8 Common Drain Cleaning Myths: What Works And What Doesn’t

You are standing over a slow-draining sink, armed with a plunger in one hand and a bottle of supermarket drain cleaner in the other, hoping for a quick fix. When clearing blocked drains, everyone seems to have a “tried and tested” solution, often passed down from friends, family, or internet forums.

But not all advice is good advice. In fact, some common methods could actually do more harm than good. Today, in this blog post, we’re busting eight common drain cleaning myths and explaining what actually works – and what could be worsening things.

Struggling with blocked drains and not sure who to trust? Maintracts Services Ltd has been helping London homes and businesses with professional drain cleaning since 1974. Call us today on 02086822244 or email us at info@maintracts.co.uk, and let’s get your drains flowing freely again — the right way.

Common Drain Cleaning Myths

Let’s break down the eight most common misconceptions, explain why they don’t work, and highlight the drain-cleaning techniques that do.

Myth 1: Chemical Drain Cleaners Are The Best And Fastest Fix For Blocked Drains.

Chemical cleaners might offer a quick result, but they’re short-term fixes with long-term consequences. These harsh products can eat away at your pipes, especially in older systems, causing damage that leads to leaks or costly repairs.

What doesn’t work:
Relying on chemical cleaners regularly. They don’t always obliterate the blockage, and the blockage may sit in your pipes and corrode the material.

What works:
Use a plunger or a drain snake or call for professional drain cleaning. Experts can perform a thorough inspection, often using CCTV drain surveys, to identify the real cause and apply the right fix — jetting, rodding, or repairs.

Myth 2: Baking Soda And Vinegar Can Fix All Your Drain Issues.

Yes, this DIY combo fizzes, but the reaction isn't powerful enough to remove severe drain blockages like grease buildup, hair tangles, or tree roots. It can mask odours temporarily but won’t clear persistent issues.

What doesn’t work:
Depending on home remedies for severe or recurring blockages. They can even push debris further down the system, making things worse.

What works:
Strainers on kitchen sinks or hair catchers on showers, and mild natural cleaners can help with routine maintenance. For unblocking drains, use mechanical methods or get expert help from a drain expert who can use jetting and proper tools to clear the system effectively.

Myth 3: If The Water Still Drains, The Pipe Is Clear.

Just because water drains doesn’t mean there isn’t a problem. Blocked drains often start with slow flow caused by partial build-ups. Ignoring the signs can lead to a complete blockage or even pipe bursts.

What doesn’t work:
Assuming everything’s fine if there’s no overflow or major backup. Most major drain issues start small and worsen over time.

What works:
Notice signs like gurgling sounds, unpleasant odours, and slow draining. These all indicate the need for drain cleaning or repair solutions before the problem escalates.

Myth 4: Drain Problems Are Only Caused By What You Put Down The Sink.

Poor habits like disposing of fats and food scraps cause problems, but external issues like tree root ingress, collapsed pipes, or misaligned joints are also common. These aren't visible from the surface and require professional diagnosis.

What doesn’t work:
Only focusing on your sink habits without considering the system’s overall health.

What works:
Get a proper system check through CCTV drain surveys and tracing. Drain cleaning techniques backed by experience can solve internal and external issues effectively.

Also Read: Fix Blocked Sink

Myth 5: All Household Drains Connect In The Same Way.

Drain systems vary depending on property age, renovations, extensions, and area. Misunderstanding the layout can damage drain maintenance efforts or result in ineffective unblocking attempts.

What doesn’t work:
DIY work or assumptions without a clear understanding of the system.

What works:
Use professional drain tracing to map your layout. This is particularly important before construction, bathroom refurbishments, or installation of new appliances.

Myth 6: Pouring Hot Water Down The Drain Solves Grease Problems.

Hot water can melt grease temporarily, but once it cools down further along the pipe, it re-solidifies—often worse than before. This can result in complete drain blockages over time.

What doesn’t work:
Using hot water as a fix without addressing the cause.

What works:
Dispose of grease in the bin, not the sink. For existing buildup, opt for professional drain cleaning with jetting or enzymatic treatments tailored to your pipe material and blockage type.

Myth 7: You Only Need To Clean Drains When There’s A Problem.

Prevention is better (and cheaper) than cure. Regular maintenance keeps your system running smoothly, avoiding hidden damage or expensive emergency drain repairs.

What doesn’t work:
Waiting until there’s standing water or a smell.

What works:
Include routine drain maintenance in your property care schedule. A visit from a drain expert once a year can make a difference, especially in older London properties.

Myth 8: DIY Is Just As Effective As Hiring Professionals.

DIY fixes can be helpful for minor issues, but serious drain issues, recurring blocks, or unusual smells require expert assessment. The wrong technique can cause permanent damage or violate building regulations.

What doesn’t work:
Improvised solutions without knowledge of pipework or using inappropriate tools.

What works:
Call in qualified professionals with years of experience in drain cleaning. They can offer blocked-drain solutions that are safe, reliable, and regulation-compliant.

Trust Maintracts Services Ltd For Professional Drain Cleaning, Not Myths

Blocked drains? Don’t fall for DIY hacks or internet myths. At Maintracts Services Ltd, we’ve delivered expert drain cleaning and repair solutions across London since 1974. With over 50 years of experience, our fully qualified and certified engineers provide clear, reliable advice — not guesswork.

From blocked drains to advanced CCTV drain inspections, we use cutting-edge equipment to tackle every job effectively. We're accredited by Gas Safe, NAPIT, CIPHE, and APHC, always ensuring top-quality service. Skip the myths — choose a proven team that handles drain maintenance correctly.

Contact us on 020 8682 2244 or email us at info@maintracts.co.uk for honest, expert help.

FAQs

1. What are common myths about drain cleaning?

Common myths include using boiling water, baking soda, and vinegar as universal solutions or thinking store-bought cleaners are safe for all pipes — they often cause more harm.

2. Does regular drain cleaning prevent blockages?

Yes, professional routine maintenance helps avoid costly backups and identifies minor issues before they become serious.

3. Can you fix a blocked drain without chemicals?

Absolutely. Mechanical tools and natural enzymatic cleaners are practical and much safer for your plumbing system.

4. Can pouring hot water down the drain clear a block?

Not really. It might offer temporary relief but won’t fully clean grease or physical obstructions.

5. Does baking soda and vinegar really work for cleaning drains?

It can help with minor odours or very light build-up, but it’s not a substitute for professional care or proper cleaning.

6. Can professional drain cleaning prevent future blockages?

Yes. Experts can use advanced methods to clean your pipes thoroughly and advise on ways to reduce risk going forward.