We’ve heard the jokes and have seen the cartoons regarding plumbers. Obviously, the “plumber’s crack” is the leader when it comes to plumbing jokes and cartoons. I’ve seen some pretty hilarious cartoons regarding the plumber’s crack. There are also some pretty cool facts and myths regarding your plumbing, plumbing systems, and water conservation.
How Water Swirls
Let’s start with the myth of swirling water around Southern California. Have you ever heard that water swirls clockwise in the Southern hemisphere? Sorry if you fed into that myth. The force in which the water flows down your toilet is by design.
Don’t Flush Goldie Alive
Here are more plumbing facts and trivia. Is it ever OK to flush your goldfish down the toilet? Only if the fish is dead do you flush it down the toilet. Most of us remember bringing a goldfish home from the county fair just to see it floating upside down the next day. But, despite our memory of goldfish being short-lived, they are from the carp family of fish and are considered quite hearty. Goldfish have been known to make it into our ecosystem, becoming very large and damaging to our lakes and streams.
One TRILLION In Water Waste…More Plumbing Facts
Plumbing fact or fiction? The annual water wasted in the United States due to water leaks in our homes is ONE TRILLION gallons of water wasted every year. Yes, this is a fact according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program. According to WaterSense, the average household’s leaks can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year, and ten percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day. We have the plumbing facts at Big B’s Plumbing.
Can Rats Swim?
Can rats swim up to your toilet? It sounds crazy, but the answer is yes. If you need to see it to believe it, see this National Geographic video. In addition to being great swimmers, rats can hold their breath for three minutes, and they can tread water for up to three hours.
Who Is Thomas Crapper?
Did Thomas Crapper invent the toilet? As much as we might want Thomas Crapper to have invented the toilet, he did not. However, he did have a considerable impact on manufacturing, design, and the promotion of bathroom products during the late 1800’s through the early 1900s. Mr. Crapper was the founder of Thomas Crapper & Co and owned the first toilet, bath, and sink showroom. Unfortunately, he passed away in 1910, but his showroom lasted until 1966.
Did You Know That The Flushing Toilet Was Invented in 1596 By John Harington
In 1596, Sir John Harrington created the flushing toilet. It took 7.5 gallons of water to “flush” and could be shared by up to 20 people during times of water scarcity. Alexander Cumming received the first grant patent for the flush toilet in 1775. He designed the S-shaped pipe beneath the bowl, which uses water to seal the sewage gas from entering a room through the toilet.
Can Ice Clean My Disposal And Sharpen The Blades?
Unfortunately, this type of stuff is all over the internet. For example, read what one prominent plumbing company posted on their website, “Ice is an extremely effective and inexpensive method for cleaning your garbage disposal, sharpening the blades and breaking up any grease build-up which has accumulated. Just toss a few ice cubes into the garbage disposal and run it.” The fact is, garbage disposals do not have blades that cut but rather they have impellers that crush food particles into fine pieces.
“Ice is an extremely effective and inexpensive method for cleaning your garbage disposal, sharpening the blades and breaking up any grease build-up which has accumulated. Just toss a few ice cubes into the garbage disposal and run it.” FALSE!
Does Liquid Plumber Or Draino Harm Your Pipes?
If only I had a nickel for every time someone asked this question, I would probably be rich. The answer is yes, Liquid-Plumr and Drano are safe on your plumbing system despite what others might say. The product has been on the market for close to 60 years and has been scientifically tested. The products are designed for slow-moving bathroom drains and are not recommended for toilet drains.
Is It Possible That A Snake Could Make Its Way Through Your Toilet Drain?
The likelihood of discovering a snake in your toilet is pretty slim. However, this is precisely why these types of instances create media headlines. They can make it through your drains, albeit this is very uncommon. While snakes are excellent swimmers and have the ability to hold their breath for an extended period of time, they rarely invade your home through the pipes.
How Do I Confront A Snake In My Toilet?
To begin, inhale deeply and close the toilet lid. Bear in mind flushing will do you no good. Because the snake will need to be extracted and relocated, the recommendation is to consult an expert. If you rent, immediately contact your landlord or property manager. If you own a home, contact your local SPCA or a pest control firm to see if they have or can recommend a wildlife division or a pest management company.
