Drain Cleaning Do's & Don'ts
When it comes to drain cleaning, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Regular cleaning can reduce clogs and damage to your pipes in the long run.
The kind of drain cleaning we’re discussing here isn’t a simple DIY job. With dangerous equipment (and multiple ways to damage your pipes if they’re done wrong), a professional plumber is the only way to go.
And when it comes time to call in the pros, Kellie Plumbing will give you the best value for your dollar.
Signs of Drain Issues
Regular drain cleaning should be a part of your ongoing home maintenance schedule. If your drains need cleaning outside of that schedule, however, there are key signs that it’s time to call a plumber. These include:
- Foul odors and unpleasant smells
- Backed up water
- Clogs that can’t be cleared with a plunger
- Overflowing toilets, sinks, tubs, showers, and basins
- Slower drainage time
- Concurrent clogs across sinks, tubs, toilets, showers, and basins
- Strange noises like gurgling and bubbling from water coming back up after hitting a clog
If you have drain problems, it’s time to call the professionals at Kellie Plumbing.
Keeping It Clear
Keeping your pipes clear and your drains clean starts at home. By taking these steps for at-home care, you can protect your home from clogged drain damage between professional cleanings.
DON’T Use Harsh Chemicals and Store-Bought Drain Cleaners
While a store-bought drain cleaner can seem like a quick fix, overuse can cause headaches later on. The hard chemicals in these cleaners may unclog your drain, but damage your pipes in the long run.
DO Use a Drain Grate or Screen
A good drain grate or screen is your first line of defense when it comes to preventing clogs. By stopping debris before it enters your pipes, you can save yourself time and trouble down the line.
DON’T Use a Do-It-Yourself Drain Snake
Many home improvement stores sell DIY drain snakes that claim you can clear your drains like a pro— but don’t believe the hype.
Drain cleaning with a steel drain snake can be dangerous for anyone who isn’t a trained professional. Breaking the drain snake in the pipe, which is easy to do without proper training, can severely damage your pipes. A broken drain snake can also send shards of steel down the pipes.
DO Regularly Check Your Drains for Signs of Blockage
Checking on a monthly or bimonthly basis for clogs and blockage can help you identify any issues— and call a plumber— before your drains are seriously damaged.
DON’T Use Your Drain to Dispose of Non-Food Items, Oil, or Grease
These are the quickest way to block your drain, damage your pipes, and turn a simple drain cleaning into a pipe rescue operation. In addition to the smell, the debris and grease will stick to the inside of your pipes.
DO Plan for Regular Maintenance
We know that most homeowners try to avoid calling in a plumber for as long as possible. But drain cleaning requires a trained professional who has specialty tools in order to keep your pipes in tip-top shape.
Our plumbers work to bring friendly and efficient service right to your door. We’ll work with you to keep your experience as painless as possible and we’ll help you understand how to prevent build-up and damage in the future.
DON’T Use Hot Water and Vinegar
This home remedy is one of the most common tips you may hear for cleaning your drains. It works to a certain extent, but large concentrations of vinegar can damage your pipes in the long run.
Similar home solutions like vinegar and baking soda aren’t effective for similar reasons.
DO Call in a Kellie Plumbing Professional
We’ve outlined why DIY drain cleaning harms more than helps. Trying it yourself is more likely to have your plumber fixing DIY damage and clearing the original blockage. Having a licensed plumber on call can save you the time (and the headache) while making sure your drain is cleaned right the first time.
At Kellie Plumbing, we offer free consultations, drain cleaning starting at $89, and free camera line inspections to keep the entire process easy and affordable.
Find a Plumber Near Me
At Kellie Plumbing, our friendly and professional staff members serve Avon, Bargersville, Beech Grove, Carmel, Columbus, Edinburgh, Greenwood, Indianapolis, Mooresville, Whiteland, and every place in between.
With technicians standing by 24/7, we can take your call and get you scheduled as soon as your drains need to be cleaned. Give us a call and get your plumbing in order today!
