Common Mistakes Made When Cleaning Blocked Drains

Isn’t it just infuriating when you find that your drain is clogged? It can happen to even the best of us. It happens when we let the hair go down the drain in the bathroom, flush down toilet paper, and not dispose of the vegetable peels, tea leaves, and eggshells in the bin. While it can be easy to fix blocked drains, we tend to make some fairly common mistakes that may end up damaging our drainage pipes. Here are some common mistakes that should be avoided while cleaning a blocked drain

Using strong chemicals When you have a clogged drain, using chemicals like sodium hydroxide and sulphuric acids and all the other drain cleaners available in the market may seem like a nice idea. These products tend to clean the blocked drains much faster than any DIY technique. But these chemicals are very toxic and cause a lot of damage to the pipes. They are also harmful to the environment, as they emit toxic fumes that can cause serious problems. They provide a quick fix that will let you have a few weeks of unclogged drains, but afterward, you will again find yourself pouring more chemicals down the drain.

Using the age-old wire hanger This old technique should be left in the past. It only ever works if the blockage is not that deep. Don’t waste your time sticking down a metal wire in the drain, as can not only push the gunk further down but also invite more trouble to the structure of your pipes. If you are jabbing the hanger in the drain, it may get stuck in it and may cost you way more than calling a plumber to fix the drain.

Using a plunger incorrectly Plunger usually does the job of unclogging the blocked drains, but you must be careful to use the right type of plunger depending upon the nature and location of the clog. If you have a clogged toilet, then make sure that you use a plunger that has a flat bottom. Also, the technique of plunging matters a lot. The cup of the plunger should be rightly placed over the drain and the seal should be firm. It should be slowly worked up and down. Plunging too fast is a major plumbing mistake that can create a big mess.

Overusing the garden hose Let the garden hose be used only to water the plants. It is a huge mistake to clear the outside drainage with a garden hose, as it does not have enough pressure to clear out blockages caused by leaves or tree branches. It will only cause flooding and damage the drain and pipes and the surrounding area.

Not calling the plumbing service at the time

Even if you plan to clean the blocked drains yourself, make sure that you use a plumber’s snake for it, since it is more effective and will not damage the pipes. The best way to avoid these mistakes is by taking preventions. Do not let the drain clog by removing your hair from the bathroom floor after every shower. Use drain covers to stop food from going down the drain. Never flush down toilet paper or any other material in the toilet. Spend money on a proper plumbing service to avoid further expenses.