What to Do if Drain Cleaner Doesn’t Work

What to do if drain cleaner doesn’t work? Clogged drains are an all-too-common issue that many of us have faced at some point in our lives. To try and solve the problem quickly, many turn to drain cleaners; while they may be effective in clearing minor obstructions, they don’t always solve everything – leaving you with standing water and an unpleasant mess behind.

5 Methods to Try If the Drain Cleaner Doesn’t Work Effectively

Avoid harsh chemicals when your drains are blocked. There are other solutions, and here are five of them that will get your pipes working again without using any hazardous toxins.

Method 1: Combine Baking Soda and Vinegar

Baking soda and vinegar are an effective natural cleaner that can unclog your drains. Simply pour half a cup of baking soda down your sink, followed by half a cup white distilled vinegar.

Once the reaction is complete, allow it to sit for around 10 to 15 minutes before flushing with hot tap water. Doing this helps break down any blockages that might have formed from the heat of the reaction.

This method can cause damage to pipes if not applied correctly or too frequently.

Method 2: Boiling Water

Boiling water can also be used to unclog drains if you don’t have access to drain cleaners. Boil 1-2 gallons of water on your stovetop depending on what you need; depending on what works best, boil for 1-3 minutes.

Slowly pour boiling water into the drain. Wait a few moments for any grease buildup or residue to dissolve and then repeat this procedure with another batch of boiling water.

Once all materials have been removed and flushed away, finish by running cold water through the pipes. Never use boiling water on thin or regular plastic pipes as this can cause them to expand or crack under extreme temperatures.

Method 3: Plunger

Not only are plungers useful for flushing toilets, but they can also be used to unclog drains around your home. To increase pressure when plunging, cover the overflow hole with a damp towel; this will help clear clogged drains faster than if no holes are covered.

You can choose different plungers depending on the material of your pipes, such as metal or plastic. Doing this helps protect them while clearing away any clogs that may have formed.

Method 4: Plumbing Snake

Carefully insert the plumbing snake’s tip into the drain and direct it upwards toward any blockage. To protect your pipes, insert the snake slowly into the pipe. Continue pushing on the clog until it becomes visible.

Once you’ve reached the blockage with your plumbing snake, turn the crank clockwise to begin clearing away debris from your pipes. Doing this increases pressure and leverage on your drains, enabling you to more easily clear away obstructions and debris.

Please be aware that depending on how stubborn your clog is, it may take multiple attempts to completely clear away all obstructions.

Method 5: Call a Plumber

If a homeowner has any plumbing problems that they cannot resolve on their own, it is best to contact a professional plumber for assistance. Here are some facts:

Plumbers are the go-to experts for any plumbing issue, no matter how serious. With their knowledge and skill, plumbers can efficiently clear away any obstruction or breakage.
Hiring a professional plumber can be cost-effective in the long run. Any issue can be quickly solved with their expertise and skilled workmanship that will last for life.
Plumbers provide a guarantee for their work, which means that they will cover any additional costs if something goes awry after they’ve finished providing services.

Why Does My Drain Seem to Stay Clogged Even After Using a Drain Cleaner?

Hair, dirt and skin flakes can clog drain pipes when not properly removed with a liquid drain cleaner. Even using an advanced drain cleaner cannot always eliminate this blockage completely.

Your drain cleaner may not be powerful enough to clear out the blockage or its formulation is incompatible with what caused it. A clog could also be caused by plumbing issues like tree roots or broken pipes.

These are excellent alternatives to drain cleaners that can be used for stubborn clogs.

Hair Drain Cleaner Tool

This handy tool can be used for clearing out hair clogs. The handle is extra long and features a small head, making it easier to reach inside pipes and extract hairs. Furthermore, its flexible design makes it ideal for fitting into tight spaces so you can more easily get rid of stubborn clogs.

Flexible Drain Brush

This brush is specifically designed to clean drains. Its flexible head allows you to reach corners and bends in your pipes with ease, and its bristles break up clogs without damaging them or scratching surfaces. Plus, these bristles are gentle enough not to scratch or damage surfaces during their work.

Electric Drain Auger

This powerful tool is perfect for clearing out stubborn clogs in drain lines. The rotating cable inserts into the pipe and breaks up any debris or blockages, making it ideal for removing tree roots or rocks from septic tanks.

Plumbing Snake Drain Clog Removal

This product is engineered to quickly and effectively clear out stubborn clogs from your plumbing system. Its snake-like shape allows it to navigate through tight spaces and around obstacles with ease.

This tool’s robust construction ensures it will provide reliable performance for years, without needing repairs or upkeep.

Schedule an Appointment

Are you fed up with slow or clogged drains in your home or business? Clog Kings has the solution if your drain cleaner doesn’t work as it intended. Our team of expert drain cleaning technicians is ready to tackle even the toughest obstructions and get your pipes flowing freely again. Contact us today for assistance.

Our Other Services

Clog King’s plumbers strive to provide great customer service from start to finish. Our services include:

We understand that plumbing issues can be stressful, and that’s why we work tirelessly to provide fast and reliable solutions that get your plumbing system back up and running in no time. So why wait? Call Clog Kings today to schedule your clog removal service and experience the difference of working with the best in the business!

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