Manual cleaning isn’t overkill, especially with older pipes. I’ve pulled out stuff from traps that looked like it belonged in a horror movie.
I get where you’re coming from, but honestly, I think there’s a point where manual cleaning can be more trouble than it’s worth—especially if you’re dealing with really old plumbing. I’ve had a couple places where the pipes were so fragile, just opening up the traps too often started to cause leaks. One time, I ended up with a slow drip behind the wall that went unnoticed for weeks. That was a nightmare to fix and cost way more than a clog ever would have.
I’m not saying ignore maintenance, but sometimes I lean more on enzyme-based drain cleaners for regular upkeep, especially in units with ancient pipes. They’re not perfect, but they’re less invasive and seem to keep things moving without me having to take apart half the kitchen every few months. Tenants appreciate not having their sink out of commission for hours, too.
I do agree that regular checks are important, but I’d rather catch a slow drain early and try a less hands-on approach first. If it’s really bad, then yeah, you gotta get in there. But I’ve found that being too aggressive with manual cleaning can backfire, especially if you’re not careful or if the plumbing is already on its last legs.
Guess it’s all about finding that balance between prevention and not making things worse. Every building’s got its quirks...
I hear you on the enzyme cleaners—they’re kind of my go-to for the really old places too. I swear, some of my units have pipes that look like they were installed before indoor plumbing was even a thing. Ever try those hair-snaking tools for kitchen sinks, or is that just asking for trouble with old pipes? I’m always worried I’ll end up making a bigger mess than I started with. Curious if anyone’s had luck with those without wrecking anything...
Ever try those hair-snaking tools for kitchen sinks, or is that just asking for trouble with old pipes? I’m always worried I’ll end up making a bigger mess than I started with.
Honestly, I’m a bit skeptical about using those snaking tools in really old plumbing. Had a buddy who tried it and ended up loosening a joint under the sink—water everywhere. Maybe it’s just bad luck, but I feel like with ancient pipes, you’re rolling the dice. Have you looked into compressed air blasters? They seem less invasive, though I’m not 100% sold on them either.
I get the hesitation with snaking tools, especially if your pipes are older than you are. Thing is, compressed air blasters can be a bit of a gamble too. I’ve seen them blow out weak joints or even push a clog deeper if you’re not careful. If you’re worried about making things worse, sometimes just taking apart the trap and cleaning it by hand is the safest bet. Not glamorous, but at least you see what you’re dealing with. Just my two cents—sometimes low-tech wins.
I get what you’re saying about low-tech, but honestly, taking apart the trap freaks me out more than using a snake or even an air blaster. I tried it once and ended up with water everywhere and a weird smell that lingered for days. Maybe I just did it wrong, but I’d rather risk the snake than mess with those old pipes directly. Guess it’s a “pick your poison” kind of thing...
