Drain Cleaning Myths Debunked
When a drain starts backing up, it’s tempting to reach for a quick fix. From home remedies to internet hacks, there’s no shortage of “solutions”—but many of them are myths that can make things worse.
At Mount Holly Plumbing, we’ve seen the results of DIY gone wrong. Here are the most common drain cleaning myths we hear—and the facts you need to protect your home and plumbing system.
Drain Cleaning Myth #1: “If Water Is Still Going Down, The Drain’s Fine.”
Truth: Just because water drains doesn’t mean there’s no clog. A partially blocked pipe may allow some flow, but it’s only a matter of time before it becomes a full blockage.
Signs of a partial clog:
Gurgling sounds from drains
Slow drainage from sinks, tubs, or toilets
Water backing up in nearby fixtures
Partial clogs often build up silently, especially from grease, soap, or hair, and they never fix themselves. Ignoring them only makes the eventual repair more involved—and more expensive.
Drain Cleaning Myth #2: “Chemical Cleaners Are the Best Way to Unclog a Drain.”
Truth: Commercial drain cleaners might seem like an easy fix, but they often cause more damage than good—especially in older homes with metal or PVC pipes.
What these harsh chemicals do:
Eat away at the clog—but also your pipes
Generate heat that can warp or crack plastic piping
Create toxic fumes harmful to lungs and eyes
Often fail to completely clear the obstruction
If you have to keep pouring chemical cleaner down the same drain, the real problem is still there. Professional mechanical cleaning is faster, safer, and more effective.
Mount Holly Plumbing uses advanced tools like hydro jetters and camera inspections to clear clogs completely—without damaging your pipes.
Drain Cleaning Myth #3: “A Coat Hanger Works Just as Well as a Plumbing Snake.”
Truth: We’ve seen this go wrong too many times. Uncoiling a wire hanger and jabbing it down the drain might scratch the inside of your pipes, jam the clog deeper, or even get stuck itself.
A professional drain snake is designed to:
Rotate and hook onto the clog
Reach deep into the system without damaging pipes
Navigate bends and traps without snapping
DIY tools may feel satisfying in the moment, but the risk of long-term damage isn’t worth the temporary success.
Drain Cleaning Myth #4: “Only Hair Clogs Drains.”
Truth: Hair is a major player in bathroom drain clogs—but it’s far from the only problem. In kitchens, it’s grease. In older homes, it might be tree roots breaking into underground lines.
Other common culprits:
Soap scum and toothpaste buildup
Food particles and coffee grounds
“Flushable” wipes (which aren’t truly flushable)
Feminine products, dental floss, and cotton balls
Scale buildup from hard water
Even tiny items like sand or cat litter flushed down drains can build up and cause chaos.
Drain Cleaning Myth #5: “If All the Drains Are Slow, It’s Just a Temporary Fluke.”
Truth: If you’re noticing multiple slow drains at once, chances are high that you have a main sewer line clog. These are serious and often require specialized equipment to diagnose and clear.
Main line clogs can result in:
Backed-up sewage into tubs or basements
Overflowing toilets
Foul odors throughout your home
Risk of water damage or contamination
You should never ignore this sign. Our team can run a camera inspection through your sewer line to find the exact problem and clear it without guessing.
Drain Cleaning Myth #6: “Professional Drain Cleaning Is Too Expensive.”
Truth: Compared to the cost of repairing burst pipes, flood damage, or a ruined bathroom floor, calling a pro is a smart investment. Most clogs are resolved in a single visit and don’t come back—saving you time and money in the long run.
Plus, Mount Holly Plumbing offers fair, transparent pricing and always explains the issue before starting the work.
When to Call Mount Holly Plumbing
Here’s when you need professional help:
You’ve tried DIY methods, and the drain still backs up
You hear bubbling or gurgling from drains or toilets
Water backs up in one fixture when you use another
You smell foul odors coming from your drains
You’ve had repeated drain issues in the same area
Our drain cleaning experts serve homeowners across Mount Holly, Gastonia, and surrounding areas with advanced tools, same-day service, and guaranteed results.
The Bottom Line
Your drains are part of a complex system. Quick fixes, myths, and household hacks can lead to bigger, costlier damage if you’re not careful. Don’t let a minor clog turn into a major plumbing disaster.
Trust your drains to the pros at Mount Holly Plumbing. We’ll clear the blockage the right way—and make sure it stays gone.
