Dispelling Plumbing Myths with the Facts on Cleaning Slow Drains

A slow drain often sends a homeowner in search of a quick and simple solution. It's easy to damage your pipes when you follow popular misinformed advice to clean your drains. As plumbing professionals, we refer to these ill-advised tips as plumbing myths. Here are common myths and the facts you need to get your drain clean.

DRAIN CLEANING PRODUCTS 

Myth: Chemical drain cleaners are safe for pipes.

Fact: The primary ingredient in most chemical drain cleaners is a caustic chemical called hydrochloric acid. It literally can eat away PVC pipes, metal pipes, and the enamel on your sink or tub. Even worse, if applied directly to your person, it can burn your skin and eyes.

The safer alternative: Pour a half-cup of baking soda down the drain. Follow it with a half-cup of vinegar. If you're dealing with a sink or tub drain, immediately close off the drain with the stopper or a rag. Wait 20 minutes. Then flush the drain with hot water from the tap.

THE BOILING WATER TRICK

Myth: It's okay to use boiling water to clean a drain. You remember Grandma used boiling water on her kitchen drain all the time. 

Fact: Boiling water can melt the PVC pipes that are in many of today's homes. In homes built before 1960, metal pipes were standard. It wasn't a problem when Grandma poured boiling water down her metal pipes. 

The safer alternative: Dish soap and hot water from the tap are helpful when grease makes your kitchen sink drain slowly. Squirt at least a tablespoon of dish soap into the drain. Then fill the sink with the hottest water possible from the tap.

THE BEST DRAIN SNAKE

Myth: A wire hanger is a good substitute for a drain snake.

Fact: Wire hangers can damage your pipes or get stuck in the drain.

The safer alternative: If you're working with a sink, cover the overflow drain with a wet rag. Then, pump a cup plunger over the drain for a couple of minutes.

If you have other questions about your home’s plumbing, give our team a call today! We’re happy to help.

-A R Engh Team