Avoid These Common DIY Drain Cleaning Mistakes

The Dangers of Using Chemical Drain Cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners may appear as a quick fix for blocked drains, yet they can be detrimental to your plumbing system. Let’s explore why it’s best to steer clear of these compounds:

They Damage Pipes

Ingredients such as lye or sulfuric acid in chemical drain cleaners can corrode plastic, metal, or cast iron pipes, leading to leaks and costly repairs. This can lead to leaks, corrosion, and potential burst pipes down the line, resulting in costly plumbing repairs.

They Harm the Environment

The toxicity of chemical drain cleaners can have a severe impact on drains, with repercussions extending into the larger water system. Their residues, because chemicals can be persistent, are not filtered out and ultimately pollute our waterways and drainage systems, harming wildlife habitats and aquatic life.

They Cause Drain Blockages to Reoccur

While chemical drain cleaners may provide a temporary fix by dissolving organic matter, they do not remove the source of blockages like hair, grease, and soap buildup. Consequently, you may face recurring clogs soon after use, as these harsh chemicals do not address the root cause.

They Are a Safety Hazard

Chemical drain cleaners contain elements that can cause more than just clogs; they are extremely caustic chemicals that can cause burns and irritation to eyes, skin, and the respiratory system if mishandled. In addition to potential clogs, these cleaners emit dangerous fumes, posing health risks if inhaled in confined areas.

Opt for safer alternatives such as hot water, baking soda, and vinegar for minor blockages, or enlist professional drain cleaning services for a thorough and safe resolution of more stubborn obstructions.

Avoiding Damage from Improper Plunger Use

Using a plunger can seem like a quick fix for a clogged drain, but improper use can actually cause damage to your pipes. Here are some tips for dealing with your blocked drain and avoiding common mistakes when using a plunger safely and effectively:

ensure a secure seal

Confirm a secure seal with the plunger head over the drain to generate adequate suction for addressing the blockage. If air is escaping, you won’t generate enough force to dislodge the clog.

Use Warm Water

Add a small amount of warm water to the sink or tub to aid in dislodging blockages effectively before using the plunger. The water aids in lubricating the pipes and loosening stubborn clogs, which are common issues.

Plug Overflow Drains

Seal overflow drains with a wet cloth to prevent air loss and ensure adequate suction.

Gently Plunge Up and Down

Gently pump the plunger over the blocked drain 5-10 times, ensuring you’re using the correct tool, and consider professional assistance if the problem continues. Avoid excessive force or pumping too rapidly, which can damage pipes.

Take Breaks

If the clog isn’t dislodging after a few minutes, take a break. Letting the drain rest helps loosen the blockage before trying again.

Know When to Call a Pro

If you’ve tried plunging multiple times with no results, avoid applying more force or you risk bending pipes. It’s time to contact a professional plumber who can use specialized tools to effectively clear the clog.

With proper technique, a plunger can safely clear minor clogs without damaging your plumbing system. But if plunging isn’t working, rely on the expertise of a plumber to get your drain flowing freely again.

Using the Wrong Tools for Drain Cleaning

When it comes to drain cleaning, it can be tempting to grab whatever tool is handy and start poking around in an attempt to dislodge the blockage. However, using the wrong tools can actually damage your pipes and make the clog worse.

Avoid Using Wire Hangers or Metal Rods

Inserting a wire hanger, metal rod, or other stiff, pointed object into your drain can scratch, puncture, or even fully pierce plastic and metal pipes. Using rigid tools also risks scraping off the smooth inner coating of PVC pipes, causing buildup to adhere more easily in the future.

Such damage may result in weak points in your pipes, which could crack and leak eventually.

Don’t Construct Makeshift Devices

DIY drain cleaning tools might appear clever, but they often result in more problems than solutions. attaching screws or hooks to a rod can snag on pipes, potentially causing severe damage when twisted or pulled.

Use an Appropriate Drain Snake/Auger

To tackle tough clogs, use a flexible auger, a suitable tool that minimizes risk and safely clears blockages. Use hand-crank or drill-powered augers, which are crafted to navigate pipe bends and clear blockages carefully, minimizing the risk of damage.

Always use caution not to over-crank and potentially split pipes.

To avoid common drain cleaning blunders, attempting to DIY drain cleaning without the proper knowledge and tools can often lead to broken pipes, costly repairs, and even bigger headaches down the line. When in doubt, call a professional plumber to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.

Attempting DIY Drain Cleaning Without Proper Knowledge

Trying to tackle drain cleaning can be costly due to the risk of inadvertently causing damage. Here are some of the key risks of DIY drain cleaning without acquiring proper knowledge first:

Damaging Pipes

Lack of knowledge about your drainage systems increases the risk of inadvertently damaging your pipes when clearing clogs. Using excessive force or the wrong tools can bend, kink or even rupture pipes.

Worsening Clogs

Lacking proper training, DIYers often push blockages further down the pipes rather than removing them, compacting debris and exacerbating the clog. Attempting drain cleaning aggressively or with too much force without inspecting the drain first can be a misstep, as proper knowledge and tools can prevent making the situation worse.

Incorrect Diagnosis

An amateur without adequate knowledge may misdiagnose the exact location or cause of a clog in your drain pipes. This can lead to focusing cleaning efforts on the wrong section of drain and leaving the real issue unresolved.

