Clearing a Clogged Drain
and the Dangers of Using Drain Cleaners
Introduction
A clogged drain always happens at the most inopportune time. Here are a few tips to keep you out of trouble for the next holiday party, when you are starring at a full kitchen sink that won’t go down. The time to act is when you first notice things are going slower than normal. This is when you can find out if this is a simple clog or something more serious.
Drain Checklist:
Check how the other drains are draining, if the problem is isolated to just one place that’s a good thing. It usually rules out a blockage in the main sewer system.
Use a plunger first; many clogs are cleared with a simple few quick strokes.
Next, if plunging doesn’t work, take a look at what type of trap you have and what it is made of. Silver-colored traps are chrome. This is where you have to know your level of expertise. Have a small bucket or container handy to place directly under the trap. If you think you are looking at an old trap where you can see rusting or gunk oozing from the nuts, you better have a firm understanding of what you might be in store for. If you attempt to pull the trap, be prepared to replace it. Things usually don’t go well with old rusty traps and piping.
If your trap and drain piping are white this means it is plastic or a PVC material. Again you have to know your level of expertise. You will need a pair of channel locks, water pump pliers or a 10” to 12” pipe wrench. Gently place the pliers or wrench on the trap nuts and give a little tug in a counter-clockwise motion. If you get any movement you should then be able to unscrew the rest by hand. Take the trap out and clear out the clog if it’s in the trap. Most times this solves the problem, but if the trap is clear, a plumber is going to be your best bet. The blockage is further on down the line and will require a snake.
Do Not Use Drain Cleaners
Too many bad things can happen and you can seriously injure yourself or others. You have to know what these chemicals are made of, don’t fall for the hype that in on the bottles. If a plunger didn’t clear the clog, a drain cleaner is only going to make a big dangerous mess. It also could make a hole in a weak or thin piece of plumbing down the line that will require extensive replacement. Or, if you used drain cleaner before you pulled the trap, handling it during trap removal can be dangerous.
You know who to call when you can’t clear a blocked drain. Pride Plumbing professionals are on call 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week. Our specialists will have you up and running in no time at a reasonable cost.
We hope you didn’t, but be courteous and let our plumber know you used chemicals when he arrives.
Give us a call today at (585) 271-7150 or contact us online!
