3 Common Drain Cleaning Mistakes (And How To Avoid Them)
Drain clogs are a fact of life for everyone, whether you live in a brand-new home or a classic Victorian with more than a century of history tied up in its plumbing. While many clogs arise from incorrect drain usage, just as many are unavoidable. Whatever the underlying cause, making the wrong choices when dealing with a clogged-up drain can turn it from a minor nuisance into a potential disaster.
The good news is that dealing with drain clogs doesn't need to be a huge hurdle. This guide will review three common mistakes that many homeowners make and provide some tips to avoid these missteps and ensure you can get your drains running freely with minimal drama.
1. Overusing Chemical Drain Cleaners
Over-the-counter chemical drain cleaners are often the first line of defense against clogs for many homeowners. These products are widely available and, most importantly, promise quick and easy results. Unfortunately, overusing these drain cleaners can often mask more serious problems or cause additional damage.
Since these drain cleaners rely on relatively powerful chemicals, they can potentially damage your plumbing and cause serious injury if they splash onto your skin. Although using them once or twice isn't harmful, you should avoid frequent usage. If you need to rely on chemicals to get your drains running, you may need to call a plumber to investigate the underlying cause of your returning clogs.
2. Not Keeping Multiple Plungers On Hand
Did you know that plungers aren't a one-size-fits-all solution? Many homeowners don't! There are several different plungers suitable for different drains and clogs, and every homeowner should have a few on hand. Having the right plungers in your home, and knowing which ones to use for different situations, can save you time, money, and frustration.
More importantly, plungers are a safer and often more effective option than chemical cleaning. If your drain starts running slowly or stops working, always start by using the gentlest approach possible. If using the appropriate plunger type doesn't work, you may have a more significant problem requiring professional help.
3. Waiting to Call a Plumber
Many people view drain clogs as a relatively minor issue and, as a result, wait much too long to call for professional help. Unfortunately, clogs are often more than a one-time issue. Many drain obstructions build up over time, resulting in partial blockages that typical do-it-yourself methods may fail to thoroughly clean.
By waiting to call a plumber when your drain stops working, you may be allowing these clogs to harden. Even worse, you may be covering up the symptoms of a more severe issue, such as tree roots growing through a sewer drain. The sooner you contact a professional drain cleaning service, the easier it will be to resolve these issues and avoid further damage to your home's plumbing.