Although plumbing equipment will efficiently remove waste from your property, drains should never be used as replacements for trash bins. Pipes and drain lines are designed to eliminate biodegradable waste, which means that paper towels, hair, and oils can easily clog the channels. Depending on the severity of the clog, it might be best to call a plumbing contractor for help. If you attempt to unclog the drain, below is a brief guide to what you should and shouldn’t do in the process. 

Do:

Pour boiling water down the drain to unblock minor clogs.

If water doesn’t pool at the base of the shower but drains slowly, there could be hair or soap scum clinging to the opening of the drain line. Pouring boiling water down the drain will help dislodge minor clogs, breaking up the particles so they can move down the channel easily. If pipes are made of PVC, it’s best to use hot water, as boiling it could harm pipe joints and lead to leaks. 

Use a drain snake for hard-to-reach clogs.

If pouring boiling water down the drain doesn’t clear the clog, try using a drain snake to dislodge the blockage. The device features a long cable, which will glide through the drain and pull out debris or push it through the channel. 

Don’t:

Pour harsh chemicals down the drain.

As a quick remedy, many people are tempted to pour commercial drain cleaners down their plumbing fixtures. The products contain harsh chemicals that might clear the clog but will leave plenty of damage behind. To avoid corroding drain and pipe linings, stay away from chemical-based cleaners. 

Use excessive force with a plunger.

If you try to unclog the drain with a plunger, only apply light pressure to dislodge the waste. Applying too much pressure when plunging could force the trap and drain line out of place. If using a plunger doesn’t remedy the issue, it’s best to call a plumbing contractor for help. 

 

Although it’s important to know what you should and shouldn’t do to unclog a drain in a pinch, you should leave all plumbing repairs, installations, and upkeep in the hands of the professional plumbing contractors at Paradise Plumbing in Haleiwa, HI. They have the tools and experience to unclog drains while providing additional solutions to improve the performance and efficiency of your plumbing system. To schedule a service appointment in Haleiwa, call (808) 368-1473. Visit the plumbing contractors online for a comprehensive look at the commercial and residential plumbing services they provide and like them on Facebook for announcements.