Clogged drains are common plumbing concerns that many homeowners deal with from time to time. Unfortunately, they aren’t always easy to handle, and they often require the assistance of a plumber. These do’s and don’ts will help you make the right choices as you attempt to resolve the blockage.

How to Handle a Clogged Drain

Do:

Try hot water.

Sometimes hot water is all you need to unblock a stubborn clogged drain. Boil a kettle of water and slowly pour it down the drain, stopping every few moments to allow the water to soak into the blockage. This method is best used on metal pipes, as PVC can easily become warped if it’s exposed to hot water. If your pipes are made of plastic, try using hot tap water instead of boiling water.

Use Natural Cleansers

If hot water doesn’t do the trick, mix together equal parts baking soda and vinegar and pour it down the drain. This mixture will fizz immediately, helping remove any grime, hair, or debris that has clogged the drain. Let the mixture sit for an hour, then run hot water to flush it out.

Don’t:

Use harsh chemicals.

While it’s tempting to pour an over-the-counter drain cleaner into the sink, it’s best to avoid this step. Often these chemicals are too strong for pipes to handle, and they may actually lead to corrosion if they’re used too frequently. They’re not always effective, either, so you may expose your plumbing system to harsh ingredients without any end result.

Be too forceful.

While plungers sometimes work, it’s best not to force this method if it doesn’t unclog the drain after one or two tries. That’s because excessive plunging creates force within the drain line that can cause lasting damage, often requiring more serious, costly repairs.

If your best efforts to fix a clogged drain don’t work, contacting a plumber is your best bet. The team at Keith McDonald Plumbing in Sandersville, GA, has the equipment needed to properly assess the severity of the clog and tackle it without causing any damage to your plumbing system. They can also conduct a sewer camera inspection if you’re concerned about sluggish drainage. Visit the website for more details on their other services, including irrigation installations, water heater repairs, and frozen pipe repairs. To schedule an appointment, call (478) 451-0330 today.