Clogged drains are one of the most common and frustrating plumbing issues. When water backs into the sink, tub, or toilet, rushing and fixing the problem yourself is tempting. While a few methods of DIY drain cleaning are effective, others can cause more harm than good. Understanding what works and what to avoid can save you from plumbing damage, injuries, and bigger repair bills. Summit Heating, A/C, Plumbing & Electrical in Littleton, CO, offers this guide to cover the do’s and don’ts of clearing clogged drains. Learn why specific tools and products can make plumbing problems worse instead of better.
Do Try Safe and Simple Methods First
When faced with a slow or clogged drain, your first step should always be the least invasive. Sometimes, a minor clog will respond well to warm water and a plunger.
Plunging Can Work If You Do It Right
A standard cup plunger works well for sinks, tubs, and showers. For toilets, you need a flange-style plunger. Plunging uses pressure and suction to push the clog debris through the drain and down the line.
Fill your sink or tub with a few inches of water to help the plunger work effectively. Use firm and even thrusts without lifting the plunger from the surface. Depending on the size and compaction, it can take several attempts to dislodge a clog.
Use Hot Water With Caution
Many online plumbing tutorials instruct viewers to pour boiling water down their drains. While the hot water can clear grease or soap scum, it can also cause PVC pipes to warp. To avoid causing damage, you should only use hot water with metal pipes.
Avoid Chemical Cleaners at All Costs
Store-bought chemical cleaners promise fast results, but they do not consistently deliver. They often use harsh chemicals like lye or sulfuric acid, which can erode your pipes over time, especially if used often.
Why Chemicals Are Not the Answer
Drain cleaners cannot always remove clogs. They often eat through a small percentage of the clog or can miss it entirely if it runs deep. When this happens, the chemicals can sit in your pipes and eat away at the materials. These chemicals can cause corrosion, leaks, and cracks in older, weaker plumbing.
They also pose a health risk to your family. Splashes during use can lead to chemical burns, eye injuries, or exposure to toxic fumes.
There is also the risk of environmental damage. Most drain cleaners are not eco-friendly. When flushed into the water supply, they can impact water quality and aquatic life. As a responsible homeowner in Littleton, you should avoid using chemical drain cleaners.
Do Remove Hair and Debris From Surface Drains
One safe option for keeping bathroom and kitchen drains free of clogs is to use a plastic drain cleaning tool called a hair snake. These flexible, barbed tools can pull out hair, soap scum, and gunk that accumulates in the drain and can lead to clogs.
Use Light Pressure
Do not force these tools too far into the drain. If you encounter any resistance, pull up instead of pushing down. These tools are most effective for managing shallow clog accumulations and should not be used for deep clogs.
Do Not Use Hardware Store Augers
Although renting or buying an auger or plumbing snake for tough clogs is tempting, things can quickly go wrong in inexperienced hands. You could end up causing further problems.
Inexperience Can Damage Pipes
Using an auger without proper training or knowledge of pipes can cause scratches, punctures, and collapses. Older galvanized steel or clay systems are especially vulnerable.
Pushing a Clog Can Make Things Worse
Improper use of an auger can compact the clog and push it deeper into the line, making it harder to reach. Sometimes, the auger can pierce the clog and become stuck, creating bigger problems.
Safety Risks Are Real!
Augers often contain sharp spinning components. They can cause lacerations, especially when people attempt to use powered models or yank the auger from the pipe. It is not worth the risk unless you have advanced knowledge of using augers safely and effectively.
Do Check the Trap for Visible Blockages
Under bathroom and kitchen sinks, you will find a U-shaped section of pipe called the trap. This area collects food particles, grease, hair, and debris. If the drain smells bad or drains slowly, you could have a clog in the trap.
How to Safely Remove the Trap
Place a bucket underneath to catch any water. Remove the trap with a wrench and inspect it for any signs of blockages. Rinse it thoroughly with warm water. Be sure to tighten the fittings to prevent any leaks. If you remove the trap and there is no clog, yet the issues remain, you have a blockage deeper in the line.
Don’t Use Makeshift Tools
A coat hanger or wire might seem like an effective tool in a pinch, but it can damage your pipes, get stuck, or even break off. These homemade tools do not cut it when it comes to clog removal.
Home Hacks Can Create Long-Term Issues
Most homemade hacks lack the pressure to reach clogs and move them, especially those caught deep in the line. When used often, they can cause severe pipe damage and the need for repairs.
Do Know When to Call the Professionals
DIY methods can only go so far. If your efforts fail, the clog likely goes well beyond the surface. Do not ignore these warning signs:
- Water backing up in multiple drains
- Gurgling sounds after flushing
- Foul odors
- Visible water damage
- Standing water that does not drain at all
Our professional plumbers have the experience, training, and specialized tools to handle all clogs. We have inspection cameras that allow us to see real-time images of the inside of your pipe to locate the clog and determine its contents.
Hydro jetting can blast through any type of clog, including those caused by invasive tree root growth. These tools help us diagnose and repair your clog issues right away.
Do Consider Preventative Drain Care
Prevention is always better than a cure, especially regarding plumbing. Routine maintenance can save you money and hassles.
Install mesh strainers in every sink, tub, and shower to catch hair and food. Avoid pouring grease, oil, or coffee grounds down the sink or into the toilets.
We recommend running hot water down the sink for a few minutes to flush away any residue. You should also schedule professional drain cleaning at least once a year to remove buildup that could eventually cause leaks.
Keeping debris out of your system and addressing minor issues promptly will help you reduce the need for emergency repairs later. We can help you take care of your drains and keep them flowing.
Do Put Your Plumbing System in the Hands of Knowledgeable Professionals
Your home’s plumbing system is one of its most essential components. Missteps with DIY approaches can do more harm than good. Avoid harsh chemicals and resist the urge to use homemade clog-removing tools. When in doubt, it is always safer to call a professional plumber.
Our plumbers at Summit Heating, A/C, Plumbing & Electrical have proudly served the Littleton community since 1998. We provide residential and commercial plumbing services, including drain cleaning and repair. Summit Heating, A/C, Plumbing & Electrical promises excellent service and stands behind our work 100%. Call our plumbing experts at Summit Heating, A/C, Plumbing & Electrical if you need drain cleaning in Littleton.
