Everyone has to deal with a dirty or clogged drain at some point. As plumbing problems go, they’re some of the most common that people encounter, and many homeowners think they can fix the issue themselves. While you may be able to fix a clogged sink or shower relatively easily on your own, it’s also just as easy to make mistakes that make your problems worse.
As a rule, you should always call a plumber for assistance if you can’t unclog a drain or if it’s been over a year since you’ve had your drains professionally cleaned. If you do attempt to clean a drain yourself, here’s how you can avoid some common yet very costly mistakes.
Relying Too Much on Chemical Drain Cleaners
Technically, chemical drain cleaners work if you have a clogged drain. They contain caustic chemicals that will dissolve enough of a clog to allow water to flow freely again. The downside is that you’re pouring caustic chemicals down your drain. Yes, they will dissolve at least some of what’s blocking your drain, but they’ll also damage your plumbing if you use them too often. To make matters worse, drain cleaners are usually only quick fixes since they rarely remove the entire clog; they just dissolve enough to allow water to flow through.
Chemical drain cleaners should only be used as a last resort, and they should be used sparingly. Treat them like the temporary quick fixes that they are, and call a plumber for a more permanent solution.
Using a Plunger Incorrectly
A plunger is a good thing to have when you need to clear a blocked drain, but they aren’t always used correctly. First of all, you need to make sure that you’re using the right plunger for the job. For example, if you have a clogged toilet, the best plunger for the job is a flange plunger, which has a rubber flap at the end of the cup that creates a tight seal over a toilet drain. If you’re trying to unclog a sink, you would likely use a standard cup plunger.
To use a plunger correctly, make sure you make a tight seal around the drain, and push the plunger slowly up and down. Going too fast could push the blockage too far down into your pipes.
Poking a Stick Down the Drain
Some people think they can dislodge a clog by sticking a straightened wire hanger or a stick down the drain. Not only does this not work, but it can make your problems worse by pushing the clog farther down the drain or damaging your plumbing.
If you must stick something down your drain, use a plastic plumbing tool or a plumbing snake. Both of these tools break up clogs when used correctly. Be gentle when using these tools, and don’t force them down your drain or navigate around tight corners of a pipe.
While drain cleaning seems like a simple plumbing task, it can still be difficult if you have a nasty clog. If you aren’t comfortable trying to clean a drain yourself or if you can’t unclog a drain, don’t hesitate to call a plumber for assistance. If you live in Denver, CO or a surrounding area and need drain cleaning services, make your first call to Priority Plumbing and Heating.
