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There's been water standing in your sink for the past 4 hours. Despite the fact that the drain is open, it just won't seem to go down. It's clear to see: this thing needs to be cleaned.
However, that doesn't mean that you should just jump in and try the first thing that comes to mind. You need to do your research first to guarantee that you're cleaning your drain the correct way.
That's where this article comes in. We're going to discuss some of the most common drain cleaning mistakes, helping you clean your drains the right way and avoid any undue damage. Let's go!
1. Being Too Reliant on Chemical Cleaners
In many cases, when a homeowner encounters a clogged drain, they go out and purchase a liquid drain cleaner. This isn't necessarily the wrong thing to do. However, it's not always the best solution.
See, while liquid drain cleaners have their place, they have some downsides as well. Namely, they can be corrosive to pipes. As such, if they have trouble getting through a clog and remain in the pipes over long periods of time, they can cause damage.
This is why it's best to wait to use liquid cleaners. Try other options first, such as using a snake or a drain plunger. Then, if you're able to break up some of the blockages, try adding a liquid cleaner.
Note that there are also natural drain cleaning solutions that you can use in lieu of chemical cleaners. You can read about some of that here. And if you are going to use them, make sure to call up a plumber first to ensure that they are, indeed, appropriate for your pipes.
2. Using Makeshift Drain Cleaning Tools
A common tactic that people use when trying to clean out their drains is creating a makeshift removal tool. For instance, they might take a coat hanger and unwind it so that it can be sent far down into the drain pipe.
While this might work from time to time, it's always risky. Why? Because your makeshift tool could be shaped in a way that causes damage to the pipes.
Not to mention, it could do more harm than good, pushing debris further and further down into the drain until it becomes compacted. At this point, the cleaning process can become expensive and intensive, as professional help is often needed.
As such, when cleaning your drains, you should only use tools that are specifically designed for drain cleaning. These include drain snakes and plungers.
3. Failing to Have Your Drains Inspected
Over the years, your drains are going to be subject to a wide variety of residues. At some point, this residue could cause issues. Therefore, it's not enough to clean your drains only after clogs have formed.
In fact, you need to facilitate regular drain inspections. In other words, you should have a professional plumber assess the state of your drains every year or so.
They'll determine whether any problems have arisen and will be able to counteract those problems before they become severe. Otherwise, your drains could incur additional damage unnoticed, after which you could have to pay a large amount of money in order to have them repaired or replaced.
4. Plunging Incorrectly
One method for removing blockages in a drain is to plunge the drain from its top. This can prove successful and is certainly a viable option in certain situations. That said, if you're going to do it, you need to make sure that you're doing it right.
First and foremost, make sure that you have the right type of plunger. While a toilet plunger might be able to assist you in the case of some drains, it's not always going to work. In fact, it could do more harm than good.
This is why you need to make sure to purchase a specialized drain plunger. This is a narrower plunger with a deeper suction cup. It has the power to force air deep into a drain pipe.
5. Spraying a Garden Hose Into the Drain
Another mistake that's often made when cleaning drains is spraying a garden hose into the drain. This is done in an attempt to break apart debris within the drain line.
While it might work to an extent, it more often than not causes water to accumulate and come up out of the drain. In other cases, it can cause debris to become even more clogged, making for a more intensive cleaning process.
Therefore, you should never spray a garden hose down a drain line. In fact, the only hose that should be going into a drain line is a hydrojetting hose.
6. Failing to Hire a Professional
The last mistake we're going to discuss is failing to hire a professional. Now, the average homeowner might be able to remove small clogs. However, when it comes to large clogs that are causing water to stand still in a sink or tub, you really should turn to the services of a trained plumber.
Plumbers have not only the knowledge needed to remove clogs in drains but the tools and skills as well. They're familiar with all of the most effective drain cleaning methods and can make quick work of your drain cleaning endeavors.
So, don't hesitate to call up your local plumber. They'll clear your drain of all residue and guarantee that your pipes remain in proper working order.
Leave These Drain Cleaning Mistakes in the Dust
Cleaning drains the wrong way can cause more damage than what's present, costing you both time and money in the process. Therefore, it's vital that you take heed of these common drain cleaning mistakes. Commit them to memory and leave them in the dust for good.
Do you need help cleaning your drains? Looking for a professional drain cleaning service in Austin? If so, look no further than Mr. Rooter.
Whether you need a plumber in Cedar Park, West Lake Hills, or elsewhere around the Austin area, we are here for you. We have all of the equipment needed to clean drains properly and efficiently. With our skilled and experienced team on your side, your drains will look and perform like new again in no time.
Contact us now for a free estimate!
