Some plumbing ideas sound like common sense. Others come from something your neighbor said. But not everything you hear about pipes, drains, or water heaters is actually true.
In Arvada, CO, where homes vary in age and plumbing setups, believing the wrong myth can lead to expensive problems—or dangerous ones.
Let’s go through 10 of the most common plumbing myths that still circulate in Arvada neighborhoods, and why it’s better to ignore them.
Myth 1: “If the Water’s Going Down, the Drain Must Be Fine”
Not always.
Water might go down slowly even when there’s a partial blockage. Grease, hair, and mineral buildup reduce the diameter of your pipes gradually.
The issue shows up as slow drains now—but becomes a full blockage later. Plumbers in Arvada deal with this every day.
Myth 2: “A Brick in the Toilet Tank Saves Water”
Old trick. Bad idea.
Putting a brick in the tank displaces water, but it also interferes with flushing and might even damage parts inside.
If you want to save water, upgrade to a low-flow toilet. A local plumber in Arvada, CO can do that easily.
Myth 3: “All Plumbing Work Can Be DIY”
Yes, you can handle small fixes. But even experienced DIYers hit limits. A cross-threaded fitting, a cracked pipe, or a wrongly installed valve can lead to leaks—or worse.
Plumbers are trained to spot problems you might miss. One mistake can cost more than the original fix.
Myth 4: “Flushable Wipes Are Safe”
They’re marketed as flushable—but they’re not safe for your pipes.
Unlike toilet paper, they don’t break down quickly. In Arvada, where many homes have older pipes, these wipes can cause major clogs and even sewer backups.
Myth 5: “Lemons Clean Your Garbage Disposal”
Lemons smell nice. But they don’t clean much.
In fact, lemon rinds can dull the blades or clog the drain over time. Use a small amount of dish soap and cold water instead—or ask your plumber about a disposal-safe cleaner.
Myth 6: “Running Hot Water Helps Grease Go Down”
It does—briefly. But as soon as that grease cools down in the pipes, it hardens. Then it builds up.
Don’t pour grease down any drain. Let it cool and toss it in the trash.
Myth 7: “Plungers Work on Everything”
Nope.
Some clogs (like deep sewer line backups) need professional tools. Plunging over and over can actually push the blockage further in or damage seals.
Call an emergency plumber in Arvada if multiple drains clog at once.
Myth 8: “You Only Need a Plumber for Emergencies”
Waiting until things break is the most expensive way to handle plumbing.
Routine maintenance—like water heater flushes, pressure checks, or drain cleaning—saves money in the long run. Arvada plumbers offer affordable checkups that prevent emergencies.
Myth 9: “My Pipes Won’t Freeze—It Doesn’t Get That Cold”
Wrong.
Arvada winters can—and do—cause pipes to freeze. Pipes in garages, basements, or crawlspaces are especially at risk.
Insulating vulnerable pipes is simple, cheap, and way easier than dealing with a burst.
Myth 10: “I Don’t Need a Permit for Small Plumbing Work”
Even small plumbing jobs—like moving a toilet or adding a new sink—may require a permit in Arvada.
Skipping this step can cause trouble if you try to sell your home later, or if an inspector gets involved. Reputable plumbers in Arvada CO know what needs a permit and will handle it for you.
Final Word
Believing the wrong plumbing advice might not hurt today—but it usually costs you later.
If you’re unsure, don’t trust a rumor. Call a licensed Arvada plumber and get the right answer the first time.
It’s your home. Trust facts, not myths.