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

Dos & Don’ts Before Plunging

There are a few things you should do first, and a few things you should simply avoid before you grab the plunger. Below are the dos and don’ts of pre-plunging.
Do – Check for signs of for soap scum buildup or hair that is creating the clog as you assess the strainer. To remove it, twist the stopper counterclockwise and pull it out. Make certain to twist the wire and pull up any debris, clean the stopper and/or drainer well, before re-asserting it back into the drain.
Do – Add a tablespoon of mild liquid dishwashing in a large pot of boiling water. To flush the drain, use the hot soapy water. This method is particularly exceptional for clogs near the garbage disposal because grease could be clogging the drain passageways. As you pour the boiling soapy water down the drain, check to see if the clog was effectively removed.
Do – Use biodegradable drain cleaner to treat the drain prior to plunging. may be enough the free the obstructions with these enhanced drain cleaners but if not, it will contribute to freely dislodging the clog.
Don’t – Never use caustic chemicals to help you unclog the drain. It will likely cause undo damage to your pipelines as the commercial chemical drain openers can be a potential hazard to you and your family.

What is the Proper Way to Plunge?

For your plunging technique, below are the dos and don’ts.
Don’t – Do not force to plunge the obstructions and use excessive pressure. Damage drain line connections and traps can come from too much pressure and excessive force.
Don’t – Should you have opted to use chemical drain cleaner, do not use the plunger. Skin can be chemically burned if it splashes on your skin.
Do – Use a plumber’s snake if plunging remains ineffective. After you meet resistance in the drain, you have found the clog. Just continue to crank and rotate the auger to clear out the clog once you find the clog.
Do – With a wet cloth, block the overflow drain and use the plunger as you position it over the drain and firmly plunge down and up several consecutive times. Lift the plunger upward and out on the last plunge with a little extra strength.

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