Common Drain Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

If your sink or toilet is backing up, a clog may be responsible. While clogged or slow drains are incredibly normal plumbing problems, you shouldn’t have to put up with them forever. Often, these issues stem from common drain mistakes that can be avoided. By learning how to avoid these mistakes, you can improve your drain health and avoid costly repairs.

Mistake #1: Using Chemical Drain Cleaners Too Often

One of the most frequent drain cleaning mistakes is using chemical drain cleaners too frequently. These chemicals can corrode your pipes over time. Worse still, this is merely a short-term fix that doesn’t remedy the underlying problem. 

Instead of harsh chemical drain cleaners, switch to enzyme-based cleaners or manually clean out your drains. If these solutions don’t help, it’s time to schedule a professional plumbing inspection for your kitchen or bathroom fixtures.

Mistake #2: Flushing the Wrong Things Down the Drain

Besides DIY drain cleaning errors, you also need to avoid flushing or pouring the wrong things down your drains. The following list includes what not to put in drains.

Kitchens

• Grease
• Oils
• Fats
• Eggshells
• Coffee grounds
• Anything solid

Bathrooms

• Flushable wipes
• Cotton swabs
• Dental floss
• Hair

Laundry and Utility Rooms

• Paint
• Dirt
• Detergent buildup
• Debris of any sort

Mistake #3: Ignoring Early Signs of a Clog

The best way to remedy clogged drain causes is by spotting the clog early and getting it fixed. If your drain is clogged, you may notice foul odors, slow drainage, or gurgling noises. As soon as you notice these issues, schedule a professional inspection right away. Delayed repairs can lead to backed sewer lines and pipe damage, so it’s essential to be proactive.

Mistake #4: Poor DIY Techniques

When it comes to home drain care, it’s important to avoid common DIY errors. For example, you should never use coat hangers or foreign tools to try to remove a clog from your pipes. Unless you have experience, you should also avoid overusing drain snakes. Additionally, you should always make sure to disassemble and reassemble traps properly. 

Simple drain clogs, basic fixture replacements, and minor leaks can be fixed on your own. In any of the following circumstances, you should reach out to a professional plumber for help.

• Sewer line issues
• Burst pipes
• Recurring problems
• Major leaks
• Gas line malfunctions
• Problems with under-slab plumbing systems
• Low water pressure
• Any problem involving an unusual odor or noise

Mistake #5: Skipping Regular Maintenance

When it comes to common drain mistakes, one of the most frequent problems is forgetting routine drain maintenance. Like the rest of your home’s systems, your plumbing pipes and fixtures must be properly maintained in order to function at their best. 

Don’t forget the following plumbing maintenance tips when caring for your home.

• Prevent clogs by using drain strainers or filters.
• Use hot water to flush your pipes and clean away dirt buildup.
• Check drains regularly for signs of problems. Clean them as needed.
• Schedule professional plumbing maintenance to extend the lifespan of your pipes.

How To Prevent Future Drain Problems

The cost of basic plumbing repairs often ranges between $150 and $500. On the low end, a garbage disposal repair may cost as little as $150 to $300. Meanwhile, repairing burst pipes can easily set you back between $1,000 and $4,000.

If you want to avoid these expensive repairs, performing regular maintenance and learning how to prevent clogged drains is vital. To prevent future plumbing problems from happening, remember to use the following tips. 

• Monthly Enzyme Treatments: Through monthly enzyme treatments, you can break down the accumulation of fat, oil, and grease in your pipes. 
• Flush With Boiling Water: Depending on your pipe material, you should flush your pipes with boiling or hot water to melt the buildup. However, talk to one of our plumbers first to make sure your system can safely withstand high temperatures.
• Avoid Excessive Soap: To keep excessive soap and detergent from building up, use drain traps and avoid using too much detergent. Additionally, consider switching from bar soap to liquid soap.
• Use Strainers: A strainer can prevent debris, dirt, and other items from going down your drains. To ensure they’re working their best, make sure to clean them regularly.
• Schedule Annual Plumbing Inspections: By scheduling an annual inspection, you can get minor problems diagnosed and repaired before they spiral out of control.

Need help keeping your drains in top shape? Contact Central Oregon Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical for expert drain maintenance today.

When To Call a Professional Plumber Near You

At Central Oregon Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical, our licensed plumbers are on hand to help with all of your plumbing-related emergencies. While there are problems that can be handled on your own, complex, serious issues should be dealt with by a professional. If you notice any of the following problems, give us a call right away.

• Repeated Clogs: If the same drain has recurring clogs, there is an underlying problem that needs to be addressed and repaired.
• Backups in Multiple Fixtures: When multiple fixtures back up at the same time, there is likely a sewer line clog that is causing it. To remove the underlying cause, you need to reach out for professional drain cleaning services.
• Sewer Odors: The smell of sewage means something is backing up in your system, so you need a professional diagnosis.
• Water Backing Up: Whenever water backs up in your sinks, toilets, or tubs, it’s essential to reach out for expert assistance.

Get Help Preventing Drain Clog Issues in Your Home

From not using a strainer to overusing chemical cleaners, we understand the most common drain mistakes and how to repair them. Ultimately, the best way to deal with drain issues is by preventing them from happening in the first place. Routine plumbing maintenance, consistent inspections, and timely repairs can help you avoid more complicated, expensive repairs in the future. Whether you’re struggling with a sewage line backing up or a slow drain, our team of experienced plumbing professionals is available to help.

If you’re in the Bend, Madras, or Redmond area and are dealing with recurring drain issues, contact Central Oregon Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical today for a thorough inspection.