The Do’s & Don’ts of Dealing With Clogged Drains

When a drain clogs up, it can throw your whole day off balance. Suddenly, your kitchen sink is a mini swimming pool that won’t drain, or your shower floor starts looking more like a foot spa (and not in a good way).

A clogged drain might start small, but before you know it, it can create a lineup of dirty dishes or turn a morning routine into a major plumbing headache. Worse, if a clog gets bad enough, it could even lead to water backing up in places it absolutely shouldn’t be—cue the nightmare scenarios of flooded bathrooms and foul odors filling your home!

With this kind of plumbing drama, jumping in and tackling the clog yourself is tempting. However, DIY drain cleaning can be tricky; sometimes, well-intentioned fixes worsen the situation.

To help you avoid trouble and get back to smooth-draining pipes, we’ve put together a list of essential do’s and don’ts for dealing with clogged drains.

The Do’s of Dealing With Clogged Drains

To do or not to do?

Here are some of the first steps you can always consider when addressing a clogged drain.

DO #1: Use a Plunger First

A plunger isn’t just for toilets—it’s one of the best tools for clearing sinks, tubs, and shower clogs. A few firm pumps with a plunger can often break up a clog by creating enough suction to pull it free or push it along.

This method is both effective and gentle on your pipes, so it’s a great place to start.

DO #2: Try Boiling Water (in Moderation)

Boiling water can work wonders for kitchen sink clogs, especially those caused by grease or soap buildup. Slowly pour boiling water down the drain, letting it loosen and wash away soft clogs.

Just be careful not to use boiling water if you have PVC pipes, as it could weaken the plastic. Also, avoid using this method in toilets; it’s more effective for kitchen and bathroom sinks.

DO #3: Clean Drain Stoppers & Traps Regularly

Sometimes, the culprit of a slow drain is just the stuff that’s gotten trapped right at the top. Hair, soap scum, and other debris can build up around stoppers and strainers, so it’s worth taking a few minutes each week to clean them out.

This quick routine helps prevent bigger clogs from forming.

DO #4: Consider Eco-Friendly Solutions

To try a safe, at-home remedy, mix baking soda and vinegar for a gentle cleaning solution. Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Let it fizz for a few minutes, then rinse with hot (not boiling) water.

This combo can help break down minor clogs naturally, keeping your drains fresh without harsh chemicals.

DO #5: Call a Professional for Tough Clogs

Sometimes, no amount of plunging, boiling water, or baking soda will do the trick. When dealing with a clog that just won’t budge, it’s time to bring in the pros.

Experienced plumbers have specialized tools and techniques, like drain snakes and hydro-jetting, to clear even the most stubborn clogs without damaging your pipes.

The Don’ts of Dealing with Clogged Drains

When we say don’t, we actually mean “DON’T!”

Here are a few of the things, amongst many, that you should never attempt when dealing with a clogged drain.

DON’T #1: Use Chemical Drain Cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners might seem like a quick fix, but they can do more harm than good. The harsh chemicals in these products can corrode your pipes over time, leading to costly damage.

Plus, using a chemical cleaner on a fully clogged drain can sit in your pipes and release toxic fumes. Instead, try natural methods or call a professional if the clog persists.

DON’T #2: Stick Random Objects Down the Drain

When faced with a stubborn clog, reaching for any long object that might fit down the drain to “poke” at the blockage can be tempting. However, objects like coat hangers or utensils can scratch or damage your pipes and often worsen the clog by further compacting the blockage.

Instead, use a proper drain snake or call a professional for help.

DON’T #3: Ignore the Signs of a Clog

If your drains start slowing down, don’t wait until they’re fully clogged before taking action. Slow drainage, gurgling sounds, or foul odors are all signs of a developing clog. Addressing these early can save you from the mess of a complete blockage.

Regular maintenance or a quick call to a professional can prevent minor clogs from becoming major problems.

DON’T #4: Discard Grease, Coffee Grounds, or Food Scraps Down the Sink

Many kitchen clogs happen because of what’s being washed down the drain. Cooking grease, coffee grounds, and food scraps can create blockages that are tough to remove. Instead of rinsing these items down the sink, dispose of them in the trash or compost.

To help prevent kitchen clogs, consider using a drain strainer to catch food particles.

DON’T #5: Keep Pouring Water if the Drain’s Not Clearing

When a sink or shower backs up, adding more water in the hopes it’ll eventually “flush out” the clog often backfires. If the water isn’t going down, adding more only increases the risk of an overflow.

If plunging doesn’t help, stop the water and seek professional assistance to avoid a bigger mess.

Need Help with a Clogged Drain? Call Drain Pro Plumbing!

At Drain Pro Plumbing, we know the hassle that clogged drains can bring. That’s why we’re here to provide fast, reliable drain cleaning services to get your plumbing back on track. Whether it’s a stubborn sink clog, a backed-up shower, or a kitchen drain that won’t budge, our team of experienced technicians can handle it all.

With same-day service and a commitment to quality, we’ll ensure your home’s plumbing is working like new in no time. Don’t let a clog disrupt your day—give us a call today at 952-469-6999 to schedule your drain cleaning service and experience the Drain Pro difference!