Top 3 Drain Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs!
A clogged drain can really disrupt your day, especially if it’s a shower drain and you only have one bathroom in your home. Whether it’s a kitchen sink, a bathroom sink, or a shower, drain cleaning is a regular part of home ownership, and unfortunately we see many common drain cleaning mistakes that can make the problems worse. Our team at Cross Town Plumbing explains the top three mistakes you should avoid when cleaning your drains. Please contact us with any questions.
Improper Plunger Use
A plunger seems like a simple tool and not one that can be used improperly, but we’ve seen it many times. There are two types of plungers – a sink plunger and a toilet plunger – and we recommend you have one of each on hand at all times. When trying to fix a clogged toilet, people often plunge in an up-and-down motion really quickly, which can cause dirty water to splash on themselves and the floor around the toilet.
Instead, make sure the toilet plunger has completely covered the drain, then plunge slowly up and down, never lifting the plunger from the drain. Slow and steady, wins the race and the clog should come loose.
Don’t Use Liquid Drain Cleaner
You can buy a variety of liquid drain cleaners at any grocery store, and it seems like a quick fix for a clogged drain, but these cleaners contain harmful and corrosive chemicals that can end up causing a lot of damage in the long run. It’s especially important to avoid liquid drain cleaners if you have PVC or older metal pipes because these cleaners can lead to rust and corrosion. Call a professional if you have a stubborn clog you can’t get to come loose.
Using A Drain Snake Incorrectly
A drain snake is a great tool if it’s used correctly. If you force the drain snake through bends and corners in the pipes, you can cause damage to the lining of your plumbing system, and we’ve seen this happen frequently with the added assistance of power tools. If the drain stake you’re using still isn’t solving the problem, give a professional a call.
If you have any questions about drain cleaning or getting rid of a pesky drain clog, or if you’d like more information, please contact our team at Cross Town Plumbing today. We look forward to hearing from you.
