If you have a clogged drain, there are a few fixes to try before calling a plumber—and a few things you shouldn’t do. The tips below offer practical do’s and don’ts for clearing a slow or clogged drain safely.

Do:

Flush the drain with hot water.

Often, a clog is due to built-up food particles, hardened oil and grease, or sludge from the garbage disposal. Running very hot water through the drain, along with a tablespoon of dish soap, may be enough to liquefy grease and encourage food to move along. If the drain is clogged completely, do not put any more water into the sink.  It’s a good practice to not put big food particles or any kind of grease into the sink and disposal to avoid clogs.

Use a snake.

A plumber’s snake has a coiled cable with a hook or sharp cutting blade on the end. For a clogged drain, remove the strainer or drain plug and insert the snake into the drain. A hand crank on the handle will release the cable. Gently push the snake into the drain until it stops. Twist the snake to break up the clog. Never use excessive force with the snake; if it doesn’t clear the clog within minutes, it might be time to call a plumber.

Don’t:

Use chemicals.

Harsh chemicals, such as lye, are not good for PVC or metal pipes, and they are dangerous to work with because of splash hazards to the eyes and face. Try a biodegradable, enzyme-based clog remover. These products work more slowly than commercial chemical brands but will be easier on the pipes.

Plunge a sink with chemicals or with too much force.

If you’ve already poured a chemical agent down the sink, don’t plunge it, as the chemicals may splash back and burn the skin or eyes. If you haven’t, it’s safe to plunge the drain. Make sure there is a little water in the sink or tub and then firmly work the plunger up and down. If this doesn’t get things moving, do not use a hose or pressure washer to unclog the drain. Excess force may blow out the sink trap, creating a big mess and potentially damaging pipes.

Call a plumber if the above drain fixes don’t work. A clog may signal a more serious problem within the pipes. Pelner-Williams Plumbing & Heating, in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, offers complete plumbing services, including preventive maintenance and plumbing repairs. Call (715) 424-7800 for assistance or visit the website to see a full range of offerings.