Clogged drains can be minor or a complete disaster. Either way, how you handle them can make the difference in whether you can resolve the issue on your own or if you will need a plumber for professional drain cleaning. Here are the do’s and don’ts of how to deal with a clog.

Do:

Try hot water.

Hot temperatures can loosen grease, hair, and other debris stuck in your plumbing. If you have PVC piping, run hot water right from the tap. Other plumbing systems can withstand boiling water to clear out a clog.

Use vinegar & baking soda.

A third of a cup of baking soda and a third of a cup of vinegar create a fizzy solution that eats away whatever debris is slowing down your drain. Not only will vinegar and baking soda clear away a clog, but it will also freshen your drain and eliminate nasty odors.

Call for help.

If hot water, vinegar, and baking soda are not doing the trick, and you’ve tried cleaning out the grease trap in your pipes, call a plumber. Professionals have drain snakes and other tools and techniques for getting to the root of the clog. They will also do it safely—without damaging your plumbing.

Don’t:

Use drain cleaners.

Despite their claims, liquid drain cleaning products are not safe for your plumbing. These chemicals might purge the clog, but they will also slowly eat away at your pipes and corrode your system, leading to a major repair down the line.

Plunge too hard.

Plungers are an effective way to push a blockage through your pipes, but avoid applying too much force. The pressure created can actually damage your entire line and even crack and tear the trap.

Send everything down the drain.

The best way to avoid a clog is to watch what you are flushing down the drain. Never pour grease down pipes and keep all inorganic items away. Also be wary of fibrous veggies like celery and starchy foods like potatoes, pasta, and rice, as they expand when wet and cause a giant brick in your system. Other foods best left for the garbage are bones, egg shells, and coffee grounds.

 

When you need a professional plumber to help with a clogged drain, call Joe Klosterman Plumbing. As a family-owned and -operated company since 1983, they have provided everything from toilet repairs to sump pump maintenance for residents and business owners in Cincinnati, OH. With a team of long-time employees and the best techniques in the industry, major and minor trouble is handled with ease. Call (513) 941-6766 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online for helpful tips from their expert plumbers.