Good call on bringing in a plumber when you did. DIY is great for minor stuff—like plunging a simple clog or cleaning out a trap—but persistent issues usually mean something deeper's going on. Chemical cleaners can actually make things worse over time, especially if your pipes are older or already compromised. I've seen plenty of pipes damaged by harsh chemicals, turning a small problem into a costly repair.
And yeah, baby wipes are the bane of my existence...you wouldn't believe how many times I've pulled those out of pipes. Even the ones labeled "flushable" aren't really safe for plumbing. If you're ever unsure, a quick camera inspection can pinpoint exactly what's causing recurring clogs. It's not always cheap upfront, but it saves headaches (and wallet aches) down the road.
Definitely agree on the chemical cleaners—learned that lesson the hard way myself. Had a tenant once who kept pouring drain cleaner down the tub drain every time it slowed down. Eventually, the pipe corroded so badly it leaked into the ceiling below. Not fun.
If you're dealing with recurring clogs, here's what I'd suggest doing step-by-step before calling in the pros:
1. First, try plunging or using a drain snake (the manual kind, not the powered ones unless you're experienced). Sometimes it's just hair or soap buildup that's easy enough to clear out yourself.
2. If that doesn't work, remove and clean out the trap under the sink or tub. It's usually pretty straightforward—just make sure you have a bucket underneath to catch any water.
3. Still clogged? At this point, I'd stop DIY-ing and call a plumber. Persistent issues usually mean something deeper like tree roots, collapsed pipes, or foreign objects stuck further down the line.
4. Ask your plumber about a camera inspection. Like mentioned above, it's not always cheap upfront, but knowing exactly what's going on can save you from bigger problems later.
Also, totally seconding the baby wipes thing. Had tenants swear up and down they weren't flushing anything unusual...until we pulled out a wad of "flushable" wipes the size of a softball. Now I specifically mention wipes in my lease agreements as a no-go item.
Bottom line: DIY is great for minor stuff, but when things keep happening repeatedly, it's safer (and cheaper in the long run) to get a professional involved sooner rather than later.
Yeah, learned my lesson about chemical cleaners too—ended up with a nasty leak under the kitchen sink. Now I stick to baking soda and vinegar first...cheap, effective, and way easier on the pipes.
"Yeah, learned my lesson about chemical cleaners too—ended up with a nasty leak under the kitchen sink."
Glad you switched to baking soda and vinegar; they're definitely gentler on your plumbing. Chemical drain cleaners can corrode pipes over time, especially older metal ones. I've seen plenty of leaks and pipe damage caused by those harsh chemicals. Curious though, have you ever tried using a drain snake or auger for tougher clogs? They're pretty affordable and can save you from bigger headaches down the road...
I've had mixed luck with drain snakes myself. They're definitely handy, especially for hair clogs in the bathroom sink or shower. But under the kitchen sink... eh, sometimes it's just a greasy mess down there, and I've found that snakes don't always do the trick. Last time I tried one, I ended up pulling out some pretty nasty stuff (I'll spare you the details), but it still didn't fully clear the clog.
Honestly, baking soda and vinegar have been my go-to ever since I learned about chemical cleaners eating away at pipes. Had a plumber friend tell me horror stories about older metal pipes literally crumbling apart after years of chemical cleaner use—yikes. So now I'm extra cautious.
One thing I've been curious about lately is those enzyme-based drain cleaners. Supposedly they're safer than chemicals because they use natural enzymes to break down organic matter slowly over time. Has anyone here actually tried them? Do they really work as advertised, or is it just marketing hype? I'd love to hear some firsthand experiences before spending money on yet another "miracle" product that ends up sitting unused under my sink...
