Few things are as frustrating as a blocked drain on your property. But before you break out the drain cleaner, make sure you don’t make the following mistakes.
Whether it’s in your home, office, or facility, few things are as frustrating or irritating as a blocked drain. Beyond its failure to let water through, a blocked drain might lead to bigger issues, including backed-up waste, horrible odors, and structural damage, if not taken care of right away. While there are several basic ways to handle a blocked drain, they can sometimes result in costly repairs and more. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when dealing with a blocked drain.
Using Chemical Drain Cleaners
Drain cleaners are swift and efficient and seem to take care of blocked drains with no fuss or ill effects. Unfortunately, using them isn’t always the wisest course of action. Many drain cleaners contain harsh chemicals that remove clogs but may also gradually corrode your pipes, which might lead to them bursting. Older plumbing systems can’t handle modern drain cleaners and may corrode more swiftly. Also, if a drain cleaner fails to clear a clog, it leaves a hazardous obstacle for you to deal with as you try other methods. Use drain cleaners only as a last resort. Natural solutions like vinegar and baking soda may also be useful for safely breaking down minor blockages.
Employing the Wrong Tools
Would you use a hammer to fix a crack in a mirror or a circular saw to hang a picture? Probably not. With drain blockage, however, people may feel tempted to use the wrong tools or employ jury-rigged solutions to clear things. Before you try to stick a coat hanger or another sharp piece of metal down a drain, stop yourself. Use proper tools, such as drain snakes and plungers. They won’t scratch or puncture your pipes and will be less likely to shove the blockage further down the pipe. It should go without saying that if you don’t know how a more advanced plumbing tool works, you shouldn’t use it.
Overloading the Garbage Disposal
Your garbage disposal may give the impression it can gobble down anything you feed it, but that’s just not true. Don’t shove too much into a garbage disposal all at once. Otherwise, it may “regurgitate” it or become blocked. Make sure you’re only adding appropriate waste as well. More fibrous vegetables, such as celery, asparagus, corn husks, and kale stems, might be too much for your disposal, so compost them instead. Bones, coffee grounds, and grease are also disposal-system no-nos. Avoid dealing with drain blockage by not adding the elements that create it.
Not Calling a Professional
Pride and saving money are two big things that might prevent you from calling a professional to deal with a blocked drain. But imagine how much worse you’ll feel and how much money you’ll spend if your DIY attempt to unblock the drain results in a far worse situation. Some blockages need a professional touch. Yes, you’ll have to pay the plumber for their time and expertise, but the cost will be worth it. Quite often, plumbers have the tools to instantly deal with any issue, such as employing hydro-line jetting services to clear severely blocked drains.
Those are just a few common mistakes to avoid when dealing with a blocked drain. Avoid them the next time you find your drain blocked!