Sluggish drains, problematic faucets, and sewer issues are never pleasant, but maintenance can go a long way toward avoiding problems before they get out of hand. Unfortunately, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions about drain and sewer maintenance that can lead you astray.
The Reid & Pederson Drainage team is always here to assist you with all of your drain and sewer needs in Crete, IL and beyond. To optimize your plumbing and sewer systems, we also wanted to address some myths, best practices, and tips on all of your drain and sewer needs. Here’s how to get started!
Myth 1: Using Household Ingredients is Effective
When you rely on household ingredients to clean out your drains, you’re delaying a thorough drain cleaning and leaving the problem to grow worse. Yes, some boiling water, vinegar, and baking soda can help with a light clog. But after one or two applications, your blog isn’t going to get any better, so it’s time to call in the drain experts.
Best Practice:
If your drains suddenly slow down out of nowhere, mix up a solution of equal parts baking soda and vinegar and pour it down the drain. In about ten minutes, pour a boiling kettle of water down your drain to clear it out. If nothing happens, you need professional drain cleaning. However, the baking soda and vinegar treatment can help you stay on top of your drain maintenance.
Myth 2: If My Drains Are Flowing, My Plumbing Is Just Fine
Drains that work efficiently and effortlessly are always the goal, but freely flowing drains doesn’t necessarily mean there are no issues with your plumbing. Over time, clogs can form in your sewer line that take time to show up in your drains. Tree roots can also find their way into your pipes through holes, cracking them to find the water they’re looking for to thrive.
Best Practice:
Routine sewer maintenance is vital to healthy plumbing and drains. Call the team at Reid & Pederson Drainage for sewer rodding and maintenance to eliminate roots and other debris in your sewer line. You’ll stay ahead of growing problems and save money over time on sewer line repairs and premature replacements.
Myth 3: Slow Drains Aren’t a Big Deal
Slow drains may seem like a minor problem that will eventually go away. In reality, they could be a sign of a deeper issue in your plumbing. A clog in your sewer line, a tree intrusion, or a broken sewer line could be the cause. When you ignore the problem, it can lead to a complete blockage and ongoing damage to your plumbing and sewer systems.
Best Practice:
Get on top of your slow drain problem as soon as possible. You can use a drain snake, a plunger, or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda in equal parts with boiling water. If you can’t get rid of the issue yourself, you need to contact a sewer and drain professional as soon as possible. Depending on the issue, the team at Reid & Pederson may recommend hydro jetting or other solutions to get your drains flowing and break up stubborn clogs.
Myth 4: Pouring Grease Down the Drain is Fine If You Follow It with Hot Water
Grease is one of the worst things you can possibly do to your drains. The grease may look liquefied when it’s hot, but once it cools off, it clogs and sticks to your pipes and everything in its way. You end up with stubborn, sticky clogs. Unfortunately, some homeowners believe the hot water will melt the grease and wash it away. Instead, you’re just moving the grease further down the pipes, which leads to blockages that are difficult to reach and can cause damage to your sewer line. Here are some other things you should never put down your drain!
Best Practice:
Always dispose of your grease and oil in a container and throw it in the trash. It’s also wise to wipe your greasy pots and pans with a paper towel before washing them to avoid stray grease from sliding into your drains.
Myth 5: Store-Bought Chemical Drain Cleaners Are Fine If You Don’t Use Them All the Time
Chemical drain cleaners are widely available and marketed as a quick, low-cost way to break up stubborn clogs. But do they work? Store-bought drain cleaners may work temporarily, but you have no idea at what cost. They’re corrosive and harsh on pipes, which could make your problem worse, even after one use. The clog could end up holding onto those drain cleaning chemicals, degrading your pipes, and causing leaks.
Best Practice:
Use a plunger or a drain snake to clear minor clogs. For persistent issues, consult a professional plumber who can address the root cause without damaging your plumbing.
Myth 6: You Can Toss Flushable Wipes Into the Toilet
If you have a baby or toddler, you’ve probably seen wipes marketed as “flushable.” You should never flush wipes down the toilet, even though they may break down easier than regular wipes. They won’t fully biodegrade and can cause significant blockages in your pipes and municipal sewer systems.
Best Practice:
Flushable wipes are never truly flushable. Dispose of wipes in your trash, even if they are labeled “flushable” and come recommended. Only toilet paper should be flushed down the toilet.
Myth 7: Professional Drain Cleaning is Too Expensive
It’s a common misconception that professional drain cleaning is simply too expensive. Although there is an upfront cost involved, in the long run, professional drain cleaning can save you money in the long-run. You’ll prevent clogs from growing that can turn into burst pipes, sewer line problems, and even sewage backing up into your home. Your best and most affordable option is to invest in regular drain cleaning to keep your plumbing running smoothly.
Best Practice:
Schedule drain cleaning every year, or anytime you have a clog forming, to stay on top of the problem before it turns into an expensive plumbing emergency. You can also save money on sewer rodding and maintenance with our Sewer Maintenance Program, designed to keep your sewers clean, safe, and working efficiently.
Call Us for Expert Drain & Sewer Maintenance!
Are you struggling with your drains or sewers in Crete, IL or the surrounding area? The team at Reid & Pederson will come out to assess the situation, offer solutions, and talk you through the process and pricing. We’ll get your sewer and drains working seamlessly again.
Schedule your appointment today!