Plumbing issues make up 27.94% of home repairs. Drain issues such as clogs are one of the most common types.
Products to prevent them are now part of a thriving industry. The market for drain cleaning equipment is worth over $234.6 million.
These tools can help, but it’s all too easy to use them incorrectly. Read on to learn five drain cleaning mistakes you should avoid.
1. Not Inspecting the Drain
Develop a drain cleaning routine that begins with regular inspections. Don’t wait for a plumbing emergency to check your kitchen and bathroom fixtures.
There are several signs to look for. They include:
- Fruit flies
- Slow drainage
- Odd smells or noises
- Too much or not enough water in the toilet
- Multiple clogged drains
- Discoloration or rust
Follow your inspections up with a professional one by plumber at least once a year. They’ll be able to spot issues you may have missed.
2. Incorrect Use of a Plunger or Drain Snake
A plunger is one of the most common drain cleaning tools and can be found in almost any home. Using it incorrectly is also one of the most common drain cleaning mistakes.
A sink plunger has a bell-shaped bottom, and a toilet plunger has a flat bottom. Once you have the right one, you need to put it over the drain and seal it off. Push it up and down slowly to avoid pushing the blockage too far down.
A snake is another tool for unclogging a drain that can be used incorrectly. If you force it around corners, it can damage your pipes. A plastic snake can break off and get stuck.
3. Sticking Something Down the Drain
If a plunger or snake doesn’t clean out your drain, it can be tempting to try to make your own drain cleaning supplies. You may try to unbend a hanger, use a broom handle, or poke a stick at the blockage.
This can end up causing more damage. It can break and get stuck, push the blockage further down, or even dent your drain pipe.
4. Using Chemical Cleaners
Chemical cleaners cause intense reactions. They’ll remove clogs quickly but don’t always work on solid blockages. They also eat away at your pipes if you use them too often or add too much of them. This causes damage, leaks, and other plumbing issues.
5. Not Hiring a Plumber
You should always hire a plumber for drain cleaning. They know which products and tools to use and have experience with specialized drain cleaning methods such as hydro jetting.
Where to Find a Plumber to Avoid Drain Cleaning Mistakes
Plumbing issues are one of the most common home problems, and most of them happen in the drains of your sink or toilet.
Regular inspections help keep them clear. You should also avoid drain cleaning mistakes such as improper use of a snake or plunger, sticking homemade products down the drain, using chemical cleaners, and not hiring a plumber.
Neighborhood Plumbing is here to solve all of your plumbing issues. Contact us for drain cleaning today.
