Every homeowner knows that timely maintenance pays off. But when it comes to plumbing, many Edmonton residents believe advice that sounds plausible yet ends up costing money in hidden ways. Whether it’s ignoring a slow-draining sink or trusting a DIY fix for a leaking pipe, these decisions can escalate into major repairs.
That’s why trusted residential plumbing services play a crucial role in both preventing damage and saving homeowners from unnecessary expense.
In this blog post, we’ll unpack some of the most common plumbing myths in Edmonton homes, reveal the real truth behind each one, and show how professional plumbing care can protect your property and budget.
Myth #1 – “A Slow Drain Isn’t a Big Deal”
It might seem minor when your sink drains slowly: after all, it still works. But a slow drain is often an early warning of buildup, partial blockages, or unseen damage within the pipe system. Ignoring that gradual slowdown can lead to a full clog, pipe damage, or even sewage backup.
Drain repairs in Edmonton average around $616. With that in mind, what started as a “small inconvenience” can quickly become a major expense.
Real truth: A slow drain is typically a symptom, not just a nuisance. Having professional residential plumbing services inspect or clean your drains can prevent escalation, protect your fixtures, and save you from higher repair bills later.
Myth #2 – “Hot Water Dissolves Grease in the Sink”
It feels logical: grease is liquid when hot, so warming water should carry it through. But in practice, once the grease travels into cooler pipes or underground lines, it solidifies, clings, and builds up. Over time, this causes restricted flow, backups, or even pipe replacement.
According to Canadian efficiency guidance, behaviour like this contributes to increased water and energy use in the residential sector.
Real truth: Instead of assuming hot water solves the problem, the smart move is to wipe grease into a bin, run cold water while using a grease trap or stopper, and schedule regular maintenance with residential plumbing services. Doing so helps avoid clogs and unexpected costs.
Myth #3 – “Flushable Wipes Are Safe for Toilets”
Labels may say “flushable,” but many wipes don’t disintegrate like toilet paper. They travel through drain lines, collect with other debris, and contribute to sewer blockages. This leads to costly repairs—sometimes in the home line, sometimes in the municipal line.
In Edmonton, if you suspect a leak or pipe issue, EPCOR Water Services reminds residents to report potential water leaks via their 24-hour dispatch.
Real truth: Use toilet paper only for flushing. Dispose of wipes, even if “flushable,” in a bin. And include pipe-inspection as part of routine residential plumbing services to avoid surprise blockages or backups.
Myth #4 – “DIY Plumbing Repairs Are Just As Good”
Thanks to online tutorials, many homeowners assume they can handle plumbing issues themselves — tightening fittings, changing washers, replacing fixtures. While some simpler tasks are feasible, many DIY attempts skip critical steps: proper matching of materials, correct sealing, building-code compliance, or full diagnostic of underlying issues.
Canada’s national standard, the National Plumbing Code of Canada 2020, sets technical requirements for design, installation, alterations and repairs of plumbing systems. National Research Council Canada+1 If you bypass professional plumbing care, you risk leaks, voided warranties, and hidden damage.
Real truth: Licensed and experienced residential plumbing services bring expertise, compliance with codes, and long-term value. A small savings today may become a large cost tomorrow when an improperly repaired connection fails or causes collateral damage.
Myth #5 – “Plumbing Maintenance Is Optional”
It’s common to think plumbing “works until it doesn’t”, until a leak appears, a pipe bursts, or the water heater fails. But neglected minor issues cost more than immediate crisis repairs: hidden leaks waste water, degrade fixtures, inflate utility bills, and soften structural substrates.
According to EPCOR’s residential water rate information, Edmonton homeowners are billed through both fixed service charges and variable usage fees based on consumption. When small leaks or running toilets go unnoticed, the result is higher usage that directly increases monthly bills. Even minor drips can waste thousands of litres of treated water each year.
Real truth: Regular preventive maintenance by residential plumbing services catches small problems early, such as leaking fittings, worn seals, scaling, and curtails hidden water loss and replacement costs. A small inspection is far cheaper than a major repair.
When to Call a Professional Plumber in Edmonton
Knowing when to stop trying DIY and call in a professional is key to controlling costs and protecting your home. Here are red flags:
- Persistent or recurring slow drains
- Water pressure fluctuations or unexplained surges
- Running toilets or hidden leaks (behind walls, floors)
- Drips that continue when fixtures are shut off
- Water heater with inconsistent hot water, strange noises, or signs of corrosion
- Suspected gas-line issue or appliance connection you’re unsure of
When you engage professional residential plumbing services in Edmonton, you bring in trained technicians who use proper diagnostic tools, understand local building codes, and can detect issues before they escalate.
Final Thoughts
Believing common plumbing myths may feel harmless at first, but they often cost homeowners more than they ever anticipated. From blocked drains dismissed as “just slow” to DIY fixes that skip critical steps — the cumulative cost can add up. The silver lining is simple: investing in professional, licensed residential plumbing services in Edmonton not only prevents unnecessary expenses but gives you peace of mind.
Start small: book a maintenance inspection, ask about drain cleaning, check for hidden leaks, and schedule service before a minor issue becomes a major bill.
About Dunn Rite Plumbing – Edmonton’s Residential Plumbing Experts
At Dunn Rite Plumbing, we specialize in residential plumbing services across Edmonton and surrounding communities. Our licensed plumbers bring years of experience working in homes like yours, delivering reliable maintenance, repairs and emergency support.
We believe that professional care shouldn’t wait for a crisis. That’s why we focus on quality, integrity and long-term solutions for homeowners. If you’re ready to avoid plumbing myths and protect your home, reach out for a consultation today.
Let’s ensure your home’s plumbing works efficiently, avoids hidden costs, and gives you one less thing to worry about. Contact us now.