Plumbing problems become a real drain

Question No. 1

Robert,

I read your Signal articles religiously and appreciate your expertise. I save articles for later, even if I don’t need them at the time. Now I’m confused.

You say for maintenance monthly, put a half-cup bleach into the sinks to keep the traps from clogging with gunk … but all other plumbers say that is not good for our pipes. What’s the deal … why do you disagree with that? I am on a septic system and am told not to use retail drain cleaners, either.

Now I don’t know what I should do. Plumbers are expensive to come and snake drains, etc. My home in Sand Canyon is 34 years old and it seems everything needs major repairs lately.

I try to do the smartest maintenance things that I can. Please clarify if you can, this plumbing/bleach issue.

—Ruthann L.

Answer No. 1

Ruthann,

I can’t speak for other plumbers and their reasons for certain beliefs.

As with many trades, there are differing opinions on things, and usually, that comes with their experiences.

I offer my opinions based on being a licensed general, electrical and plumbing contractor for 40 years.

I’ve maintained many properties, including my home and commercial building, and have practiced the bleach method at both for all of those years with no ill effects, and no backups.

I do not service septic systems, but I am aware that bleach can be used in laundry — so this is similar, there is still bleach going down the pipes, whether it is directly into the pipes or through laundry.

The over-the-counter drain cleaning products are much more corrosive than bleach, so I stick with the bleach.

Definitely wipe down the hardware/openings of the drain to prevent damage to them, and let the bleach sit for a minimum of one hour or for several, if the light smell does not bother you.

Run water to flush the drain and this, when done monthly, should prevent problems within the traps. With that said, if you have an excessive amount of hair going down the drains, you’ll need to find a way to prevent it from getting past the opening in order to prevent the need for snaking.

Even the bleach won’t clear large amounts of hair. There are many options at the big box stores that you can choose to use for minimizing this. I hope this information helps.

Good luck to you, —Robert

The over-thecounter drain cleaning products are much more corrosive than bleach, so I stick with the bleach.

Robert Lamoureux has more than 40 years of experience as a general contractor, with separate licenses in electrical and plumbing contracting. He owns IMS Construction Inc. in Valencia. His opinions are his own, not necessarily those of The Signal. Opinions expressed in this column are not meant to replace the recommendations of a qualified contractor after that contractor has made a thorough visual inspection. Email questions to Robert at robert@imsconstruction.com.