When it comes to homeownership, one of the most challenging aspects is managing the responsibility of owning and maintaining a property. One of the most difficult parts of this process is plumbing. Many new homeowners may not realize how extensive this can be, or that there are so many different elements involved. For example, you might think that you only have to worry about things like pipes freezing in the wintertime or water flow being interrupted by a clogged sink, but that is not the case. There are many common misconceptions regarding plumbing, many of which are outlined below. Keep reading for an overview of what you should know before buying your first home and making any plumbing-related decisions.

A clogged toilet can cause a flood.

One of the most common misconceptions about plumbing is that a clogged toilet can cause a flood. While this can happen, it is a rare occurrence that can easily be prevented. A clogged toilet is usually caused by a buildup of hair or paper, and can be easily resolved by using a plunger or a toilet auger. These tools can break up any clogs that are preventing the toilet from flushing, and can usually be performed by a homeowner with basic plumbing knowledge. A clogged toilet can cause a flood only if there is a malfunction in the municipal water supply system. It is important to note that a toilet clogged by hair or paper is not the only situation where this can happen, but it is by far the most common cause.

A leaking faucet is an emergency.

Another common misconception about plumbing is that a leaking faucet is an emergency. While this is certainly true if the leaking faucet is one that is connected to an indoor water supply, it is unlikely to be an emergency if it is a faucet that is connected to the outdoor water supply. In fact, if a faucet is leaking and the water is running into the ground, it is actually more of a safety hazard than an emergency.

All pipes have to be replaced every 50 years.

Another common misconception regarding plumbing is that all pipes need to be replaced every 50 years. While it is true that this is a widely used rule of thumb, it is by no means universal. There are a number of factors that determine when a pipe needs to be replaced, including its condition, its location, and the material that it is made out of. A pipe that is made out of metal, concrete or asbestos tile is considered a "concrete" pipe, and it is believed to have an indefinite lifespan. Some common materials used in plumbing include copper, galvanized steel, PVC, CPVC, asbestos tile and cement.

The cost of plumbing is too expensive to worry about.

One of the most common misconceptions regarding plumbing is that the cost is too high to bother with. When you consider that the average home has over 10,000 square feet of plumbing, it is easy to understand why this may seem like a costly proposition. However, there are many things to consider before ruling out homeownership based on the amount of plumbing that is involved. First, it is important to note that most of the plumbing in your home is hidden behind walls and floors. As such, it is impossible to determine the exact amount of plumbing until you have torn down the walls in question. When you consider that you will probably need to replace any plumbing that is more than 20 years old, it becomes clear that the cost of plumbing is not something to rule out based on price alone.

There is a limited variety of types of plumbing fixtures available.

One of the most common misconceptions regarding plumbing is that there is a limited variety of types of plumbing fixtures available. While it is true that there are a few basic types of plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks and faucets, there are many other types as well. In fact, there is a wide variety of specialty plumbing fixtures that are designed to serve specific purposes. There are various types of water heaters, water softeners, and even water filters that are designed to be installed in the home's water supply.

All plumbing fixtures are created equal.

One of the most common misconceptions regarding plumbing is that all plumbing fixtures are created equal. While this may be true to a certain extent, it is important to remember that there are many different types of plumbing fixtures, and each one is suited to a different purpose. It is best to be as specific as possible when purchasing a plumbing fixture, and to do your research to determine which fixtures are best for your home and its usage.

Bottom line

There is no denying that plumbing is one of the most challenging aspects of homeownership. In order to avoid making any costly mistakes, it is important to be informed about the different aspects of plumbing. While many of the myths listed above are common misconceptions, it is important to be aware of them so that you don't become frustrated or overwhelmed while trying to manage the responsibilities of homeownership.