Drain cleaning may seem like an easy household chore, but there’s more to it than meets the eye. The job is significantly harder when you’re faced with clogs of hair, vegetable peelings, or wads of toilet paper.
If the blockage becomes unbearable, you need the help of a professional with all the right tools. Odom’s Plumbing & Electric—with service to Dothan, Ozark, and the surrounding areas—has the skills to take on any plumbing challenge. Here, they list three rookie mistakes to avoid when cleaning your drains.
1. Chemical Cleaners
Homeowners are often tempted to reach for chemical drain cleaners to break up clogs. The truth is, these chemicals are not very effective. Store-bought gels may work the first time, but they will slowly eat away at your pipes. In fact, they generate heat to dissolve grease, weakening your system. Chemical cleaners can also exacerbate the problem by getting stuck on top of the blockage, releasing toxic fumes that can harm your family and the environment.
2. Household Tools
Homeowners have the tendency to stick things down the drain when trying to get rid of clogs. Commonly used tools include broom handles, kitchen knives, or manipulated coat hangers. Others may use water pressure from a garden hose. Jabbing sharp tools down your drains can only do more harm than good. Chances are, you won’t be able to reach the clog anyway
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3. The Wrong Plunger
By selecting the right plunger and learning to use it properly, you’ll have a much better chance of removing clogs during drain cleaning. Unfortunately, most homeowners don’t know the correct way to plunge. For the best results, use a plunger with a sphere-like cup slightly larger than the drain you need to clear. Seal the drain before slowly working the plunger up and down.
If you’re having trouble, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Whether you need a residential or commercial plumber, you can trust the experts at Odom’s Plumbing & Electric. We also handle emergency pipe repairs and new installations. Call us today at (334) 726-2766.
