Cleaning drains – five mistakes you do not want to make

A blocked drain is something that no-one wants to have to deal with, but it's a common problem. It's easy for a drain to become blocked, especially if you are not careful about what goes down the drain. If you think a household drain may be blocked, you need to deal with the problem as soon as possible. If you do not do so, it will only become worse, and more difficult to resolve.

If you are dealing with a blocked drain in your home, there are some things you should not do. We are going to take a look at these things, and explain why doing them might worsen the problem rather than solving it.



Using caustic drain cleaners


Many people assume that using a caustic drain cleaner is a good idea, when there is a blockage in a drain. This is not the case. Many household drain cleaners have been shown to be bad for the environment. They are also not very effective when it comes to removing a blockage. At best, they may loosen a small part of the blockage, but you are unlikely to completely resolve the problem by using them. They can also cause damage to drains, over time.

Sticking items into a drain


You may think that sticking a coat hanger, or a broom handle, down a drain will remove any blockage that is present. In fact, you are unlikely to be able to reach a blockage by doing this. Even if you do reach the blockage, you are more likely to push it further into the drain, rather than removing it.

Trying to move a blockage using water pressure


This is a tactic that people sometimes use when a drain becomes blocked. They take a hose, and use it to direct water down the drain. You will probably get very wet if you do this, and the blockage is likely to remain exactly where it is.

Trying to resolve a complicated blockage yourself


You may want to try using a plunger on the blockage to remove it. This can be a successful tactic. If the blockage is more complicated, the best idea is to ask a plumber in Mosman for help. They can clear the blockage quickly and easily, whereas you may only make matters worse with your efforts.

Letting the blockage happen in the first place


One of the biggest mistakes, when it comes to blocked drains, is allowing them to happen in the first place. It's a good idea to use drain guards, to stop items such as food, grease, dead skin and hair, from going down the drain. You should also be vigilant about what you wash down the drain, and make sure that debris is cleaned from around the area. Hopefully, you are now more aware of what not to do, if you have a problem with blocked drains in your home. If you are in any doubt, it's best to speak to a professional, and let them deal with the problem for you.

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