Whether the problem afflicts your bathroom or kitchen, clogged drains can put a major kink in your day-to-day routine. Though some clogged drains require help from a professional plumber, many homeowners succeed at resolving these issues on their own. As the team at All Clear Pumping & Sewer in Jefferson City, MO, notes, DIYers should follow certain guidelines to ensure the problem is resolved successfully and without causing further damage.

Do:

Use a plunger.

A small sink plunger can often resolve drainpipe clogs. If the sink seems like it won’t drain at all, the additional pressure that comes from using a plunger could be enough to dislodge the clog. In a sink that has a few inches of standing water, place the plunger over the drain. Pressing it up and down will loosen the trapped debris.

Try boiling water for grease buildup.

Grease buildup is an especially common problem in kitchen sinks. As grease accumulates on the inside of the pipes, it will harden and slow the sink’s drainage. For an easy DIY method to eliminate this problem, pour boiling water down the sink with a bit of dish soap. This will break up the grease and move it out of your pipes.

Don’t:

Make chemical cleaners your first option.

Chemical drain cleaners are often the first resource homeowners reach for to unclog pipes, but they can actually do more harm than good. Many chemical cleaners can damage metal and PVC piping. As such, make them the last resort, rather than the first option.

Forget the strainer.

Though bathroom drains use strainers to prevent clogs, these items can sometimes contribute to water stoppages. To prevent bathroom backups, periodically remove the strainer and throw out any accumulated gunk. It’s also a good idea to use a wire clog remover to get rid of anything that might have slipped past the strainer.

If you can’t seem to repair clogged drains on your own, it’s time to call in the experts. As a full-service septic pumping company, the team at All Clear Pumping & Sewer will use their training to address the cause behind your plumbing problems—even for a midnight emergency. To learn more about their water line repair services, visit them online or call (573) 443-2660.