Three Tips for Dealing with Drain Clogs

11/19/2021 (Permalink)

Prevent a clogged drain in your home.

Tips for Dealing With Drain Clogs

Dealing with a clogged drain can happen to anyone. Food down the kitchen disposal, hair in the bath drain, or even just toothpaste buildup can lead to blockage in the pipes. If left untreated these clogs can lead to worse problems than just backed up water. Leakage or a pipe break could be the eventual result. Whether you’re in Wilmington, MA, and need help with a stopped pipe, or are looking for ways to help prevent clogs in the first place, these tips may be able to help.

1. Avoid the Drain Clog if Possible

There are a few things you can do to help avoid a stopped up pipe in the first place. Running water when you use your disposal can help flush and carry away the diced up food. It’s also a good idea to pay attention to what gets flushed down your drains. Materials like grease or plaster can harden in the pipes and lead to clogging problems. A sink strainer can also be used to catch large items before they fall into the drain.

2. Use the Proper Tools

Once your drain is clogged the next step is to use the proper tools for the problem. In many cases, you can clean the trap or use a plunger. Many plumbers recommend drain cleaners for small clogs as well. However, for hard-to-reach or stubborn clogs, a drain snake may be your best option.

3. When in Doubt Call a Professional

If you’re not sure what the problem is or how to unclog it, your best bet is contacting a professional. They can assess your clog and take care of the situation before a pipe break occurs. If you do have leaking or broken pipes a water damage professional may be able to help.

If possible taking steps to prevent a clogged drain is preferable. However, knowing what tools to use for which type of clog can be just as important. Remember, when in doubt call a professional.