Every now and then, we hear a story that sounds like it should be true, but we're just not sure. While out on service calls, our expert plumbers often hear homeowners talk of stories they were told about their plumbing that have absolutely no basis in truth.
That's why we decided it was time to debunk two of the most commonly held beliefs that people have about the plumbing in their homes.
There's No Way Your Water Heater Could Ever Explode
The myth of the exploding water heater is so widespread that it once was featured on the TV show MythBusters, where they proved very convincingly that it can happen.
Just like a pressure cooker, the heat and pressure inside your water tank can become so elevated that, without a way to relieve it, it will eventually explode. Fortunately, water heaters are equipped with a valve that is designed to release water and pressure out if it nears dangerous levels.
It's important for homeowners to occasionally check the temperature pressure relief valve on their hot water tank to make sure it's working correctly. We also recommend having one of our expert plumbing technicians maintain your water heater once a year to ensure it continues to operate as efficiently and safely as possible.
It's Impossible For An Animal To Travel Through Sewer Lines To Get To Your Home
Homeowners have often been shocked to find such diverse wildlife as frogs, birds, rabbits, squirrels, and even snakes in their toilets.
Rats and frogs that often live in sewer systems are capable of crawling through sewer lines and up your drainpipes to get to your toilet bowl.
Although snakes don't usually inhabit sewer systems, they have been known to follow their prey into the pipes. Birds and squirrels that end up inside the toilet will most often have found their way there through the vent stack on the roof.
Their entry into your plumbing system can be avoided by installing a wire mesh cap on the vent. Residential toilets can be animal-proofed with the installation of a device specifically designed to allow waste to leave the toilet while also preventing wildlife from getting in.
If you have any other plumbing myths that you're unsure about, feel free to contact us to find out if they are true or not. The friendly and helpful professionals at Knight Plumbing are also available to provide assistance with all of your plumbing repair, installation, and maintenance needs in your Milwaukee, WI home. For an appointment, call (414) 420-0625.