When your drain backs up, it’s tempting to don your rubber gloves and try to unblock it yourself. However, if you attempt drain cleaning without the proper preparation, you could end up doing more harm than good, possibly resulting in costly repairs. Keep the following tips in mind the next time you’re facing a blockage at home. 

Do:

Run hot water.

A substance congealing and sticking to the sides of a pipe can cause a blockage. Running a little hot water can shift it. This often works with kitchen sink blockages because grease and fats build up, especially if your waste disposal system and drain are connected. A mixture of dish soap and hot water cuts through the oil and has your water flowing again.

Call in the professionals.

If your drain is regularly getting blocked, there could be a bigger issue at hand. Even if you’re managing the problem with drain cleaning equipment and hot water, you don’t know what may slowly be building up below. A plumbing professional will identify what’s causing the buildups and fix the problem so it doesn’t continue to happen.

Don’t:

Use chemicals or acids.

While some drain cleaners are undoubtedly successful, many have corrosive ingredients that eat away at PVC pipes and cause severe damage. They’re also dangerous to the user, as they could come into contact with your skin or eyes when you’re pouring the product.

There are plenty of biodegradable and natural cleaners you can buy from a local supermarket, and you can also make your own using baking soda mixed with salt or vinegar. They may take a little longer to get the job done, but they do it safely.

Stick objects down your drain.

While a wire coat hanger may sometimes dislodge an object stuck in the pipe or break through a mass of hair caught in the shower drain, avoid pushing any object down your pipes, as part of it may break off or damage the drain, worsening the issue. 

 

 

If you’re having drain issues, get the experts in to help. The team at family-owned AAA Plumbing Repair Service in Roanoke, VA, has provided the very best plumbing services for the homeowners and businesses of Roanoke County for over 40 years. Their skilled technicians use the latest techniques and cutting-edge tools to install plumbing systems efficiently, and they pride themselves on delivering exceptional customer service on every repair and maintenance task they complete, from sewer and drain cleaning services to sink and bathtub repairs. Call them today at (540) 966-5592 to request an estimate or go online to find out more.