Clogged drains can be tough to deal with. Having a clogged or slow-moving drain is an issue for most homeowners, and it’s the one that can lead to a lot of frustration. Whether it’s a slow-running faucet or a backed-up bathtub, different maintenance problems need to be addressed differently depending on the issue. Sometimes you are able to deal with a clog yourself, but some issues can only be fixed with the help of a professional plumber. Overall, preventing clogged drains should be a priority to avoid further issues in your household. Drains can get clogged for a number of reasons. And when they do, it's important to take the right steps to ensure it won’t happen again. Here are five of the most common drain cleaning mistakes to avoid.
1. Overuse of Chemicals
The drain cleaning chemicals you buy at the store may seem like a great idea to help break up clogs. But when these options fail to work, it can be tempting to overuse or misuse these chemicals. Remember, drain cleaning chemicals can be harsh on your drain pipes, causing damage over time that could lead to worse problems with your plumbing system. The better solution to deal with the clog is a drain snake - it's gentler yet just as effective when used correctly.
2. Pushing Things Down the Drain
It's so easy to push things down your drain - after all, that's what the drain is for. But you have to be careful not to push or discard anything down your drain that should not be there! That includes fats, oils, and grease. These things can build up over time and cause severe damage to your drain pipes. Not only will you experience further plumbing problems, but you could be at risk of sewer backups in your home.
3. Incorrect Use of Drain Snake
When used correctly, drain snakes can unclog your drain and push everything out or down to clear the pipes. But if drain snakes aren't used properly, it can damage your drain pipes and lead to costly problems down the line. Sometimes when you use drain snakes to pull clogs out of pipes, it can get stuck in the drainpipe, thus exacerbating the issue and leading to more costly repairs in the future.
4. Incorrect Use of a Plunger
Plungers are a useful aid in unclogging drains, but they are not always effective. Plungers are best at getting rid of hair and other solid materials in the drain. But they are often not effective against liquid clogs or at removing chemicals that have been poured into the drain. Using a plunger on a drain can damage it, and you can even get hurt in the process if you don’t use it properly. Also, since these tools come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, you need to make sure that you have a plunger that is of the correct diameter of your drain line.
5. Not Consulting a Plumber
If DIY drain cleaning fails, call a professional for help right away. When you use drain cleaners or other things wrong, you can cause further clogs. This also applies for when you misuse a drain snake or have serious problems with your drains. If you find yourself in the midst of a drain clog, call a drain cleaning company you can trust.
Contact Us for All Your Drain Issues in Hamilton
When it comes to clearing clogs and drain backups, there are so many home remedies out there that it’s difficult to know which ones work and which ones don’t. But if you want to avoid damaging your pipes and causing hundreds of dollars in repairs, you need to know how to do it safely, professionally, and correctly. That’s why it is best if you contact a professional who specializes in plumbing repairs and will be able to clean your drain and fix other issues you may have with the pipes. The team at Pitton Plumbing & Heating Inc. can help fix any drain issues you may have. Reach out to us today for a quote.