WACO, Texas, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Spring may bring blooming flowers and backyard gatherings, but it can also bring unexpected plumbing issues for homeowners who aren’t ready for the season’s demands. That’s why Mr. Rooter Plumbing®, a Neighborly® company, is setting the record straight on common plumbing and drain care misconceptions that could cause more harm than good to a home’s plumbing.
“Many homeowners believe they’re doing the right thing, but often are misled by common misconceptions,” said Matt Kunz, president, Mr. Rooter Plumbing, a Neighborly company. “This spring, we’re helping homeowners protect their homes and prevent plumbing issues by helping to clear up the confusion.”
Top Drain Misconceptions
Misinformation about drain care is everywhere. Here are three of the most common false misconceptions — and the facts homeowners need to know:
- Misconception 1: Flushable wipes are safe for your toilet.
- Fact: Despite the label, most wipes don’t break down like toilet paper. They often clog pipes and damage plumbing systems, leading to expensive repairs.
- Misconception 2: When in doubt, plunge it out.
- Fact: While useful for minor blockages, plunging with too much force can push clogs deeper or damage pipes. When in doubt, call a professional.
- Misconception 3: Chemical drain openers can fix any clogged pipes with no manual labor.
- Fact: Chemical drain openers can do more harm to plumbing than good. Harsh chemical cleaners can corrode pipes over time while polluting the environment and providing only temporary relief.
How to Prevent Clogs and Buildup Before They Start
The easiest solution to fix clogged drains is to prevent them from happening. Mr. Rooter Plumbing recommends the following care and maintenance steps for clean and clear pipes:
- Use Drain Guards: Install simple screens in sinks and tubs to catch hair, food scraps, and debris.
- Keep grease out: Let cooking grease solidify and toss it in the trash.
- Watch What You Flush: Only human waste and toilet paper should go in the toilet.
- Flush with Hot Water: Flushing or running hot water once a month can help prevent buildup.
- Try Natural Cleaners: A mix of baking soda and vinegar can break down grime without damaging pipes like harsh chemical cleaners.
- Clear Hair Buildup Regularly: Use a drain tool or tweezers to remove hair before it clogs your pipes.
Garbage Disposal Dos and Don’ts
The garbage disposal is one of the most misunderstood kitchen tools. Keep your garbage disposal in top shape with these tips from Mr. Rooter Plumbing:
- Clean your disposal weekly: Use hot water, dish soap, a vinegar solution, or BioChoiceES® to clear buildup.
- Freshen naturally: Use a mix of dish soap, vinegar and water for a quick clean, or baking soda and vinegar for a deeper cleaning. Use a citrus based cleaner to provide the desired smell.
- Use ice and salt: Grind ice cubes mixed with coarse salt to remove debris.
- Avoid these items in a disposal: Never put grease, coffee grounds, eggshells, potato or banana peels, fibrous foods, bones, fruit pits, or expandable foods like rice or pasta in the disposal.
- Never place hands or fingers inside a disposal. Unplug the garbage disposal before putting anything down the disposal to attempt to remove the object from the grind chamber. Carefully use tongs, pliers or another long tool to remove items that have fallen into the disposal. If you’re still experiencing slow drains, gurgling sounds, foul odors, or garbage disposal issues after following these tips, it may be time to call in the experts. A professional plumber from your local Mr. Rooter Plumbing, can provide an expert assessment and recommend the best solution.
For more information on common drain false beliefs and smart plumbing care, visit mrrooter.com/drain-care or contact your local Mr. Rooter Plumbing professional.
About Mr. Rooter Plumbing®:
Mr. Rooter Plumbing®, a Neighborly® company, is a full-service plumbing and drain cleaning franchise with more than 240 franchises worldwide. Established in 1970, Mr. Rooter Plumbing franchisees provide services to both residential and commercial customers. Acquired in 1990, Mr. Rooter Plumbing is part of Neighborly, a family of global brands focused on being remarkable with consumers and franchise owners with more than 30 brands and 5,500 franchise locations across North America and Europe serving millions of customers. For more information about Mr. Rooter Plumbing, visit MrRooter.com. To learn about franchising opportunities with Neighborly, click here.
CONTACT:
Sean Davenport
G&S Business Communications for Mr. Rooter
[email protected]
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/19061a58-7b60-45bb-821a-837726c86768
