What to Avoid When You Have a Clogged Drain in Your Home
Fact: A clogged drain is something that most of us will have to deal with at some point in our lives. However, the way that you handle a clogged drain can make it better or worse. Here is a list of things that you should not do the next time you encounter this common plumbing menace in your home.
Don’t Use DIY Tools to Unclog the Drains
You shouldn't use a coat hanger or any other tool to try to get rid of the clog. In many cases, using a coat hanger can do more harm than good. The clog may be too deep down in the sink or tub for the hanger to reach. If something is obstructing the pipe, the hanger may push the object deeper into your system. Additionally, you may end up doing damage to the pipes.
Don’t Use Chemical Drain Cleaners
Chemical drain cleaners are often promoted as a way to quickly clear out clogs. However, it would be best if you did not use them. There are several reasons you do not want to use chemical drain cleaners — the most obvious is that these cleaners tend to be corrosive. With continued use, the acid in the product can eat away at your pipes, which can cause additional problems later on down the road.
There is also a possibility that the chemical drain cleaners won't even work. The clog may be too large for the chemical drain cleaner to get the job done effectively. That said, the minute you notice that water is draining slowly, give a professional plumber a call to help fix the problem at hand; further delay can lead to a much more extensive (and expensive) problem in the future.
Don’t Use Hot Water and Vinegar
Boiling water and vinegar are among the most popular DIY methods that are promoted to get rid of clogs. While it may be possible that water and vinegar will help break up a clog, they may do a lot more harm than good. The boiling water and vinegar may cause your drains to break or rust.