When it comes to plumbing, many people feel like they know everything there is to know. They might tell you they don't need a plumber when it comes to their home’s toilet or sink, but when you really need one, they might hesitate. That's because many people have heard untrue things about this profession. Fortunately, plumbing is not nearly as mysterious as many people assume; in fact, it's one of the oldest and most universal professions out there. However, there are a number of myths surrounding this industry that many people mistakenly believe to be true. If you’re thinking about becoming a plumber or want to learn more about the industry as a whole, read on for some common misconceptions and explanations about what they really mean so you can be more informed about this career choice moving forward.
All plumbers are the same
This might be the most obvious statement on the list, but it’s still something that many people believe to be true. The truth is that there are many different types of plumbing professionals, including: Heating and cooling technicians/installers, sewer contractors, water specialists, and more. Each of these fields has its own specialty, so it’s important to know what your options are before making a decision. Some of the most common plumbing professions include: - Plumbers: These are the people who come to your home to fix your broken pipes, install a new toilet, or replace your water heater. - A heating and cooling technician: While this job might not seem like it belongs in the plumbing field, these technicians often work with water as well. They’re responsible for installing heating and cooling systems as well as water pipes in buildings. - A sewer contractor: These workers are responsible for installing and maintaining sewer systems, as well as repairing pipes and other parts of the system. They might work for a private company or a government entity, such as a city or state.
All plumbing problems require you to call a plumber
This might be one of the most obvious myths about plumbing, but it’s still something that many people believe. In fact, many of the problems you might experience with your plumbing system are actually relatively simple issues that you can fix on your own. For example, if your toilet isn’t flushing properly or you have a clogged drain, these are problems that you should tackle with a toilet auger or a plumbing snake. You may also encounter more complicated issues, such as running into an issue with a water heater. In these cases, it’s a good idea to call a plumber, but you shouldn’t feel like you’re limited to calling a professional every time you experience a plumbing issue.In fact, there are many issues that you can fix on your own with simple tools or household supplies.
All plumbing technicians are out to steal your money
If you’ve watched any crime shows, you’ve probably heard this one a time or two. The truth is that, although there are some dishonest plumbing technicians out there, this is a common misconception. In fact, the vast majority of plumbing technicians are honest, hard-working people who want to help you out — they just want to be paid for their services. While there are definitely some dishonest plumbing technicians out there, these are the exception, not the rule.If you’ve ever worked on a construction site, you’ve probably heard this one as well. The truth is that, although you may have heard a few workers talking about how much they charge for their services, you don’t need to worry about a plumbing technician trying to scam you out of money. In fact, it’s illegal for a plumbing technician to scam you out of money — and if they try, you have every right to report them to your local police department.
All water treatment plants are the same
This might be a slightly less obvious one, but it’s still something that many people believe to be true. The truth is that there are many different types of water treatment plants, and each of them works a little differently. Some of the most common types of water treatment plants include: - Groundwater treatment: This type of water treatment plant is used to purify water that comes from underground sources, such as aquifers or wells. - Seawater treatment: These plants treat water that comes from the ocean and is used for drinking purposes. - Sand filter: These plants are used in rural areas where there isn’t a water source nearby. - Carbon filter: These plants are typically used in larger communities that have access to multiple sources of water.
All water meters are accurate and they don’t require maintenance
This is another one of those myths that seem to be very common, but it’s also something that’s not quite as accurate as people assume. In fact, many water meters are more than a decade old, and they don’t have to be replaced for as long as you might think. The truth is that a water meter can last for decades, but it’s important to check the accuracy of the reading on a regular basis. You may also want to consider having a new water meter installed if your old one is leaking, showing signs of age, or causing you to notice higher water bills.
Conclusion
Plumbing is a longstanding and necessary profession that is sure to be around for years to come. If you’ve ever experienced a plumbing issue and needed to call a plumber, you know that they are some of the most helpful people you could ever meet. While it’s important to be informed about this field so that you can make the right decision if you decide to become a plumber, there are also plenty of myths surrounding this career that you should be aware of. Thankfully, the majority of them are not true, and if you know what they are, it will help you make better decisions when it’s time to make a move towards this profession.