Pipe Choke Problems Solved: Expert Tips to Clear Blockages Like a Pro!

Pipe blockage is a common household issue in Singapore. Likewise, choked pipes can cause increased pressure and make them prone to bursts or leaks. On the other hand, a clean drain system ensures a smooth flow of materials. Then, what would you do if you had the same issue? In this blog, I will expound on the causes and solutions to pipe choke problems.
Typically, various elements like hair, grease, and foreign objects cause barriers to flow water inside pipes smoothly. When you have blocked pipes, you may start experiencing bad odor, unusual noise, and the presence of fruit flies. Eventually, you will feel bad while staying home.
Not only at the house, but pipe choke can also happen on official premises. Professional plumbing services in Singapore can be a good solution to this problem. However, do not worry, you can follow my tips to clear blockages like the pros. For this, I suggest you go through the blog post and get yourself done.
What are the Reasons for Pipe Chokes?
Like Newton’s third law, there must be some causes of pipe blockages. But what are they? In this part, you will know them. It will help you prevent the issue from happening again.
Cooking Oil & Grease
We mostly prep our foods with cooking oil. While cooking the dishes or cleaning the dirty utensils, the oil or grease may flow through pipes from kitchen sinks. Hot grease can especially coat the interior of pipes. As it cools, it solidifies, leading to blockages and chokes.
Using Artificial Cleaners
Certainly, many of us tend to use chemical drains or pipe cleaners heavily. However, these cleaners often contain substances that react chemically with other materials, causing clogs. During the reaction, the clogs break but cause damage to the pipes due to excessive usage.
Soap Scum Buildup
The soap residues (also called soap scum) we leave after every use can accumulate easily in pipes. Then, they combine with other debris and cause clogged pipes. Well, it happens due to the chemical reactions between the soap and minerals in the water.
Pitting Corrosion in Pipelines
The presence of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in oil and gas wells pits corrosion in pipelines. Moreover, the chemical reaction involving H2S, iron (Fe), and water (H2O) forms iron sulfide (FeSx) and the release of hydrogen ions. It can cause corrosion and potential pipe chokes.
Galvanic Corrosion
Galvanic corrosion occurs when metals with different electrical conductivity potentials are used together. It can be similar to plumbing systems. This difference in potential can cause the more positively charged metal (anode) to rust. It can cause pipe chokes if you improperly impair materials like copper pipes with other metals.
Related: Toilet Bowl Choke in Singapore
How Can I Know About Pipe Chokes?
You may wonder if you really need all that cleaning for clogged drains. Still, some signs warn you about taking the next steps. In this part, I will discuss some of them.
Gurgling Toilets and Drains
The first and most common sign you will get is a gurgling noise from your toilets and drains. It indicates that air is struggling to properly flow through the plumbing system.
Strong Sewage Smells
If you smell a strong sewage odor inside your home, it may point to a clogged plumbing vent. This occurs when the vent is unable to regulate air pressure. Also, it will prevent sewer gases from entering the home.
Sluggish Drains
Do you see water draining slower than usual through pipes? This will be another sign indicating the pipe part is cracked or broken.
Debris Coming Out of Fixtures
You may experience changes in water flow or pressure slowly over time. However, if you see debris from the water fixtures, you may need to call plumbing services in your area like Li Fong Handyman.
Dampness and Wet Spots
Clogged pipes may force the water to leak and dampen the surface. You may find the source and determine if the pipe choke is the problem.
DIY Tips for Pipe Chokes

So, till now, you have learned why you get pipe chokes and how to identify them. The main point is that I will help you solve the problem by doing it yourself.
Tip 1: Boiling Water
Hot water can solve many plumbing problems (like floor trap choke, clogged drains, etc.). You can use it to dissolve soap scrum and grease from the pipes. To do this, you only need to flow the water through the choked pipes. After 10 minutes, you may run regular-temperature water.
However, this method is not very suitable for PVC or plastic pipes. The high water temperature can damage the pipes’ interior, which may lead to more expenses. It may eliminate clogs due to hair, dirt, and other tiny things.
Tip 2: Plumber’s Snake
Drain snakes are effective in unclogging pipes. These tools look like a coiled metal cable to break up the stubborn blockages. According to many professional service providers, a good product would be the Drainx Pro 50-FT.
To apply this method, insert the curved tip into the pipe. Then, feed the wire through till it reaches the existing clog. Next, you can use the handle to turn the wire clockwise. After several repetitions, the clog will be loosened. You can run water through the pipe to clean those clogs.
Tip 3: Using Plungers
It would be a great idea if you wanted to unclog minor pipe blockages. You can especially remove clogs due to hair buildup and soap residues.
You can start the process with sufficient water filling the sink or tub to cover the suction cup of the plunger. After that, put the plunger over the drain. Now, press it firmly down to create a seal and pump dynamically up and down. This pressure will break up internal clogs after some time.
