Clogged drains are not only an inconvenience, they can also be a serious threat to your home’s plumbing. They can cause damage to pipes, sewage backups and even a risk to your health.
It is best to call in a plumber for any clogged drain issue. This is because most DIY methods are not designed to be effective against a major clog or blockage. Often, they may only be effective in removing a minor clog or buildup and can lead to larger problems in the future.
1. Don’t use drain cleaners
Store-bought chemical drain cleaning in Lomita like Liquid-Plumr or Drano can be helpful in some situations, but they’re not always the right choice. These chemicals can be harsh on your pipes and they can create a dangerous backup of corrosive sludge.
2. Hair clogs
Long, thick hairs are a common cause of clogged drains. These can clog your sink, toilet, shower or bathtub. They also get tangled in your drain stopper or strainer.
A simple way to get rid of this problem is to keep a bowl by the sink for picking up hair before it gets flushed down the drain. Then, after you remove the drain stopper or strainer, make sure to clean out any tangled hair and debris.
3. A wire coat hanger can help you snake a drain
If you don’t have a plumber’s snake, you can make one yourself with a wire coat hanger and a pair of needle-nose pliers. Unwind the hanger into a long piece of wire and hook the end of the wire over your drain opening to help you grab any food or hair buildup.
4. Don’t force anything
When using a wire drain snake, be careful not to try and force it down a clog that is too deep or that is too big for the snake to handle. This could cause you to damage the pipe or even break it.
5. Don’t use vinegar and baking soda to unclog a drain
Vinegar and baking soda are both great for cleaning, but they do produce carbon dioxide that will bubble in your drain. This is why it’s best to rinse your drain after using this method.
6. Don’t use hot water
A clogged drain can be a frustrating and annoying experience, especially when it happens while you are using the sink or washing up. Adding more hot water to the drain doesn’t help and can actually cause the problem to worsen.
7. Don’t flush any items down the drain that should not be there
Trying to unclog a drain with a plunger or other home remedies can be extremely frustrating, especially when it doesn’t work. This is because these products aren’t designed to be used on severe clogs, and they can damage your pipes or corrode them.
8. Don’t attempt to remove a main sewer line clog yourself
Sewer lines are generally beyond the reach of most people and require professional help to clear out. This type of clog is usually caused by a sagging pipe or other damage that requires expert knowledge to fix.
