Plumbing Tips: Clogged Drain Pipe? Here’s What You Can Do to Fix It

It can happen to each and every Michigan homeowner at some point: you run water in the sink, or take a shower, or flush a toilet, and suddenly, it happens—the water doesn’t drain. Instead, it backs up and begins to accumulate, then eventually it overflows. By that point, it’s quite obvious that you have a seriously clogged drain in your hands.

There a few basic repairs you can try to do that may solve the problem. Don’t try to tackle the problem yourself if it extends beyond your ability to repair—it may only lead to more repairs and added expenses in the end. Also, it’s important that you don’t ignore the problem too long as drainage problems tend to escalate the more you leave them alone.

DIY plumbing repair

When your sink, tub or toilet won’t drain, this usually means there’s a blockage somewhere in your drainage pipes. When only one fixture is affected, the blockage may only be isolated in that fixture’s drainage pipe, so you may be able to repair it yourself using a plunger or drain cleaner. For safety and health reasons, only use non-toxic chemicals to unclog your drains. You can also use a plumbing snake to remove the blockage if you know how to use one.

When to call a professional plumber

If plungers, chemicals, and plumbing snakes don’t work, call a plumber. Likewise, if the clog is happening in every drain in your home, the problem could already be in the main line. In this instance, you’ll be better off calling a plumbing professional than fixing the problem yourself.

Why hire a professional?

Michigan plumbing professionals like FLAME Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical will have the necessary know-how, skill, and equipment to clean your entire drainage system. Although you will have to spend more than if you were to do the task on your own, the peace of mind you get from having the repair done speedily, accurately and efficiently will certainly be worth it.

What about after the repair?

It’s a good idea to have your drains cleaned by a professional Michigan plumber like FLAME Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical at least once a year. This will ensure that your pipes are free from anything that could possibly clog or damage them over time, and any potential problems may be resolved before they turn into an extensive and expensive problem for you to handle later on.

Sources:

How to Fix a Clogged Toilet, The Family Handyman

Eco-Friendly Drain Cleaners, About.com