Top 5 Plumbing Myths Livingston Homeowners Should Stop Believing

Plumbing is one of those things most homeowners don’t think much about—until something goes wrong. When a leak appears, the toilet backs up, or a pipe starts making strange noises, you naturally look for quick answers. That’s when many turn to online advice, old home remedies, or tips from friends and family. Unfortunately, a lot of that information is based on outdated practices or misconceptions that can actually make your plumbing problems worse.

At Z PLUMBERZ of Livingston, we’ve spent years helping homeowners untangle the consequences of bad advice. From severe drain blockages to water damage inside walls, the issues caused by common plumbing myths are more frequent than most people realize. That’s why we’ve put together this expanded guide—to give you the clarity, facts, and expert-backed insights you need to protect your home.

Below, we debunk the top five plumbing myths we encounter most often and explain what really keeps your plumbing running smoothly.

Myth #1: “A Leaky Faucet Is Harmless”

A dripping faucet may seem like little more than an annoyance, but in reality, it’s one of the most wasteful and easily preventable plumbing problems in Livingston homes. A slow drip can easily add up to hundreds or thousands of gallons wasted each year. You may not notice the impact right away, but your water bill certainly will.

More importantly, a leak rarely occurs randomly. Something in the fixture or system is failing, and the longer a leak continues, the more damage it can cause. Moisture can stain sinks, corrode metal components, and foster mold or mildew growth, especially in closed spaces like under-sink cabinets.

Common causes of faucet leaks include:

• Worn-out washers or O-rings
• Loose or deteriorated seals
• Corrosion inside the fixture
• High or inconsistent water pressure

When you’re dealing with a leak due to one of these issues, Z PLUMBERZ can evaluate the entire fixture and the surrounding plumbing to identify the root cause. Addressing leaks early protects your water bill, prevents moisture damage, and extends the life of your plumbing fixtures.

Myth #2: “Flushable Wipes Are Safe for Toilets.”

This myth is responsible for some of the worst clogs we see. Even though packaging often says “flushable,” most wipes do not break down quickly—or at all—inside your plumbing. They remain intact long enough to get caught on tiny imperfections or bends in your pipes. Once lodged, they collect more debris and begin forming the kind of dense, rope-like clogs that no plunger can fix.

In Livingston neighborhoods with older sewer systems, these blockages are even more common. Pipes made of cast iron or clay often have uneven surfaces where wipes easily snag. After enough buildup, the result is an obstruction that may cause:

• Slow-draining toilets
• Frequent plunging
• Gurgling or bubbling noises
• Sewage backups
• Foul odors near drains

On a larger scale, wipes contribute to massive blockages within municipal sewer systems—large enough to require heavy machinery to remove. These “fatbergs” are a growing nationwide problem.

Disposing wipes in the trash is the safest and most effective option. Even wipes marketed as “septic safe” or “rapid dissolving” can cause problems, because they still don’t break apart fast enough. If you’ve been flushing wipes and are now noticing early signs of trouble, Z PLUMBERZ of Livingston can perform a drain inspection to catch buildup before it causes a major backup.

Myth #3: “Hot Water Washes Grease Safely Down the Drain.”

Grease is one of the most damaging materials that can be sent into your plumbing system. While hot water may liquefy it at the sink, the grease cools and hardens further down your pipes—in a place you cannot reach. Layer after layer builds up, eventually forming a thick, waxy obstruction that traps bits of food, soap scum, and other waste.

Many Livingston homeowners unknowingly make the problem worse by rinsing pans with dish soap. While this helps the grease slide down more easily, it only spreads the problem further down the line. The grease still eventually cools, and when it does, it sticks to the pipe walls and begins creating a narrowing effect.

The correct way to dispose of grease is simple: let it cool, pour it into a disposable container, and throw it in the garbage. If you’re already experiencing symptoms of a grease clog, our plumbers can remove the buildup using safe, professional-grade equipment such as hydro jetting—something chemical cleaners cannot achieve.

Myth #4: “DIY Plumbing Fixes Work Just as Well as Professional Repairs.”

DIY plumbing isn’t necessarily bad—so long as you understand your limits. Changing a showerhead, replacing a faucet aerator, or tightening a loose connection is perfectly reasonable for many homeowners. 

The problem arises when videos or friendly suggestions make complicated jobs seem simple. Plumbing systems are interconnected, precise, and regulated by safety and building codes for a reason. Some of the most expensive repairs we perform started out as well-intentioned DIY projects.

Common DIY mistakes include:

• Over-tightening fittings and cracking pipes
• Using plumbing tape incorrectly
• Mixing incompatible pipe materials
• Applying sealants where they don’t belong
• Installing fixtures without addressing underlying issues
• Misdiagnosing the problem entirely

These mistakes often go unnoticed until significant water damage has already occurred. When you hire Z PLUMBERZ of Livingston, you get access to trained technicians, specialized tools, and knowledge built from years of hands-on experience. We ensure repairs are safe, long-lasting, and fully up to code.

Myth #5: “Chemical Drain Cleaners Are Safe and Effective.”

Chemical drain cleaners are marketed as fast, powerful solutions, but the truth is that they do more harm than good. These products contain harsh chemicals that heat up inside your pipes, damaging PVC, corroding metal, and weakening rubber seals.

They also rarely eliminate the entire clog. If the blockage consists of grease, wipes, or physical objects, chemicals simply cannot dissolve it. When they fail to break it apart, you’re left with:

• A toxic pool of chemicals in your drain
• Fumes that linger in your home
• An untreated clog that continues to grow

In older Livingston homes with aging pipes, chemical cleaners accelerate deterioration. Even one improper use can lead to pipe failure, cracks, or leaks inside walls.

Safer—and far more effective—solutions include:

• Mechanical snaking
• Hydro jetting
• Camera inspections
• Professional-grade clearing tools

All of these solutions still require the expertise of a knowledgeable plumber. At Z PLUMBERZ of Livingston, we use these tools and methods regularly. 

Protect Your Livingston Home by Knowing the Facts

Plumbing myths often sound harmless, but believing them can lead to wasted water, premature fixture failure, or even severe pipe damage. With accurate information and expert guidance, you can avoid preventable issues and keep your home’s plumbing running reliably year after year.

At Z PLUMBERZ of Livingston, we’re dedicated to helping homeowners make informed decisions. Whether you need help unraveling a plumbing problem, want preventive maintenance, or simply have questions about best practices, our team is here to provide reliable, professional support.

Don’t let myths compromise your plumbing system. Schedule your next service with Z PLUMBERZ of Livingston today and get expert care rooted in facts—not fiction.