As homeowners, we’ll all face many home improvement projects and repair issues of varying severity over the years.
They won’t all require calling on outside professionals. Thanks to the availability of specialty repair products, replacement parts and online how-to videos, many intrepid DIY-ers are eager and able to tackle minor fixes around the house themselves.
But for every DIY success, there’s a horror story or two (or three, five, ten or more!) that only exacerbates the issue to the point where plumbing professionals will be needed to fix what’s become a major issue or even multiple problems.
Clogged drains are a classic example of a seemingly small issue that could escalate into larger, much more serious problems.
So, you’ve encountered a stubborn clog — what do you do now?
1) Check other drains throughout your home
If the issue isn’t confined to a single drain, there may be a more serious clog within the main sewer line on which your home’s entire plumbing system depends on.
2) Plunge, plunge, plunge
If your clog is contained to a single source, a high-quality plunger designed to create a strong air-tight seal around the drain is most likely your best bet.
3) Avoid the temptation to try liquids, gels or foams
If vigorous plunging isn’t enough to get the job done, you may be inclined to try products like Drano, Liquid Plumr or similar store-bought bottles of drain cleaners.
Our advice: DON’T!
Aside from being a health risk to your skin, eyes or even lungs if inhaled, drain cleaners can react unpredictably when combined with any other chemicals or drain-fighting tools and cause even more damage to your pipes and plumbing!
Because of their corrosive nature and chemical reactions producing heat, drain cleaners can crack toilet bowls, melt PVC pipes or eat away at any glue or sealant, especially on older pipes.
And that’s not to mention the harmful environmental effects these products can have on plants or animals’ water supplies wherever they ultimately end up.
4) Call Justin Dorsey Plumbing
A good rule of thumb is that any sink, shower, tub or toilet clog that stands up against light to medium plunging force should be seen by a trained technician.
A home rain snake may do the trick, too, but only if the clog is located close enough to the drain opening. A natural solution of baking soda and vinegar is another option known to work, albeit to varying effects depending on the problem in your pipes.
Should you encounter a clog that persists through all your best and most well-intentioned DIY efforts, don’t feel defeated! Justin Dorsey Plumbing is here to help.
We know every clog won’t need a plumber’s professional touch. But for the ones that do, Justin Dorsey Plumbing technicians are standing by and ready to help. Reach out today to get your home’s water flowing freely once again.