Mistakes You're Probably Making When Cleaning Your Drain

A clogged drain is one of the most irritating household annoyances. Sometimes you're brushing your teeth before rushing to work when suddenly you notice the dirty water full of toothpaste just won't go down. Other times, your guests are arriving for a dinner party when you realize you have a mess to deal with. Naturally, many of us are tempted to take the easy way out, something we can do in a rush and before moving on with our day. But sadly, there are some serious mistakes that you're probably making when cleaning your drain, like using the wrong tools or toxic chemicals.

Using a chemical drain cleaning solution is one of the worst mistakes that you can make. There are several reasons why you want to steer clear. First, the chemicals in those solutions are terribly dangerous to your health. These solutions use sodium hydroxide, which can irritate your throat and nose when inhaled. If ever ingested or touched, it can also cause severe reactions. Not only that, but these chemical solutions are so strong that they can actually damage your pipes, too. That sort of defeats the purpose, doesn't it?

In addition, these chemical cleaners are terrible for the environment. When you pour a bottle of chemical cleaner down the drain, you're contaminating the water supply. To prevent those nasty chemicals from ending up in your rivers and contaminating wildlife, keep them out of your house.

Another mistake that you are making is using tools that are meant for professionals. Plumbing snakes, for example, are really useful tools for professional plumbers. But in the wrong hands, they can do more harm than good. Using a plumbing snake wrong can seriously damage your pipes, especially if they're a bit older. This is because plumbing snakes have a head made of metal that can scratch the pipe's insides and cause rust, which can cause serious long-term issues that could require you to change your pipes completely. Only a professional knows which type of plumbing snake to use to clear a specific type of clog, without damaging anything, and without hurting themselves. Choosing between an electric plumbing snake, a manual one, a smaller one, and more can be difficult if you have no plumbing experience.

This is true for other tools that you might be inclined to use, too. Unless you're a professional, don't even think about using a Hydro Jet drain cleaner on your own. These are tools that use water and pressure to remove clogs but can be really dangerous when mishandled. 

So, how can you clear a drain at home? Well, calling a plumber is always the best and safest option. In addition, you can try using some unexpected items around your house to unclog drains, like making a DIY drain cleaner with baking soda and vinegar. You can also try using a clean new plunger in your sink to dislodge a small clog.