Top 10 Plumbing Repair Myths – Flushed!
- Tim Friedrich
- 13 minutes ago
- 3 min read
As Cincinnati plumbing professionals with decades of experience, we’ve heard plenty of plumbing myths. While some are outrageous enough to make us shake our heads and smile, others can pose real problems. Take the belief that a dripping faucet is something you can ignore – it’s not.

Below we bust the ten most common plumbing repair myths. Here’s what every homeowner should know before a small issue turns into a costly repair.
1. “I don’t need a plumber. I can do this myself.” By all means, use a plunger to unclog a backed-up sink or toilet before you give the pros a call, but when it comes to most plumbing problems, it’s best not to go the DIY route.
Not only can DIY plumbing result in failure, but you could make the problem worse. And eventually, when you finally give up and call the plumber, you’ve paid twice, first for materials to do the job yourself and then for the plumber to do the job right.
2. “Dripping faucets are just annoying, not urgent.” Those tiny drips add up. Over time, dripping faucets add to your water bill and can wear down your fixture, too. Let a plumbing professional identify the reason for the drips and make the necessary repairs so you don’t throw money down the drain.
3. “Chemical drain cleaners are the best.” Although chemical drain openers are fine to use on occasion, if you’re relying on them regularly, you likely have a problem no drain cleaner can fix. Additionally, chemical drain cleaners eat away at your pipes. Professional hydro-jetting is cleaner, safer, and lasts longer.
4. “You always need to hire a master plumber.” Not necessarily. Unless you're a builder dealing with blueprints and code considerations, you don't. What you really need is a licensed, experienced plumber who can address your plumbing issues quickly and make the necessary repairs, maintenance, or upgrades efficiently.
5. “All plumbers charge the same rates.” Plumbing services vary in price depending on experience, licensing, and the type of work. The cheapest option isn’t always the best. Look for a company with a proven track record, upfront pricing, and licensed professionals you can trust.
6. “You only need a plumber in an emergency.” Emergency services are important, but preventative maintenance matters just as much. Yearly inspections -or “check-ups”- can uncover small issues before they turn into major repairs. Regular maintenance, just as you would for your car, saves money and keeps your plumbing running smoothly.
7. “Water heater size doesn’t matter.” Choosing the wrong size water heater is a common mistake. If it’s too small, you’ll run out of hot water quickly. Too large, and you’re paying to heat more water than you need. A licensed plumber can recommend the right size for your home and family.
8. “Garbage disposals can handle anything if you run water.” Disposals aren’t trash compactors. They’re designed for small, soft food scraps. Even with water running, avoid grease and oils, fibrous foods (like celery strings, onion skins, corn husks), large amounts of starch (rice, pasta), coffee grounds, bones, pits, and shells.
9. “Flushable wipes are safe to flush.” Despite the label, most wipes don’t break down like toilet paper. They can clog your pipes and cause blockages in the city sewer system. It’s best to dispose of wipes in the trash.
10. “Sump pumps don’t need maintenance.” They do, especially in Cincinnati where we get plenty of heavy rain. Test your pump a few times a year by pouring water into the pit to raise the float; it should turn on and discharge quickly.
Clear debris from the pit, make sure the discharge line is unobstructed, and check that the float moves freely. Most pumps should be replaced about every 7–10 years to stay dependable.
Why busting plumbing myths matters
Plumbing myths can end up costing you more in the long run. The best way to protect your home is to rely on licensed, experienced professionals who know how to prevent problems before they start.
Fact: Allied Reddi-Rooter has been serving Cincinnati homeowners and businesses for more than 70 years. Whether you need routine maintenance, expert advice, or emergency repairs, our team is here 24/7 to help.