If you’ve ever dealt with a slow drain or a backed-up sink, you know how frustrating it can be. And when clogs strike, the internet and well-meaning friends are quick to offer advice — some of it helpful, some of it downright risky for your plumbing. At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® in North Metro, we’ve seen every type of clog imaginable, from stubborn kitchen sink backups to shower drains full of mystery debris. We’ve also seen the damage caused by “quick fixes” that didn’t work or made things worse. Before you pour, poke, or plunge your way into trouble, let’s separate the myths from the facts so you know what works to clear a clog.

Myth #1: Chemical Drain Cleaners Are the Fastest Fix

The truth: Chemical drain cleaners might dissolve some clogs temporarily, but they often do more harm than good. Most store-bought drain cleaners contain harsh ingredients like sodium hydroxide or sulfuric acid. While these chemicals can break down grease and hair, they can also eat away at your pipes — especially if you have older metal plumbing or PVC. Over time, repeated use can weaken pipe walls, damage seals, and cause costly leaks. They also don’t truly “clean” your drain. If the blockage is due to buildup on the pipe walls, the cleaner may only open a small hole through the clog, leaving residue behind to trap more debris. And if the clog is solid (like a child’s toy or a wad of paper towels), no amount of chemicals will dissolve it. What works instead: Use a plunger, drain snake, or professional hydro jetting for safe, thorough clog removal. If you must use a cleaner, choose an enzyme-based formula — it’s gentler on your plumbing and safer for the environment.

Myth #2: A Plunger Works on Every Clog

The truth: Plungers are great for some blockages, but they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. Plungers work best for soft clogs located close to the drain opening, like food scraps in a kitchen sink or hair in a shower drain. They rely on creating suction and pressure to dislodge the blockage. But if the clog is further down the line — or caused by grease, tree roots, or a collapsed pipe — plunging may do nothing at all. In some cases, it can actually push the clog deeper. What works instead: For deeper clogs, a hand-crank drain snake can break up and pull out debris. For more severe blockages, a professional plumber can use camera inspection and specialized equipment to locate and remove the clog without damaging your pipes.

Myth #3: Hot Water and Dish Soap Can Fix Any Kitchen Sink Backup

The truth: This method can help with small grease clogs — but it’s not a cure-all. Pouring hot water mixed with dish soap down your sink can help dissolve minor grease buildup, especially if you catch the problem early. However, if the grease has already cooled and hardened into thick layers, hot water alone won’t break it apart. In fact, it may just melt the top layer and allow it to solidify further down the pipe, creating a worse clog in a harder-to-reach spot. What works instead: Avoid putting grease down the drain in the first place — wipe pans with a paper towel before washing. If you suspect a grease clog, call a plumber to professionally clear it and inspect for buildup before it causes a complete blockage.

Myth #4: If Water Is Still Draining Slowly, It’s Not a Serious Problem

The truth: Slow drainage is one of the first signs of a developing clog — and ignoring it can lead to a complete blockage. Many homeowners wait until the water won’t drain at all before calling for help. But slow drains can indicate grease buildup, mineral deposits, root intrusion, or even a damaged sewer line. The earlier you address it, the easier (and less expensive) it is to fix. What works instead: If you notice water pooling in your sink, shower, or tub, schedule a professional drain cleaning. Our team at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of North Metro can clear the blockage and check for early signs of pipe damage.

Myth #5: A Coat Hanger Works Just as Well as a Plumbing Snake

The truth: Using a wire coat hanger may scratch your pipes, damage your fixtures, and push the clog deeper. While it’s tempting to straighten a hanger and fish for debris, this makeshift tool lacks the flexibility and design of a proper drain snake. A hanger’s sharp edges can gouge porcelain, chip enamel, and scrape PVC. Plus, it rarely reaches deep enough to remove the full blockage. What works instead: Invest in an inexpensive hand auger or drain snake from your local hardware store, or call a plumber who can use professional-grade tools without risking pipe damage.

Myth #6: Running the Garbage Disposal Will Clear a Clog

The truth: If your kitchen sink is already clogged, running the disposal could make things worse. Garbage disposals are designed to grind food scraps, but they can’t break down fibrous vegetables, coffee grounds, eggshells, or large amounts of pasta and rice. If these items are part of the clog, running the disposal may just compact the debris, making it harder to remove. What works instead: Turn off the disposal and try plunging the sink with a sink-specific plunger (flat bottom, not the bell-shaped toilet plunger). If that doesn’t work, call for professional drain clearing to avoid damaging the disposal motor.

Myth #7: Clogs Are Always Caused by What You Just Put Down the Drain

The truth: While recent debris can trigger a clog, most blockages are months (or even years) in the making. Buildup from grease, soap scum, hair, food particles, and mineral deposits slowly narrows your pipes over time. That’s why “innocent” items — like a little oatmeal or a paper towel — can suddenly block a drain. They get caught on existing buildup and form a dam. What works instead: Schedule routine drain maintenance, especially in older homes or if you’ve had recurring clogs. Our hydro jetting service scours your pipe walls clean, helping prevent future blockages.

When to Call a Professional

While some small clogs can be handled with a plunger or drain snake, there are times when DIY methods just won’t cut it. You should call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of North Metro if:

  • Multiple drains in your home are clogged at once
  • You smell sewage coming from your drains
  • Water backs up in one fixture when using another
  • You’ve tried basic methods with no success
  • The clog keeps coming back

These could be signs of a main sewer line issue, root intrusion, or damaged pipes — problems that require professional tools and expertise to fix safely.

What Really Works to Clear a Clog

The most effective solution depends on what’s causing the clog, where it’s located, and the condition of your pipes. Common professional methods include:

  • Plumbing snakes and augers – Break up or pull out debris in sink, tub, and shower drains
  • Hydro jetting – Uses high-pressure water to remove buildup and restore full pipe diameter
  • Video camera inspection – Pinpoints the clog location and identifies damage or intrusion
  • Pipe repair or replacement – Fixes structural issues that cause recurring blockages

Trusted Clog Removal in the North Metro Area

Don’t waste time or risk damaging your plumbing with quick fixes that don’t solve the problem. At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of North Metro, we use proven, safe methods to clear clogs and keep your drains flowing freely. From simple kitchen sink backups to major sewer line blockages, our licensed plumbers have the tools and training to get the job done right. Call us today to schedule your clog removal service and find out why we’re the punctual plumber your neighbors trust.