Truths and lies about the bathroom: debunking 5 myths about plumbing

The bathroom is perhaps the most problematic area in terms of care. Selecting high-quality plumbing fixtures, properly caring for them and preventing the development of fungus is not an easy task. In addition, the network is replete with dozens of misconceptions about it. Today I will dispel the most popular myths and tell you how things are in reality.

No waterproofing needed

This type of placebo is perhaps the most common. “Why spend money on protecting walls and floors? - people ask. “Well, I spilled a couple of drops while swimming, nothing critical will happen.” Indeed, newfangled building materials are not afraid of moisture.

However, one should never discount possible force majeure. Even the best quality plumbing fixtures can break down at one point. And then there is a risk of not only flooding your own apartment, but also having to undergo major repairs for your neighbors. You won't be able to prove anything in court later.

Waterproofing eliminates such problems. High-quality materials will help contain the flood while the tenant, in a panic, finds where his tap turns off. Of course, this is by no means an immediate benefit. However, you should always look to the future and anticipate events.

Cast iron bathtub is the best solution

Sellers often offer people who are not very knowledgeable to buy it. Like, even though it costs more, it’s incredibly reliable.It will last a thousand years and will be an inheritance for your grandchildren. In fact, these are all just advertising slogans.

Acrylic and fiberglass last as long as cast iron. At the same time, such plumbing costs less and weighs much less. In addition, acrylic bathtubs take up much less space than solid cast iron.

A similar deception with other “advantages”. The water in a cast iron bathtub cools just as quickly as in steel and acrylic ones. There is a difference, of course, but it is almost imperceptible. And the noise when filling is not much different.

So you shouldn’t blindly give preference to the “timeless classics”, which are quite difficult to care for. Where is it better to buy plumbing fixtures made from modern synthetic materials? Moreover, the difference in price is noticeable.

Any blockages in pipes can be broken through with a “Mole”

There are many different compounds on the household chemicals market that promise to immediately clear clogged plumbing fixtures. It sounds utopian: you pour in the product, it dissolves everything itself, and the water is washed off, as before. In fact, this method is only available to owners of plastic pipes.

If the house has a metal water supply, it is better to use a plunger the old fashioned way. Or use baking soda. Modern products are too toxic for such materials. A drop of some "Tiret" - and you'll have to change the pipes in the house. Such a major overhaul will cost a pretty penny.

And in general, you should not neglect the instructions and warnings on any household chemicals. They are written on the packaging for a reason. One or two times you may be lucky, but the third time you will be in trouble.

Paper should not be flushed down the toilet

This myth is often heard on various housewives forums. They say it will swell, a blockage will form, and the plumbing will fail. In fact, it is not necessary to keep a separate trash can in the bathroom.

Toilets can easily flush paper. It instantly soaks in water, gets wet and is easily flushed down the toilet. In the sewer, it is completely split into individual components. So you can safely use the washable sleeve from the advertisement.

However, wet wipes and leftover food are a completely different matter. The first ones should never be sent to the toilet. They are not like regular paper and do not dissolve in water. With the second, everything is not so bad. However, it is better to abstain.

The bathroom and sink do not need to be washed

A myth whose reasoning is quite clear to me. After all, the surface of the plumbing fixtures is constantly rinsed, and even with a soap solution! Why does she need any additional cleaning? However, despite the apparent logic, this statement is false.

A simple analogy: a toothbrush, which is used for cleaning, is the dirtiest item in the bathroom. And soap comes in second place. This is because, like a bath, they are used to get rid of dirt and germs that inevitably stick to the surface. So both the toothbrush and the bathtub and sink need to be washed periodically.

Which myths were true for you? Tell us about it in the comments!