5 Things Never To Do To A Clogged Drain

Do you have a clogged drain? If so, you're not alone. A clogged drain is one of the most common plumbing problems that people experience. There are many things that can cause a clogged drain, but there are also some things that you should never do to clear it. This blog post will discuss five things you should never do to a clogged drain. We'll also provide some tips on how to tell if you have a clogged drain and what to do if you do. Let's get started!

How to tell if you have a clogged drain

There are a few telltale signs that you have a clogged drain. If you notice any of the following, it's time to take action:

-Water is draining slowly from your sink, shower, or tub

-Gurgling sounds coming from your drain

-Bad odors emanating from your drain

If you notice any of these signs, don't panic. There are some things that you can do to clear the clog. However, there are also some things that you should never do. Read on to learn more!

Avoid making these big mistakes!

If you've determined you have a clogged drain, you'll want to clear it right away. But don't make these major mistakes!

Put the wrong things down the drain

One of the biggest mistakes that people make when they have a clogged drain is putting the wrong things down the drain. You should never put grease, oil, coffee grounds, or food scraps down the drain. These materials can solidify and cause a clog. Stick to putting water and soap down the drain.

Leave the water on

When you're trying to clear a clog, it's important that you leave the water off. Running water can worsen the clog by pushing it further down the drain. So be sure to turn off your sink, shower, or tub before attempting to clear the clog.

Flush a bunch of chemicals

Another big mistake people make is using too many chemicals in an attempt to clear their drains. This is not only ineffective, but it can also be dangerous. Chemicals can damage your pipes and skin if they come into contact with them. If you must use chemicals to clear your drain, be sure to follow the directions carefully.

Attempt a homemade tool

When it comes to clearing clogged drains, leave it to the professionals. There are a lot of DIY methods out there, but most of them are ineffective and can actually damage your pipes. Save yourself the trouble and call a professional when you have a clogged drain.

Another “home remedy” to avoid is pouring boiling water or vinegar down the drain. This could cause rusting or other issues. 

Misuse a drain snake

If you do decide to use a drain snake, be careful not to misuse it. Drain snakes are designed for small clogs that are close to the surface. You could damage your pipes if you try to force the snake down a deeper clog. While drain snakes -AKA “augers” - are relatively easy to use, don’t force anything. If it doesn’t feel right, don’t mess with it. Leave it to a professional plover to handle!

When to call a professional

If you've tried all of the above and you're still dealing with a clogged drain, it's time to call a professional. A plumbing professional will have the tools and knowledge necessary to clear your drain quickly and efficiently.

With modern sewer cameras, a professional plumber can thoroughly inspect the inside of the pipe. And if they locate a problem is located, the camera will emit an electronic signal that the plumber can detect from outside the pipe, allowing the plumber to pinpoint exactly where the repair must be made.

Bio-friendly options to clear a clogged drain

Ask your plumber about bio-friendly drain-cleaning options if you’re concerned about the environment and your family’s health and well-being. One option is mechanical drain cleaners. These are machine-driven cables with specialized heads that the plumber inserts into the affected pipe. The spinning action of the cable and head can cut through roots or retrieve items that have clogged drains.

Another option is high-pressure water jetting. This method is best left only to trained, licensed plumbers since water jets can reach up to 4000 psi. This method cleans the pipe with water so blockage is less likely to reoccur. The plumber will insert a high-pressure hose with a specialized head into the affected pipe to assist with this form of drain cleaning.

Takeaways

As everyone knows, clogged drains in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room are a real pain. Washing the family dog, long-haired family members washing their hair every day, and kitchen waste combined with grease are the main culprits that lead to stubborn clogged drains and the disgusting task that ensues -drain cleaning.

In summary, there are some things that you should never do to a clogged drain. These include putting the wrong things down the drain, leaving the water on, flushing a bunch of chemicals, attempting a homemade tool, and misusing a drain snake. If you find yourself with a clogged drain, be sure to call a professional for help.

If you are dealing with a drain clog, calling a professional plumber for drain cleaning is the way to go. And when you use a TrustDALE certified professional, you're always protected by Dale's trademark 

$10,000 Make-It-Right Guarantee

. So start looking for a trusted plumbing professional in your area today!