"Hydro jetting is great for clearing gunk, but if the pipe slope isn't right, it might come back again sooner than you'd like."
Makes sense—seems like treating symptoms rather than causes. I've stuck with eco-friendly soaps myself and haven't noticed issues yet...did your plumber suggest certain soap ingredients to avoid specifically?
You're right about hydro jetting—it clears things up nicely, but if the underlying issue isn't addressed, you'll be back at square one pretty quickly. Pipe slope is definitely a common culprit, but another thing people overlook is pipe diameter. Older homes sometimes have narrower pipes that weren't designed for modern water usage and detergents.
As for soaps, your eco-friendly choice is smart. I've seen firsthand how certain detergents—especially those heavy in phosphates or grease-cutting agents—can build up residue over time. Even some "natural" soaps can be problematic if they're oil-based (think coconut or palm oils). They solidify when cooled and can create blockages, especially in colder climates or basements where temperatures drop.
My advice usually is to avoid anything labeled as "ultra-concentrated" or "heavy-duty degreaser." Those tend to leave behind more residue than standard formulas. Stick with clear, liquid-based detergents whenever possible—they rinse cleaner and reduce buildup significantly.
One other thing: don't underestimate regular hot water flushing. Once every couple of weeks, running hot water down basement drains for a few minutes can help keep things flowing smoothly. It's simple but surprisingly effective at preventing minor clogs from becoming major headaches.
Anyway, sounds like you're already on the right track with eco-friendly soaps—just keep an eye out for those sneaky oils...
"Even some 'natural' soaps can be problematic if they're oil-based (think coconut or palm oils)."
Interesting, hadn't thought about coconut oil soaps causing issues. Wonder if vinegar or baking soda flushes occasionally might help break down residue naturally... anyone tried that?
Yeah, vinegar and baking soda might help a bit, but probably won't fully break down oily residues. I've tried that combo in my kitchen sink before—it fizzed nicely and cleared minor clogs, but didn't do much for greasy buildup long-term. Oils tend to solidify deeper down where it's cooler, making them stubborn. You might have better luck occasionally pouring hot (not boiling) water down the drain to soften and flush out oils gradually. Also, enzyme-based drain cleaners can naturally digest organic residues without harsh chemicals. They've worked pretty well for me in similar situations. Might be worth a shot if the vinegar-baking soda thing doesn't cut it...
Have you checked if there's an issue further down the line, like roots or debris causing partial blockage? Sometimes oily buildup is just a symptom of something else lurking deeper... might be worth a quick inspection before trying more cleaners.
