Clogged Drains: What to Do, What to Avoid, and When to Call a Plumber

Drain clogs don’t start as emergencies, but they can become one fast. A slow sink or a full backup often pushes homeowners to act rashly before thinking. That’s when mistakes happen.

We’ve handled every type of clog here at RX Plumbing & Drain. We’ve cleared grease-packed kitchen lines and sewer pipes blocked by tree roots. In this article, we’ll walk you through three key things:

• What not to do when your drain clogs

• What safe steps you can try

• How to stop clogs from coming back

Let’s begin with what usually goes wrong.

Mistakes People Make When Trying to Unclog a Drain

When a sink, shower, or toilet backs up, panic leads to bad decisions.

1. Using a Drain Snake Without a Plan

If you’ve never used a drain auger before, start with caution. Without a camera inspection, you don’t know what’s inside the pipe. Pushing a snake hard through the line can pierce a weak spot or pack the clog tighter.

2. Pouring in Chemical Drain Cleaners

Chemical cleaners create heat through reaction. That heat targets the clog, but it can also warp old or fragile pipes. These cleaners don’t help if a foreign object or tree root caused the problem. In many cases, they do more harm than good.

3. Acting Out of Desperation

Desperation leads to messes. We’ve seen homeowners dump chemicals, plunge furiously, and shove random tools into drains. These reactions damage fixtures, hurt pipes, and often make things worse. If your efforts aren’t working, stop and call someone trained to handle it.

Safe Ways to Try Clearing a Clog Yourself

If the drain is slow but not fully backed up, try these steps first.

Step 1: Hot Water Flush

Let standing water drain fully. Then pour hot (not boiling) water down the pipe. Grease or soap buildup may melt and flush away. Avoid boiling water, which can damage older plumbing mechanics.

Step 2: Baking Soda and Vinegar

Pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain. Follow it with one cup of vinegar. Let it sit and fizz for 10–15 minutes. Then rinse with hot water. This can help break up light clogs and reduce smells.

Step 3: Use a Plunger

For a sink or tub, use a cup-style plunger. Make sure there’s water covering the plunger head. Block any overflow holes with a wet rag. Use slow, steady pumps without breaking the seal.

Step 4: Snake It Carefully

If you feel confident, a manual auger can help. Feed it slowly. If you feel resistance, turn gently. Don’t force it. If it catches, stop. Forcing past a blockage can do real damage.

If none of these work, the clog runs deeper than you can likely handle on your own. At that point, hydro-jetting or camera scoping by a plumber may be the next step.

How to Keep Drains From Clogging in the First Place

The best fix is prevention. Use these tips to avoid the headache next time.

Kitchen Do’s and Don’ts

Don’t pour grease, flour, or coffee grounds down the drain. Grease cools and sticks. Flour and coffee swell into sludge.

Scrape food scraps into the trash. Even when ground by a disposal, food still clogs pipes.

Use mesh drain covers to catch waste. Rinse with hot water after big cleaning jobs.

Bathroom Best Practices

Use drain screens to catch hair in showers and tubs.

Never flush wipes, even ones labeled “flushable.”

Avoid chemical drain products. They’re harsh and usually unnecessary.

Schedule Routine Maintenance

An annual camera inspection can catch clogs early. We also suggest hydro-jetting every few years for older homes or large households.

If you have trees nearby, roots can sneak into pipes. These intrusions grow slowly, but they can destroy your sewer lines. Our team can spot the signs and clear them out before they cause a backup.

When Is It Time to Call a Plumber?

Some clogs won’t budge without help. Here’s when to call a pro:

• Hot water and plunging didn’t work

• Water backs up in more than one drain

• You hear bubbling or gurgling sounds

• Your house is older or has plumbing issues often

We offer camera inspections, jetting, and trenchless repairs. That means no guessing and no damage unless absolutely needed. You’ll get a full explanation and a long-term fix from our clean, quick, professional team.

FAQs: Clearing and Preventing Drain Clogs

What causes most household drain clogs?

Grease, food scraps, hair, wipes, and soap scum are the usual suspects. Over time, they build up and block the line.

Should I use chemical drain cleaner if my sink is clogged?

We don’t recommend it. These cleaners can damage pipes, especially if they’re older. They also won’t help with clogs caused by solid objects or roots.

Is plunging safe for all types of clogs?

Yes, if done right. Use slow, even pressure and make sure there’s a full seal. Don’t use a plunger if chemicals are in the pipe, because they can splash back dangerously.

Can baking soda and vinegar really unclog a drain?

Yes, for minor clogs. The reaction helps loosen buildup and deodorize. But it won’t work on major blockages.

How can I tell if I need a plumber?

If nothing is draining or multiple fixtures are backing up, call a pro. Same goes if you’ve tried DIY methods without success.

Is hydro-jetting better than snaking?

In many cases, yes. Snakes break up clogs. Jetting clears the whole pipe. It’s more thorough, especially for grease and roots.

Do flushable wipes cause clogs?

Yes. Even the ones labeled “flushable” don’t break down well. Toss them in the trash instead.

How often should I schedule a drain inspection?

Once a year is smart, especially for older homes. We can spot growing issues and stop them early.

Can I snake a drain myself?

You can try, but be careful. Push gently, avoid forcing it, and stop if you meet hard resistance.

What’s the safest way to keep drains clean?

Avoid grease, use drain screens, and flush with hot water after heavy use. And book a professional inspection once a year.

Georgia’s Plumbing and Drain Experts

At RX, we’ve seen it all. We’ve helped people unclog their pipes safely and fixed what went wrong when others didn’t. If you feel unsure, we’ll inspect your system and walk you through the fix.

We serve Cumming, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, and surrounding North Atlanta neighborhoods. We’re licensed, insured, and known for solving problems, not causing more.

If your drains are still clogged, we’ll take care of it. Reach out to our team for a quick response and affordable service.