you’re not careful.  
 

At John the Plumber, we’ve been in the plumbing business for 3 generations and we’ve seen it all. In this blog post, we’ll be showcasing some of the most popular viral plumbing hacks that you should avoid at all costs! 

The Dangers of Trying to Fix Plumbing Problems Yourself (DI-Why!!?)

There are a lot of people out there who think they can fix anything with a little bit of duct tape and some elbow grease. Unfortunately, this is not the case when it comes to plumbing. Trying to fix a plumbing problem yourself can make the problem worse, and it could end up costing you a lot more money in the long run.  
 

If you’re not a trained plumber, it’s best to leave the plumbing repairs to professionals. We have the tools and experience needed to get the job done right the first time. The next time you’re faced with a plumbing problem, give John the Plumber a call. We’ll be more than happy to help! 

 
Prevention is Best > Common Causes of Toilet Plumbing Issues 

Some of the Worst Plumbing “Lifehacks” 

Now that we’ve talked about the dangers of trying to fix plumbing problems yourself, let’s take a look at some of the most popular viral plumbing hacks that you should avoid. Trust us, you’re better off without them! 

Using WD-40 as a Plumbing Lubricant 

You may have seen this one pop up online. WD-40 is a popular product that’s known for its ability to lubricate and protect metal surfaces. While it may seem like using WD-40 as a plumbing lubricant would be a good idea, it’s actually not.  

WD-40 can damage your plumbing and cause corrosion. It’s best to stick with products that are specifically designed for use with plumbing.

 

Pouring Boiling Water Down the Drain to Clear Clogs 

This is a popular hack that a lot of people think actually works. The idea is that you pour boiling water down your drain to melt away any grease or soap buildup that’s causing a clog. Unfortunately, this is not the case.  

Pouring boiling water down your drain can actually damage your pipes and make the clog worse. It’s best to stick with a plunger or a drain snake to clear away any clogs. 

Using Bleach to Unclog Your Toilet 

Another popular plumbing hack is using bleach to unclog your toilet. The idea is that the bleach will break down whatever is causing the clog. However, using bleach to unclog your toilet can actually damage your plumbing and make the problem worse.  

 
Plus, it’s not a good idea to use bleach around small children or pets. If you’re dealing with a clogged toilet, it’s best to call a plumber. 

Some pets may drink water from the toilet bowl, even if we don’t know it’s happening. Don’t leave any cleaning chemicals in or around the toilet where your pet could access it. 

Shoving a Ton of Ice Down Your Garbage Disposal 

We recently saw this one making the rounds online, and it’s been shared with us a few times in the past. In this viral TikTok, the user pours a large number of ice cubes into her clogged-up and dirty garbage disposal, packing them down with a spatula.  
 

When she turns the disposal on, it creates a slurry of dirt and grime, then clears away. Although this may look simple and harmless enough, this could actually damage your plumbing! If too much is compacted, it can cause a massive leak out the bottom of your garbage disposal. Even worse, in some cases this could clog the drain line, causing black water to back up into the sink! 

It’s safe to say, you should double-check any “lifehack” you see online to make sure it is the real deal, and that it won’t cause your issue to get worse! 

You Don’t Need Plumbing Life Hacks! Just Call John the Plumber!

Trying any of these popular plumbing hacks can actually cause more harm than good. If you’re dealing with a plumbing problem, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.  

John The Plumber has been in the business for three generations and we proudly guarantee all of our work. Give us a call today and see what kind of difference our experience can make. We’ll be more than happy to help. 

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