Have you ever flushed your toilet only to find that the water won’t go down? Or maybe you turn on your kitchen sink faucet, and the water starts gushing out from around the base of the pipe. Unfortunately, these are both signs that your pipe is stuck. But don’t worry; there are some things you can do to try and fix it on your own before having to call a professional.
Ten Tips to Help When Your Pipe Gets Stuck:
Here are some tips to help you when your pipe gets stuck:
- First, clear the area around the pipe: Before doing anything, it’s essential to clear the area around it. This will help you better access the pipe and prevent potential injuries.
- Identify the source of the blockage: Once you’ve cleared the area, try to identify the source of the blockage. This can be anything from food scraps to hair to toilet paper. If you can’t see the source, you may need to use a plunger or a snake.
- Try using a plunger: If you can see the source of the blockage, try using a plunger to dislodge it. Be sure to cover the entire opening of the drain with the plunger so you can create a seal. Then, pump vigorously for a few minutes before trying to flush again.
- Use a snake: You might need to use a snake if you can’t see where the obstruction is coming from or if the plunger isn’t working. Turn the snake clockwise after inserting it into the drain. The snake will move down the pipe as you do this and assist in clearing any obstructions.
- Pour boiling water: Another method you can try is pouring boiling water down the drain. This can help to melt any grease or soap that may be causing the blockage.
- Use a chemical cleaner: If you’ve tried all of the above and you’re still having trouble, you may need to use a chemical cleaner. Be sure to read the instructions carefully before using and caution not to damage your pipes.
Things To Avoid:
There are also some things you should avoid doing when your pipe is stuck. These include:
- Don’t use hot water: You might think it will help clear the blockage, but it can worsen the problem. Hot water can melt grease and soap, which will then solidify and cause an even more significant blockage.
- Don’t use a plunger if you have garbage disposal: If your sink has a garbage disposal, don’t use a plunger. This can damage the blades and cause them to become stuck.
- Don’t use chemical cleaners too often: As we mentioned before, using chemical cleaners is an option of last resort. This is because they can damage your pipes if used too often.
Conclusion:
Having problems with your pipes can be frustrating, but thankfully there are some things you can do to ease the pain! By following these six tips, hopefully, you won’t need professional assistance anytime soon, but if the worst comes to worst, give us a call, and we’ll help out however we can!
