Dealing with a clogged drain is never a pleasant experience. From foul odours to standing water, it can disrupt your daily routine and cause frustration. However, what exacerbates the situation for many is making mistakes when trying to unclog the drain. Let’s delve into the top mistakes people commonly make when attempting DIY drain unclogging.
Using Chemical Drain Cleaners Incorrectly
Chemical drain cleaners can be a convenient solution for minor drain blockages, but they’re often misused, leading to more harm than good. One common mistake people make is overusing or misapplying chemical drain cleaners. Pouring excessive amounts of these harsh chemicals down the drain can corrode pipes and damage fixtures, exacerbating the problem rather than solving it. Moreover, mixing different types of cleaners can produce toxic fumes and pose a risk to your health and safety. The best solution is to hire professionals when you have a blocked drain in East London. Click here to get an appointment.
Ignoring Safety Precautions
Safety should always be a top priority when attempting DIY drain unclogging. Unfortunately, many people overlook safety precautions in their eagerness to fix the problem quickly. Failing to wear protective gear such as gloves and goggles can expose you to harmful chemicals and bacteria present in the drain. Additionally, using improper tools or applying excessive force can result in injuries or further damage to the plumbing system. Always take the necessary precautions and use appropriate safety gear when working on drain unclogging tasks.
Neglecting Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is key to preventing drain blockages and ensuring the smooth flow of water through your plumbing system. However, many people neglect to clean their drains regularly or ignore early warning signs of potential blockages. Over time, debris such as hair, grease, and soap scum can accumulate in the pipes, leading to stubborn blockages that are more difficult to clear. By incorporating regular drain cleaning into your household routine and addressing minor issues promptly, you can prevent major blockages from occurring.
Boiling Water Down Drains: Is It Safe?
Many homeowners are becoming aware that chemical drain cleaners can be dangerous. Not only can they damage the drainage system, but they can also release strong and toxic gas into the home. Consequently, many are looking for eco-friendly and safe ways to clear the drains and eliminate clogs.
In particular, one method has become popular on the internet. We’re talking about using soda crystals, vinegar and boiling hot water. Combining them down the drain is supposed to help get rid of minor blockages and flush out the pipes. However, is it really safe to use hot water from the kettle?
Does Boiling Water Work?
Some people swear by using hot water down the drain. It may indeed be able to clean away minor clogs, as the hot temperatures help dissolve thin amounts of grease and soap residue. Of course, it doesn’t cost anything to boil some water in the kettle and pour it down the drains, which homeowners like.
However, you must know that it’s not the magic cure for every type of blockage. If you have food debris and major clogs, boiling hot water isn’t going to help in any way. You’ll still have slow-draining water, and simply putting hot water on it could make the odour worse.
The Potential Damage
Perhaps you already know that you should avoid chemical drain cleaners. You understand how dangerous they can be for the drainage system and how the fumes can put your family at risk. Naturally, you want to try other DIY methods that can save you money, which is why you turn to boiling hot water.
You need to be aware of the risks of this method. This isn’t going to be a suitable solution for some drainage systems, particularly if you have PVC pipes. Newer houses tend to have them, which shouldn’t be exposed to extreme temperatures. In particular, using boiling water could weaken the pipes over time, causing them to soften and potentially melt.
Assessing Your Drainage System
If you still want to try using boiling water, you must assess your drainage system first. In other words, what type of pipes do you have? If you have metal pipes, damage is less likely with hot temperatures. However, if you have PVC pipes, you shouldn’t use fresh boiling water from the kettle. Instead, allow it to cool so that it isn’t so hot. This could help to flush away minor clogs and clean the drainage system.
If you’re experiencing a more serious blockage, it’s best not to waste your time. Sometimes, you just have to call in the experts and get the problem dealt with promptly. Hot water won’t be able to deal with larger blockages.
Conclusion
Avoiding these common mistakes is essential for successful DIY drain unclogging. By using chemical drain cleaners cautiously, prioritising safety, using tools correctly, maintaining your drains regularly, and addressing underlying issues promptly, you can effectively tackle drain blockages and prevent further damage to your plumbing system. Remember, if you encounter a stubborn blockage or suspect underlying plumbing issues, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.
