logo
unsplash.com/taypaigey
unsplash.com/taypaigey

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Cleaning the Drain from Blockage

Afouda Bamidele
May 14, 2021
06:10 A.M.

Cleaning the drain can seem like a manageable activity that needs little or no thought. However, there are some common mistakes we perform that cause the blockage to become worse.

Advertisement

Drains are a vital part of our day-to-day lives, whether for washing dishes, doing the laundry, or having a shower. In all of this, it is crucial that the drain should be given the utmost care to avoid blockage.

While some tasks of cleaning the drain can be handled with a do-it-yourself procedure, it is possible to make mistakes that further intensify the problem. Here are some tips on errors to avoid.

A photo of a kitchen sink. | Photo: Unsplash

A photo of a kitchen sink. | Photo: Unsplash

Advertisement

THE PREVENTIVE MEASURE

Prevention, they say, is always better than cure, and this motto can be applied to caring for drains. One of the big mistakes we make is allowing the drain to be blocked in the first place by odd items.

In the kitchen, it is advised to avoid pouring oils, eggshells, or dairy products down the drain. In the toilet, paper towels, clogs of hair, and feminine hygiene products can cause a clog. To prevent the passage of such items, it is best to use a drain catcher.

A photo of a shower drain. | Photo: Pixabay

A photo of a shower drain. | Photo: Pixabay

Advertisement

OVERUSE OF CHEMICALS

There is an array of chemical products in the market that make juicy promises about unclogging the drain. More often than not, we purchase these products but become disappointed when we realize they only work for the short term.

Given that these cleaners aren’t harsh enough, they might not dissolve the solid in your drain. Instead, you can use a simple mixture of one cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar to wash your drain, followed by some hot water.

A photo of the drain in a bathroom sink. | Photo: Pixabay

A photo of the drain in a bathroom sink. | Photo: Pixabay

Advertisement

WRONG TECHNIQUE OF PLUNGING

The plunger is the ultimate tool that helps with quick-fix solutions to minor clogging problems from day to day. However, if not used properly, it can pose more of a problem than expected.

First, it is advised to purchase the right kind of plunger. Toilet plungers are flat, while sink plungers have a bell-shaped bottom. When using a plunger, make sure it is worked up and down slowly and with the correct pressure.

A photo of a plunger. | Photo: Pixabay

A photo of a plunger. | Photo: Pixabay

Advertisement

RELYING TOO MUCH ON DIY

While unclogging one’s drain can help cut cost, if not done correctly, it can lead to a bigger blockage which in turn causes the cost of repair to go higher. One must be aware of when to give it over to a professional.

Professional plumbers are well-trained to evaluate the problem, come up with the right solution, and ensure that the issue doesn’t come up again within a short period after a repair.

A photo of a plumber at work. | Photo: Pixabay

A photo of a plumber at work. | Photo: Pixabay

Advertisement

USING THE WRONG ITEMS

One common DIY technique for unclogging a drain involves using a simple wire coat hanger. All you need to do is straighten the hanger, wrap a small rag around it, and lower the hanger into the drain until the clog is found.

While this sometimes works, it is not an effective method because the blockage is most likely too far down the pipe. If a plunger doesn’t work, sticking objects like a hanger further pushes the blockage.

A photo of a wirecoat hanger. | Photo: Pixabay

A photo of a wirecoat hanger. | Photo: Pixabay

Advertisement

HOW TO CLEAN THE KITCHEN SINK

To clean the kitchen sink effectively, one needs to rinse the sink thoroughly to ensure all the debris is flushed away. Next, spread baking soda all over the sink and allow it to stay for a while.

After some minutes, add a small amount of dish soap to a sponge and scrub vigorously. After washing, sanitize with white vinegar and allow to soak for 20 minutes. Voila! Your sink is as good as new!

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Rich Woman Mocks Cleaner Who Is in Love with Her, until He Saves Her on the Street – Story of the Day

February 12, 2022

Poor Old Man Who Buys Groceries Every Day Stops Showing Up, Store Owner Decides to Check on Him — Story of the Day

March 11, 2022

Mom of Quintuplets Can’t Pay For Groceries, Voice behind Says, ‘Your Bill Is Already Covered’ — Story of the Day

February 17, 2022

Every Day Old Lady Sees Lonely Triplets Playing All Day Long on the Beach and Follows Them — Story of the Day

February 04, 2022

Girl Disappears Day after Grandmother Gifts Her an Extremely Expensive Necklace – Story of the Day

January 31, 2022

Man Mocks Woman for Damaging His Car, Sees Her with His Wife in Ambulance the Next Day — Story of the Day

April 17, 2022

Man Lies on the Couch All Day & Berates Wife over Messy House until Their Mute Son Interferes — Story of the Day

April 29, 2022

Restaurant Manager Kicks Out Old Lady Asking for Shelter, Next Day Sees Her Sitting with Owner – Story of the Day

February 05, 2022

Postman Hears Loud Cry from Abandoned House and Rushes Inside — Story of the Day

April 28, 2022

Rich Man Arrives at Hotel, Faints as He Sees His Wife Working as a Maid There — Story of the Day

February 26, 2022

On Valentine’s Day, Man Mocks Wife for Dirty Dishes Ignoring Her Gift, Opens It after Her Death — Story of the Day

February 19, 2022

Widowed Mom Learns Her Son Escapes Home Every Night, He Returns One Day with Bag Full of Cash – Story of the Day

April 11, 2022

Girl Bans Single Mom from Her Graduation after Learning She Works as a Cleaner — Story of the Day

April 25, 2022

Lonely Man Wakes up to the Doorbell Ringing, Hears Weak Voice Calling upon Him, ‘Dad, Help!’ — Story of the Day

February 20, 2022