There’s a lot of information floating around on the internet about drain cleaning. Trying to decipher what’s true and what’s false can be aggravating and time-consuming. That’s why we put together this helpful guide debunking some of today’s most common drain cleaning myths.
Myth: Chemical Drain Cleaners Are Safe and Effective
Don’t ever let anyone fool you into thinking that chemical drain cleaners are safe to use. These products have corrosive acids and harsh solvents in them that eat away at your pipes and drains, causing more harm than good.
The pipes will eventually leak because of the internal damage and weakened pipe walls. Plus, chemical drain cleaners don’t actually remove the entire clog. Hiring a professional to use hydrojetting or some other form of mechanical cleaning will be the best fix.
Myth: If Water Is Draining Slowly, It’s Not a Serious Problem
A slow drain might not seem like a big deal at first, especially if all the water eventually goes down. But this is a clear sign that there’s a clog developing. If you wait too long to get rid of the blockage, it’ll make the removal process more difficult.
It can also result in costly backups that leave huge messes that damage your floors and walls. Acting early is the best way to prevent major repairs and keep the drains flowing smoothly.
Myth: All Drain Problems Start in the Sink
Clogs can develop in sinks, but this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, blockages develop deep down in the pipes or even in the main sewer line. If you try to get rid of a clog in the sink and it doesn’t work, this likely means the blockage formed farther down. You’ll need to hire a plumber to perform an inspection to determine the exact location and severity.
Myth: A Plunger Can Fix Any Clog
A plunger can be your best friend when removing clogs, but it won’t work for all of them. Those that are deep down in the drain usually require some type of professional solution, like hydrojetting. Using a plunger is the best option when the clog sits close to the drain opening.
Myth: DIY Drain Snakes Work Just as Well as Professional Tools
Just because you can go to a hardware store and buy a drain snake doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. Most hardware drain snakes aren’t nearly as durable and effective as professional versions. Some can even damage your pipes if you don’t use them the right way. They’ll scratch and bend the pipe as you push them through. Professionals know how to use drain snakes correctly so they don’t damage your pipes and drains.
Myth: Hot Water and Soap Keep Drains Clear
Putting a mixture of hot water and soap down your drains may help clear away minor blockages. But this approach doesn’t provide a full solution for clogs caused by grease or other stubborn elements. Regular professional cleanings and good habits—like not pouring grease down the drain—work better.
Myth: If One Drain Works, Your Plumbing System Is Fine
Just because one part of the home has fully functional drainage doesn’t mean the rest of the house is in the clear. There could be a partial blockage in one or more drains that lead to the main sewer line. This is because all of the plumbing attaches to other shared drainage pathways. A blockage in one part can cause issues in other parts. If something seems off, don’t ignore it just because another drain is working.
Myth: It’s Normal for Drains to Smell Bad Occasionally
Foul odors coming from one or more drains are not normal, and you shouldn’t treat them as such. These smells can cause nausea, headaches, and other problems. Most of the time, foul smells from drains are the result of stuck food, hair, or even mold. It could also be due to a broken pipe or sewer gas leak. Fixing these issues is crucial to making sure the house has proper drainage and healthy air quality.
Myth: You Only Need to Clean Drains When They’re Clogged
You should never wait until a clog forms to book professional drain cleaning. If you do, you risk messy backups and costly repairs that you could otherwise avoid. Regular drain cleaning by a professional clears away any buildup that could restrict water flow. You should think of it like changing the oil in your car—routine care keeps everything running better.
Myth: Baking Soda and Vinegar Can Clear Major Clogs
Many households use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to clear clogs. While this may help with getting rid of bad odors, it doesn’t actually fix the blockage. For anything other than minor gunk, you’ll need to hire a plumber to clear away the clog using professional tools.
Myth: Hydro-Jetting Is Too Harsh for Residential Pipes
Hydrojetting is a form of drain cleaning that pushes high-pressure water through specialized nozzles to clear away grease and debris inside pipes. It works great for stubborn clogs and doesn’t require harsh chemicals. If you’ve ever heard it isn’t safe to use on residential pipes, don’t believe it. It’s one of the safest forms of drain cleaning that preserves pipe integrity.
Myth: Roots Can’t Damage Your Drain Lines
Tree roots can definitely hurt your plumbing, especially when they infiltrate pipes and sewer lines. They tend to do this when pipes have tiny cracks or loose joints, which is very common in Blaine, MN due to the mix of older homes and mature trees. As the roots grow further into the pipes, they cause leaks that result in slow drainage and unpleasant odors. A video inspection can help confirm whether roots are the problem.
Myth: Once a Drain Is Clear, the Problem Is Gone for Good
Just because you get rid of a clog doesn’t mean it won’t come back. This is particularly true for blockages caused by grease buildup or tree root intrusion. The only way to get rid of these clogs for good is to remove the source of the blockage completely.
A plumber will consider different cleaning methods to choose the best option. For example, if the clog is the result of grease and food waste, using hydrojetting can clear the blockage for good. For those caused by hair or soap scum, drain snaking usually works better.
Get Help With Your Drainage System
O'Boys Plumbing, Heating & Air is here to answer any questions you have about your drainage system. We offer a wide range of drain and sewer service options, including hydrojetting, snaking, and drain repair.
Call O'Boys Plumbing, Heating & Air now to access effective drain cleaning services in Blaine.
