A slow or clogged drain might not seem like a big deal—until it turns into a backed-up sink, a flooded bathroom, or a pipe repair bill. Before you reach for that harsh chemical bottle, there’s something you should know: not all drain cleaners are safe, and using the wrong method can do more harm than good.
Whether you live in Hyde Park, Anderson, West Chester, or anywhere across Greater Cincinnati, here’s how to handle a stubborn drain the right way—without damaging your home’s plumbing.
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What NOT to Pour Down Your Drains This Summer
From cookouts to extra laundry and showers, summer puts extra strain on your plumbing. That makes it especially important to protect your drains from clogs.
Avoid pouring these down your kitchen or bathroom drains:
- Grease or oil – It may go down hot, but it hardens inside your pipes and creates major blockages.
- Coffee grounds – These clump together and act like sandpaper in your drain lines.
- Flushable wipes – Despite the name, these don’t break down like toilet paper and often cause sewer backups.
- Eggshells, pasta, or rice – These expand or stick together and get trapped in garbage disposals.
- Hair and soap scum – Common in bathroom drains and a leading cause of slow flow.
Preventing clogs starts with awareness of what’s going down your pipes. Even small amounts of buildup can cause major issues over time.
Natural vs. Chemical Drain Cleaners: What’s the Real Risk?
When drains start to slow, many homeowners reach for over-the-counter chemical cleaners. But these products often do more damage than good.
The hidden dangers of chemical cleaners:
- They can corrode metal pipes over time.
- In older homes around Cincinnati, they may damage clay or cast-iron drain lines.
- If they don’t work, they leave behind a toxic mess for plumbers to deal with.
Safer, DIY alternatives to try:
- Boiling water (for grease-based clogs in kitchen sinks)
- Baking soda + vinegar – Pour half a cup of baking soda, followed by half a cup of vinegar. Let sit, then flush with hot water.
- Plungers or drain snakes – Safe and effective for minor clogs, especially in tubs and sinks.
If you’ve tried these and the clog keeps returning—it’s time for a deeper look.
When to Call in the Pros: Hydro-Jetting & Camera Inspections
Persistent drain issues often mean there’s a bigger problem deeper in your plumbing system—like a root intrusion, grease buildup, or even a collapsed pipe.
A+ Services offers:
- Hydro-jetting – A high-pressure water system that safely clears out years of buildup without damaging pipes.
- Drain camera inspections – We use real-time video to see exactly what’s going on inside your pipes and pinpoint problem areas.
These tools allow us to clear even the toughest blockages and ensure long-lasting results—not just a temporary fix.
Whether you’re in Colerain, Mason, or downtown Cincinnati, we’re equipped to handle everything from minor clogs to full sewer line blockages with speed and care.
Greater Cincinnati’s Trusted Drain Cleaning Experts
At A+ Services, we believe in helping homeowners make smart, confident choices. That means clear communication, fair pricing, and zero scare tactics. Our licensed, background-checked plumbing professionals are trained to solve drain problems safely and efficiently—so you can get back to enjoying your summer.
Here’s what you get with us:
✅ Emergency drain clearing and hydro-jetting
✅ Safe, no-damage cleaning for older plumbing systems
✅ Camera inspections for accurate diagnosis
✅ Honest advice and upfront pricing—no surprises
Slow Drains? Let’s Get Them Flowing Again—Safely.
If you’re tired of fighting the same clog—or just want peace of mind that your plumbing is in good shape—give A+ Services a call today.
We proudly serve homeowners across Greater Cincinnati, including Fairfield, Anderson, Hyde Park, and West Chester, with fast response and top-rated service.
Call now or book your drain service online.
Because no one wants to spend their summer dealing with a backed-up sink.