Reaching for the plunger is common practice to free the plumbing lines of obstructions and allow for proper drainage, whether it is a sink clogged in the kitchen or bathroom, or a toilet is misbehaving. Severe pipe damage, resulting in the need for professional assistance for expensive repairs can be caused by incorrect plunging techniques, as few people even realize. People trying to emulate what they see isn’t always enough to ensure appropriate application, especially since many plunging techniques are not always correctly executed. To ensure you are effectively plunging and to help you avoid more problems, we at The Original $49.95 Plumber would like to share the dos and don’ts of plunging.

Dos and Don’ts of Pre-plunging

Before you grab the plunger, there are a few things that you should do first, and a few things you should simply avoid. Check out the dos and don’ts of pre-plunging.
Do – Before plunging, use biodegradable drain cleaner to treat the drain. These enhanced drain cleaners may be enough the free the obstructions, but if not, it will contribute to freely dislodging the clog.
Do – Evaluate the strainer; check for signs of for soap scum buildup or hair that is creating the clog. Twist the stopper counter-clockwise and pull it out to remove it. Before re-asserting it back into the drain, clean the stopper and/or drainer well, be sure to twist the wire and pull up any debris.
Do – In a large pot of boiling water, add a tablespoon of mild liquid dishwashing soap. Use the hot soapy water to flush the drain. Because grease could be clogging the drain passageways, this method is particularly exceptional for clogs near the garbage disposal. Check to see if the clog was effectively removed as you pour the boiling soapy water down the drain.
Don’t – To help you unclog the drain, never use caustic chemicals. The commercial chemical drain openers can be a potential hazard to you and your family and it will likely cause undo damage to your pipe lines.

How to Unclog a Toilet or Sink By Plunging

Below are the dos don’ts for your plunging technique.
Don’t – Never use excessive pressure and force to plunge the obstructions. Too much pressure and excessive force can lead to damaged drain line connections and traps.
Don’t – Do not use the plunger should you have opted to use chemical drain cleaner. If it splashes on your skin, skin can be chemically burned.
Do – If plunging remains ineffective, do use a plumber’s snake. You have found the clog after you meet resistance in the drain. After you find the clog, just continue to crank and rotate the auger to clear out the clog.
Do – Block the overflow drain with a wet cloth use the plunger as you position it over the drain and firmly plunge down and up several consecutive times. With a little extra strength lift the plunger upward and out on the last plunge.

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If you are having a hard time with a clogged drain, call The Original $49.95 Plumber and let our qualified plumbers get your drain performing efficiently.