Most homeowners experience clogged drains at some point in their lives. Knowing how to deal with clogs is essential, since taking the wrong action can damage your plumbing and make the problem worse. Learn what you should do and when to call a plumber with this useful guide.

Do:

Install a drain filter.

You can avoid clogs in the first place by installing simple and inexpensive drain filters. These plastic coverings fit over the drains in your home to prevent food, hair, and other items from going down the drain. Drain filters are especially crucial if you have kids that like to drop toys down the drain. 

Try a plunger. 

Depending on the depth of the clog, a plunger might release the blockage. Be aware that different types of plungers are designed for different types of drains.

For sinks, use a flat plunger, which is what most people think of as the standard model. If the clog is in your toilet, use a flange plunger. A flange plunger has an additional flap under the rubber cup, which ensures proper suction of the toilet drain. 

Don’t:

Use harsh chemicals.

Chemical drain cleaners are touted as easy solutions to clogs, but they can also damage your plumbing with repeated use. These products will degrade the interior of your pipes, which can lead to leaks over time.

Many drain cleaners are also bad for the environment since the toxic chemicals can make their way into nearby bodies of water after flowing down your drain. 

Turn on the water if the drain is completely blocked.

While running hot water can be beneficial for light clogs, if no water is draining, you should turn the sink off.

Adding water to a completely clogged drain will make the situation worse. Major clogs usually can’t be remedied without professional assistance, and adding more water means it will need to be removed before your plumber can get to work. 

 

If the advice above doesn’t resolve the issue, contact the skilled plumbers at Arrowhead Plumbing in Lawrenceville, GA. These professionals pride themselves on quality customer service and provide emergency repairs for urgent issues like burst pipes or clogged drains. Learn more about the services they offer by visiting the website. You can also call (678) 226-2959 to talk to a plumber about your problem.