Dealing with a clogged drain is a nuisance, but it’s not an uncommon occurrence. When water suddenly stops draining properly, it can be attributed to a stubborn blockage somewhere in the pipes. There are several ways that you can handle this on your own, although a professional may need to step in at some point. Here is what you need to know to deal with the problem properly.

How to Deal With a Clogged Drain

Do:

Use a plunger.

When you first discover a problem, attempt the simplest resolution first by plunging the drain to eliminate the clog. To do this, you’ll need to unscrew the overflow plate first, block the overflow opening to create as much force as possible against the clog, and add just enough water to coat the plunger’s bottom. Plunge forcefully at least five or six times, then lift to see if the water drains. If this doesn’t work after a couple of tries, contact your rooter service. The clog could be considerably deeper than expected.

Install a food catcher.

Drain-straining products can provide a degree of protection against common clogged drains that occur because of hair or food particles. Because it’s so effective at blocking debris from entering the pipes, it’s important to clean it regularly to prevent odors and insects, which can be drawn to the gunk. Use an old toothbrush to scrub away at any lingering debris that you can’t rinse off.  

Don’t:  

Use the drain continuously.

Avoid using a clogged drain, as this could make the situation worse. This specifically applies in kitchen sinks, where rinsing something potentially harmful to the pipes is possible. For example, coffee grounds, oil, grease, starchy foods, and fibrous foods can all build up inside the pipes and create an even more stubborn blockage.

Pour chemicals inside.

While over-the-counter products promise to work quickly and efficiently, they can actually do more harm than good. The fumes can irritate those with a sensitive immune system, and often times the chemicals can cause damage to the pipes. The acid in these products can eat away at vulnerable, aging pipes that are already in an unstable condition. This could render them more susceptible to leaks or failure.

Are you seeking a reliable sewer service to resolve a clogged drain? Turn to the team at All Star Rooter, Sewer and Drain Cleaning. Proudly serving homeowners around Fairfield County, CT, the company proudly carries an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau®. Whether your situation requires water jetting or a video sewer inspection, they can easily handle it for you. Visit them online for information or call them at (203) 286-4498 to schedule an appointment.