While clogged drains around the house are a nuisance, homeowners should exercise caution when trying to handle drain cleaning themselves. Without the necessary experience fixing plumbing issues, it’s easy to exacerbate the problem. Here are some common mishaps to avoid.

What Are Common Drain Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid?

1. Using Chemical Cleaners

These store-bought drain cleaning solutions can cause more harm than good. If the house uses a septic system, the chemicals will throw off the balance of bacteria in the septic tank which makes it less effective. These solutions also corrode and deteriorate pipes over time and lead to expensive plumbing repairs.

2. Water Blasting Drains

Some homeowners may think they can jar the clog loose by spraying pressurized water directly down the pipe. This may work for small clogs near the top of the drain, but for larger ones, it simply shoves the clog down further into the pipe. If too much pressure is used, the force can even cause the pipe to burst.

3. Forcing Objects Into Fixtures

Never try to clean a drain using objects from around the home like a broom handle or clothes hanger. Much like water blasting, this strategy often forces the clog further down into the drain which makes it harder to remove afterward.

Plus, these objects aren’t designed to fit inside of the pipes and can easily jar them loose and cause a leak.

4. Dismantling Pipes

Plumbers have years of experience and specialized tools to disassemble pipes and put them back together. Without the experience and tools, trying to clean a drain by taking the whole thing apart is risky. Pipes might break, and if they aren’t reinstalled correctly, the fixture will experience problematic leaks that’ll result in costly water damage.

5. Not Taking Precautions

Most problems with residential drains can be avoided if basic maintenance is regularly performed. Rather than waiting for the drain to need cleaning, take proactive measures by using drain covers to catch excess food particles in the kitchen sink and filters to stop hair and other debris from clogging shower drains. These will help reduce the chances of clogs that lead to damage and the need for repairs. 

 

If your home has a clogged water fixture, leave the drain cleaning to the professionals at Joseph G. Michel & Sons in West Haven, CT. For more than 80 years, their team of highly trained plumbing contractors has helped local homeowners with a variety of plumbing issues, and they can remove any obstructions quickly and efficiently. Schedule a free estimate by calling (203) 933-7931 or learn more about their services online.