It’s quite frustrating when you have a sink or toilet that is clogged and have no idea how to fix it. In an attempt to avoid hiring a professional, you may try unclogging the drain on your own and hunt out the best DIY drain cleaning solutions. Though some do-it-yourself methods for drain unclogging are safe, some might cause much more harm if attempted.
Customers often contact Drainage Care UK after making unsuccessful attempts to clean their drains on their own. During these visits, we observe several typical errors made by the clients, all of which could have been avoided by opting for professional drainage services. Read on to find out some of the most frequent drain problems we encounter and how a skilled drain cleaning service may help you prevent them.
1. Plunging Incorrectly
When attempting to remove a blockage from a drain, the first thing you will probably do is use a plunger. However, the same plunger may not work in all drains, so keep that in mind. If you need to use a plunger, be sure you get the proper one.
The bell-shaped design of a plunger is specifically suited for use in the kitchen sink. On the other hand, the bottoms of toilet plungers are flat. Even if you have the appropriate plunger for the job, you still need to use it correctly.
The right way to use a plunger is to put it over the drain and press down firmly to seal it. Move the plunger up and down slowly and methodically. If you try to clear the clog in the drain too quickly, you can send some of the debris farther down the pipe than it should.
2. Cleaning Using Harsh Chemicals
When a blocked drain becomes unresponsive to plunging, many people first result to chemicals. Many of the drain cleaning solutions on the market today offer lofty promises but often fall short of delivering in those promises. It all depends on the form of the obstruction, but utilising them can make the problem worse and lead to frustration, you may use Go Cleaners London.
Most liquid drain cleaners are quite corrosive, so using them often may wreak havoc on your pipes over time. Also, it’s unlikely that chemicals will help to unclog the drain if solids are the problem. They are temporary solutions, and the drain will likely get blocked again soon.
3. Garden Hosing
When an outdoor drain becomes clogged, the natural inclination is to try to clear it by flooding it with a hose. However, this might exacerbate the issue. Using hydro-jetting to clear a blockage in a drain calls for specialised equipment.
Blocked drains can’t be fixed using water pressure from a garden hose. It’s unlikely that the pressure will be enough to flush the drain. This is especially true if the clog is outdoors and is caused by small dead animals or tree roots.
Hydro-jetting is a job best left to the professionals; amateur attempts at it may lead to flooding, which will only worsen the situation. It could ruin the plumbing as well.
4. Poking Things Down the Drain
If the chemical and plunge treatments you’ve tried so far haven’t worked, your level of frustration is probably over the roof now. This may lead you to try to poke objects down the drain. But that’s not a good idea since it might force the obstruction farther down the pipe. Additionally, you risk causing further damage to your pipes by breaking or puncturing them with your makeshift instrument, which will result in an even more expensive plumbing bill or an additional clog.
Plumbing tools like a plunger or drain snake are far safer and more efficient than homemade drain cleaning tools. Call a plumber for help if you have trouble clearing a drain. Incorrect usage of this gear might cause more damage to your drain pipes.
5. Misuse of a Drain Snake
A mechanical snake is an effective tool for dislodging a clog in a drain. Its usage, however, requires caution. Refrain from forcing the drain snake through pipe corners. While drain snakes may be helpful, they can also cause extensive damage to pipes if used incorrectly.
Get Expert Drain Cleaning Help in Guildford
Are you experiencing clogged drains? If you need help with drain unblocking or any other plumbing or drainage issue, go no further than Drainage Care UK. A blocked drain or sink may seriously impact your family’s quality of life. Through their prompt blocked drains Guildford service, they can clear the drains in your home and have the water flowing freely again. For more information about their services, get in touch today.