Clogged Drain? Here’s What to Do Before the Plumber Arrives – Sobieski Services | DE, NJ, PA, MD

Clogged Drain? Here’s What to Do Before the Plumber Arrives

Sink Drain

If a clogged drain isn’t the most frustrating household inconvenience, it is certainly among the top ten. The most effective way to deal with one is to avoid it altogether. You can prevent many of these issues with a few simple habits:

  • Do not dispose of grease and oil by pouring them down the drain.
  • Not only do they create clogs all by themselves, but they also capture debris, almost ensuring the formation of a clog.
  • Use strainers to prevent hair from going down the drain. Clean them out regularly to keep the water flowing efficiently.
  • Pay attention to the materials you pour into the sink and avoid any substance that can harden, such as wax or paint.
  • Do not dispose of facial tissues, garbage or other debris by flushing them. They will not dissolve like toilet tissue and can eventually cause a clog.
  • Run cold water through your garbage disposal for at least 15 seconds after use to clear all debris.

Despite your best efforts, the time will likely come for a clogged drain to mar your day. Before you call a plumber, there are several ways to attack the problem. Start with a hot water flush to attempt to dislodge the clog. Skip the chemical drain cleaners as they can damage the pipes. Use a good quality plunger to break the clog loose.

Open the drain trap below the sink. Place a bucket beneath it first in order to catch the mess. Use an auger to snake out the problem. If your initial efforts are unsuccessful, it’s time to call in the pros. They have more tools at their disposal to attack difficult blockages. They may also need to run an auger down through the vent stack on the roof.

The team at Sobieski Services will be happy to help.

At Sobieski Services, Inc., our goal is to help our customers in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey learn more about energy and home comfort issues – especially HVAC and plumbing issues – so that they can save money and live in healthier, more comfortable homes.

Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Ross Brown/FreeImages.com”

Service Coverage Map

Check Out Our Incredible Offers!

Book Now