Hazardous Chemicals

It’s important to understand the proper usage and dangers of chemical drain cleaners, as uninformed DIYers risk chemical burns, toxic fume inhalation, and environmental contamination from misusing caustic agents.

While basic drain cleaning can be done safely with proper precautions in your home, persistent or recurring clogs require the expertise of a professional plumber. They have the tools, training and knowledge to diagnose and clear drain blockages without risking damage to your plumbing.

Lack of knowledge about your drainage systems increases the risk of inadvertently damaging your pipes when clearing clogs. Using excessive force or the wrong tools can bend, kink or even ruater flow. Here’s how to maintain your drain stopper and prevent clogs:

Remove the Stopper and Clean it

About once a month, lift out the drain stopper and remove any hair or gunk wrapped around it. Use an old toothbrush and warm, soapy water to scrub the stopper clean.

Clean the Drain Opening

Also inspect the drain opening for any accumulated debris. Use a toothbrush, small brush, or pipe cleaner to remove any gunk along the drain walls and around the p-trap.

Flush with Boiling Water

Avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain and use hot water to dissolve and flush away residue.

Use a Baking Soda Solution

For a deeper clean, mix 1/2 cup baking soda with 1 cup vinegar and pour down the drain. Let sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing with hot water.

Regular efforts to clean drains help keep your plumbing system healthy by keeping your drain stoppers and pipes clear of debris to prevent back-ups and maintain consistent water flow. Contact your plumber if you notice persistent sluggish drains.

Natural and Safe DIY Drain Cleaning Alternatives

Many homeowners resort to chemical cleaners when confronting clogged drains, yet safer options are available. However, there are several safe, eco-friendly drain cleaning methods that can help clear blockages without damaging your pipes or the environment.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

The chemical reaction between the acidic vinegar and alkaline baking soda releases bubbles and pressure that break up grease and debris.

After pouring a blend of 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar down the drain, let it act for 10-15 minutes, then flush with hot water.

Boiling Water

For grease clogs, dissolve them with baking soda and vinegar, and for tough blockages, a combination of salt, baking soda, and boiling water works effectively.

Salt and Baking Soda

For a gentler cleaning option, combine 1/4 cup salt with 1/4 cup baking soda and let it rest in the drain for several hours or overnight, then rinse with hot water. The abrasive salt scrubs away gunk while the baking soda deodorises.

Plunger

Using a sink plunger over the drain creates pressure that can dislodge clogs.

Take breaks to allow water to drain before plunging again. This is effective for clearing sink clogs.

Natural drain cleaning methods like these avoid the health and environmental risks of chemical cleaners. When used properly, they can often clear minor clogs and keep drains flowing freely. Contact a professional plumber for stubborn blockages or pipe damage.

Calling a Professional for Severe or Recurring Clogs

Recurring or severe drain clogs that won’t clear with standard DIY methods often highlight common drain cleaning mistakes that require professional attention. Our experienced plumbing team at Cambridge Park Plumbing have the specialised tools and expertise needed to tackle stubborn blockages and get your drains flowing freely again.

Advanced Drain Cleaning Equipment

Our team employs advanced drain cleaning methods, such as high-powered hydrojetting and augers, to eliminate even the most tenacious clogs deep within your pipes. Our state-of-the-art camera inspection helps us avoid common misdiagnoses and enables us to thoroughly diagnose drain issues.

Repair Clogged Drains Safely

Our technicians can safely and efficiently clear blockages that DIY methods might otherwise risk damaging. We identify and address the root cause of clogs to prevent recurrence.

Prevent Expensive Drain Emergencies

Ignoring minor clogs can inadvertently cause water damage, with risks of raw sewage backup and flooding. By addressing chronic clogs early, we help stave off significant plumbing issues and avert catastrophic plumbing emergencies down the line.

For persistent or recurring drain clogs, call Cambridge Park Plumbing at 1300 349 338 or email us to schedule an appointment with our drain cleaning professionals. We service residential and address other plumbing requirements in commercial systems throughout Cambridge Park and surrounding suburbs.

Regular Drain Maintenance to Prevent Clogs

Regular drain maintenance is essential to prevent blockages and ensure smooth operation of your plumbing system. Here are some tips for ongoing drain care from the experts at Cambridge Park Plumbing:

Clean Drain Strainers Monthly

Remove and clean sink drain strainers and tub drain stoppers monthly to clear out accumulated hair, soap residue, and debris before it can clog pipes.

Weekly Drain Flushing

Weekly, use a garden hose to flush hot water through bathtubs, showers, and sinks, helping to dissolve grease and prevent build-up. For an added advantage, especially for slow drains, add baking soda and for personalised advice, contact us today.

Use Drain Cleaners Preventatively

Apply a homemade baking soda and vinegar treatment monthly to freshen drains and keep pipes clear. Alternatively, we offer professional-grade enzyme cleaners that actively break down organic debris.

Inspect Annually

Have drains inspected annually using our high-tech camera equipment to identify any signs clogged areas might present or blockages before they turn into major issues. Regular maintenance helps avoid emergency clogs and keeps your plumbing system healthy.

Establishing a routine for drain maintenance can help avoid blockages and preserve your plumbing system’s performance. Contact Cambridge Park Plumbing today at 1300 349 338 to learn more about our professional drain cleaning and maintenance services.