Tip 4: Using Baking Soda and Vinegar
You can use domestic items to clean the nasty things out of pipes. Common materials include baking soda, liquid dish soap, salt, vinegar, and hot water. First, let me share how to clean pipe chokes with baking soda and vinegar.
Pour a cup of baking soda after a cup of white vinegar down the pipe. Then, place a stopper over the pipe opening. It will direct the reaction downwards and clean the blockage. You may also use salt beside these two items. In that case, the process will be slightly different.
Tip 5: Baking Soda, Salt, and Vinegar
Mix baking soda and salt at a 1:1 ratio in a cup. Then, pour the mixture down the pipe. Next, boil a cup of vinegar and pour it down the drain. You will get the desired result.
Tip 6: Liquid Dish Soap and Hot Water
In the case of liquid dish soap, you can use it with hot water to deal with pipe chokes. Again, the process will be different. I suggest you pour 3 tablespoons of soap into a pot of hot water.
Then, stir the mixture and pour slowly down the pipe. Let them sit for around 20-30 minutes to unclog the sticky residues. Flush the pipes with regular water. You may repeat the process if you still get clogs.
Read More About
How to Solve Drain Chokes Issue
Professional Solutions for Pipe Chokes
When the DIY method appears to be a failure or somewhat effective, you can contact expert service providers. A prominent provider will try any of these methods to give you a better and more persistent result. One more thing: they may use plungers or plumbing snakes, too.
Method 1: Hydro Jetting
Professionals apply this method to use high-pressure water to clear blockages and buildup inside pipes. It is highly effective for removing grease, mineral buildup, and tree roots. So, if you want to clean pipe chokes, regardless of whether they are at home or in an office, you can ask them to use hydrojetting.
However, ask them to be careful with damaged or older pipes as they may not bear the high pressure of water. In this case, pre-inspection will be a good solution.
Method 2: Caustic or Chemical Drain Cleaners
This is another common method that plumbers use to clean the plumbing system. These cleaners contain harsh yet effective ingredients like hydrochloric acid (HCL), caustic soda (NaOH), and sulfuric acid (H2SO4).
When they apply these cleaners, those ingredients break down various substances inside the pipe. For example, they can clean soap scum, hair, oils, grease, food scraps, and other particles. If you wish to try this method, choose Drano’s Max Gel Liquid Clog Remover.
Method 3: Pipe Replacement
If you have old pipes with a clogged interior, the best idea would be to replace them. You can ask the service provider or team to suggest the best replacement pipes for the plumbing system. They will come to your place and replace them with expert hands. Thus, you should observe the current market before asking them to install new pipes. It will help you save time and money.
How Can I Prevent Pipe Chokes?
“Prevention is better than cure” – we often hear this proverb. Unless you are in dire need of plumbing service, you may start preventing the pipe choke issue. You may do it by following these instructions:
Regular Maintenance
There is no alternative to regular inspections and maintenance. If you remain careful about what you are draining through the pipes, the chances of pipe chokes will be lessened. You may often contact a professional and reliable plumber for minor checkups.
Dispose Waste Properly
Due to our busy timetable, we may forget to dispose of them properly or at the right time. But can’t you do this? I know you can do it. You should avoid dumping cooking oil down the sink to prevent coating on the pipes.
Related service: Dismantling & Disposal Service in Singapore
Install a Lint Catcher
Pipe chokes can also happen in washing machines. You may install a lint catcher to hold the tiny fabrics from clothes during washing. Otherwise, they may accumulate inside the pipes and clog them.
Install a Hair Catcher
Look at the market for hair catchers (more precisely, wire mesh). Then, install the wire mesh at the drainage to catch any hair before it gets into the pipes.
Regularly Flush Pipes with Hot Water
You can follow this tip too. To do this, pour a kettle of hot water down your kitchen sink drain at least once a week. It can melt away fat or grease buildup inside your pipes. As a result, you will get a clog-free pipe.
Educate Family on Proper Disposal
Educate your loved ones on what should not be flushed to prevent stubborn blockages, especially in toilets. They can be wipes, feminine hygiene products, and excessive toilet paper.
FAQs
What are the most common causes of pipe blockages?
Soap scum, hair, oils, grease, food scraps, and other particles inside the pipes may choke the passage.
What do you do if the pipe is blocked?
You can apply multiple methods like using a plunger, drain auger, and household items (like vinegar, baking soda, hot water, etc.).
Are chemical drain cleaners safe to use?
I suggest you use natural cleaners made of household items instead of chemical ones. It is because those cleaners are highly corrosive.
Final Words: Li Fong, All-in-One Plumbing Service Provider in Singapore
Throughout the blog, I have explained many important things, from identification to solving pipe choke problems. And I hope you can follow the tips, especially those DIY ones. If you face any issues, you can hire Li Fong professionals.
We provide citywide plumbing services at affordable costs. We understand the importance of maintaining a clear and functional plumbing system. Plus, we ensure a smooth and efficient plumbing system for your house and offices.
Thank you for your precious time. I hope you enjoyed reading the blog.
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