Ahhh. How does this help? Is there a reason to use powder instead of gels or liquids? Something? When someone gives me advice, even though they are a bonified plumber I would like a detailed explanation from them.

Because he said so. Sorry I don't have the details.

jannie, I've heard the same thing about dishwashers but hadn't heard about the drain cleaners. The last time we used drain cleaners they ate a hole in the elbo joint of the drain, so try to avoid the commercial ones. Anyway, thanks for the tip :-)

I had the dishwasher repairman tell me the same thing. We had a problem with sporadic leakage and he said that the liquid can create too many suds which will cause it to leak out the sides. Since switching to powder I've never had that problem again.

I've read and heard that the powders are preferable as a cleaner because of the sandblasting effect on the dishes. However this will etch the dishes more easily too so it's not to be used on crystal or sensitive stuff. But then again, should you put that stuff in a dishwasher anyway? Also the better performers are the ones with enzymes.

All the pros I talk to say don't use drain cleaners. Use hot water (boiling) once a week or so and you won't have trouble. When you do, use baking soda and vinegar. And I've found mixing some salt in with the baking soda really helps clean the pipes. If I have a slow drain I'll start the hot water running and pour a box of salt down there slowly and it'll get better and better. A buddy was here one day and laughed at me until a few minutes later I had both faucets full blast and it was sucking everything down! He said he'd have to remember that. Never heard of it before. I said it just made sense to me since salt is a grit/abrasive and should clean it well, and it does.

I'll second the baking soda, followed by vinegar drain cleaner. It bubbles up and really cleans. Every time I clean my coffee pot by running a potful of vinegar through, I do my drains with soda and the hot vinegar. Keeps everything flowing nicely!

Next time I'll add some salt . . .

My plumber also told me to run hot watew down every drain for about a minute, once a week. It helps get grease out of the pipes. I've been doing it for about four months, it seems to be helping. We don't have sewers in my area, just cesspools.