Clogged drains are a common problem for homeowners. Whether it’s caused by internal damage or something getting into the pipes that shouldn’t be there, it can render water fixtures unusable. While many people are tempted to perform the drain cleaning themselves, this can be dangerous because it’s easy to make any one of these costly mistakes.

Common DIY Drain Cleaning Mistakes

1. Using Chemical Cleaners

Many over-the-counter drain cleaners are full of harmful chemicals. These are designed to break down the source of the clog, but they have unintentional side effects on the pipes themselves. When used too often, the chemicals erode the lining of the pipes and exasperate your plumbing problems.

2. Pushing the Clog Down

Household items, like a broom handle or clothes hanger, are not viable drain cleaning tools. Using them to try to push the clog down the drain actually makes the problem worse. Rather than removing it, the force makes the clog more compact and pushes it further down the pipe. If you’re not careful, the pressure can even damage the pipe.

3. Taking Pipes Apart

Disassembling the pipes to get to the clog shouldn’t be attempted if you don’t have the necessary training. When taking them apart, it’s possible to break the pipes to the point where they need to be replaced.

Even if the clog is safely removed, the pipes still need to be reassembled. If that’s not done correctly, you’re exposing your home to water damage from dangerous leaks.

4. Blasting the Pipes With Water

Water blasting is not an effective method for larger clogs. It pushes it further down the drain, which makes it harder to remove. When the added pressure can’t get past the clog, it causes the pipes to expand to the point where they might burst.

5. Plunging Improperly

While there are special plungers designed specifically for drains, many people use the ones designed for toilets, which aren’t as effective. The idea is to use suction to draw the clog out of the drain. By plunging too hard, it adds excessive amounts of pressure that damages the drain line connection and ruins the trap.

If you’re experiencing clogged drains at your home, it’s best to leave the drain cleaning to the experts at Norhio Plumbing Inc. For more than 40 years, this award-winning Aurora, OH, business has helped local homeowners with a variety of plumbing problems. Their team of licensed and insured technicians will diagnose the cause of your clog and provide fast and reliable cleaning to remove it. Visit them online for more information, or call (330) 562-9671 to schedule an appointment.