Not every drain tip you find online comes from someone who actually works with drains. Some of the most repeated advice out there is outdated, oversimplified, or just incorrect, and your pipes end up paying for it. A good chunk of the calls we get for drain cleaning in Wilmington, MA start the same way: someone tried a popular fix, and it made things worse.
Myth 1: “Boiling Water Fixes Everything”
Heat strong enough to melt grease is also strong enough to soften PVC pipe joints, and once those seals weaken, you’re dealing with a much bigger problem than a clog. The Plastic Pipe Institute puts PVC’s maximum service temperature at 140°F. Boiling water exceeds that by 72 degrees.
Myth 2: “If It Drains, It’s Fine”
Slow drains are a warning sign, not a green light. Partial blockages can build up over weeks until nothing moves at all. By the time a drain fully stops, the clog is usually deeper and harder to reach without professional drain cleaning services.
Myth 3: “Flushable Wipes Are Actually Flushable”
“Flushable” wipes don’t break down the way toilet paper does. Consumer Reports and multiple municipal water authorities have flagged these products as a common cause of sewer backups. They hold their shape in pipes and snag on any existing buildup.
Myth 4: “Chemical Drain Cleaners Are Okay to Use Regularly”
Store-bought drain cleaners generate heat through a chemical reaction. That heat can damage older metal pipes and degrade plastic ones. The EPA classifies these products as hazardous household chemicals. They may clear the surface of a clog, but they rarely eliminate the root of the problem.
FAQs About Drain Clogs
Q: How often should drains be professionally cleaned?
Once a year for most homes, more frequently for households with older pipes or heavy use.
Q: Can tree roots really get into residential drains?
Yes. Root intrusion is one of the top causes of recurring outdoor drain blockages.
Q: Is it bad to use a plunger on every slow drain?
Plungers work on surface-level clogs but can push deeper blockages further in. If plunging doesn’t work within a few tries, stop and call a drain cleaning company instead.
Q: Can dish soap and baking soda clear clogs?
No. Baking soda and vinegar create a fizzing reaction that looks impressive, but it doesn’t have the force to break up hair, grease, or debris stuck deep in a pipe. It has no real clearing power.
Here’s What Working With the Right Team Looks Like
If the myths haven’t worked, it’s time to try something that will. Drains By James has been solving drain problems across the area since 2007, and we come equipped with the technology to find the issue, not just guess at it. We’re locally owned, fully insured, and available 24/7 when something can’t wait. Our work is guaranteed.
Call us to book a drain cleaning.
why choose us?
We pride ourselves on not only being quick and effective regarding your drain cleaning emergencies, but also on our cleanliness while working in your home or place of business. We offer 24-hour emergency service 7 days a week and are fully insured. We also offer preventative maintenance plans that are designed to fit your needs as a home or business owner and keep you worry-free.
schedule with our experts today
Drains By James is a local family-owned and -operated company that has served homeowners in Eastern Massachusetts since 2008. We boast the technology and the expertise necessary to take care of all of your drain and sewer needs. We’ll gladly inspect, maintain, and repair your sewer pipes. And in the event of an emergency, we are available 24/7. Contact us today to learn more.
