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5 Common Mistakes People Make Trying to Unclog Their Own Drains

Clogged drains are a problem many homeowners deal with occasionally. No matter which fixture is clogged, most of the time we initially try to solve the problem through DIY methods. Even though these may sometimes work, if they’re not done properly, they can create more damage and more costly repairs. In this article, we will go over some of the common mistakes that are made when trying to unclog drains. If you aren’t sure regarding trying DIY methods or simply don’t have the time to, no worries; professionals at Mr. Rooter Plumbing offer a variety of plumbing services, including drain cleaning.

Using Harsh Chemicals

Pouring harsh chemical clog solvers is the first impulse many people have when there’s a clogged drain. However, in the meantime they will damage the insides of your pipes, making them prone to leaks and other issues. The second one is these chemicals don’t always dissolve all particles, especially solid ones like food. The third one is that inhaling these chemicals or coming into contact with them can be harmful for your health.

Excessive Plunging

The second problem is excessive use of instruments like plungers. Yes, many of us rely on plungers as the first-line solution to many of the clogs. However, in order for this to work, you should know how to use it accordingly. Firstly, there are different types of plungers, and different plumbing problems may require different ones. Secondly, there should be enough water to cover the head of the plunger. After sealing, make sure you do the pulling and pushing motion steadily and not too fast; otherwise, it will not be effective.

Using Unsuitable Tools to Clear the Clog

There might be some people recommending to use different tools if plungers aren’t working. Most often, they will tell you unbending a hanger and using it down your drains will solve the issue. However, some plumbing pipes aren’t suitable for this type of tool, and instead of pushing the clog, you may end up damaging the insides of your plumbing pipes.

Using a Garden Hose

Unfortunately this is another common mistake. By trying to use the pressure of the hose, you may try to clear the clog. There’s a plumbing tool that uses a similar mechanism in a safe way to dissolve the clogs that is called hydro-jetting. However, you will not get the same kind of effect by using a garden hose’ pressure inside a drain and will only overwhelm your plumbing system and damage the pipes due to the inappropriate pressure amount.

Waiting Unnecessarily Long

Finally, the biggest mistake you can make is to not call the plumbers in the right time and just wait for the problem to go away on its own. This kind of thing will not happen, and by waiting, you’re just paving the way for a bigger plumbing issue that can create a lot of risks.

Protect Your House With Expert Help

So, if you’ve tried DIY methods and yet none of them seem to be working, simply contact the professionals of Mr. Rooter Plumbing. With the right tools and expertise, we’ll take care of your clogged drain problem in no time. We offer a variety of plumbing services, and no matter what kind of an issue you might be facing, all you need to do is to call us today to schedule your appointment.

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