Picture it, you’re having a great afternoon until you walk into your kitchen and… there it is. A stinky backed up sink due to a clogged drain.

We’ve all been there and know how frustrating it can be.

But there are things you can do and others you should avoid when it comes to tackling the issue. Let’s look at several do’s and don’ts of dealing with a clogged drain.

Do: Use a Drain Filter

Avoiding a clogged drain altogether could be as simple as using a drain filter. They’re cheap, easy to use, and stop large items from making their way into your pipes.

Use them in the kitchen sink to trap food particles. And in bathroom drains to catch hair, makeup, and even small bathtub toys.

Don’t: Use Chemical Drain Cleaners

Store-bought drain cleaners are tempting to use, especially since they’re so convenient. But they could actually be doing your pipes more harm than good.

Chemicals and acids in drain cleaners have corrosive properties. These properties enable them to eat away at the clog, but they also start to eat away at your pipes. And that damage can get costly later on.

Do: Have a Professional Snake the Drain

Drain snakes are flexible steel cables that are ideal for clearing out a clogged drain. But they’re best left in the hands of a professional.

That’s because it can be easy to get the drain snake caught or stuck in areas of your pipes. And once the snake breaks, it will send slivers of metal in all directions, causing severe damage to your pipes and possibly yourself.

A plumber will know how to safely and cost-effectively use the drain snake to clear your clog.

Don’t: Use Excessive Force with a Plunger

Having a stubborn clog can cause you to get a bit forceful with a plunger. But you’ll want to refrain from using excessive force to clear a clog.

Too much pressure in your pipes can cause damage to drain line connections. And if that happens, it will result in leaks and costly repairs.

Always give a clog an extra “push” with a plunger, but never force it.

Do: Flush a Light Clog with Hot Water

If you’ve got a greasy mess causing a slow clog in your kitchen sink, using a flush of hot water may do the trick.

Pour a bit of dish soap into the drain then follow with hot water. That combination will break up and dissolve any grease buildup from food residue left in the pipes.

There are items you should never pour down your drain, including grease, fats, and oils. These substances will harden in the pipes, causing more clogs to occur.

Don’t: Hesitate to Call a Plumber for Help

And if nothing you do helps clear your clogged drain, don’t hesitate to call a plumber. Your issue could be coming from somewhere else in your home’s drainage system. A professional will have the tools and know-how to pinpoint the problem and correct it.

And that could save you a lot of time, headaches, and money.

Don’t Let a Clogged Drain Ruin Your Day

A clogged drain is a chore no one likes to deal with. But with these tips, you’ll be able to take care of it once and for all.

Have a clog you can’t seem to clear? Contact us today! We’ve been providing top quality service to Baton Rouge since 1960 and we’d love to help you.