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How NOT to Unblock a Drain: Anecdotes from the Frontlines

mhiplumbers • Apr 01, 2024

Welcome to a journey into the realm of unclogging drains—a task that, while seemingly mundane, can lead to unexpected mishaps and plenty of lessons learned. So sit back, relax, and prepare to chuckle, as our plumbers share anecdotal experiences of How NOT to Unblock a Drain.

1. The Chemical Cocktail Catastrophe

In the historical records of plumbing failures, few tales rival the chemical catastrophe—a misguided attempt to dissolve clogs with a concoction of store-bought drain cleaners and DIY remedies. From bubbling concoctions to noxious fumes, these chemical cocktails often do more harm than good, leaving homeowners scratching their heads and holding their noses in disbelief.

Plumber’s Advice:

If you have solids blocking a drain, it’s unlikely that chemicals will be able to clean it effectively. If the chemical is harsh but still cannot dissolve the blockage, then you are stuck with the blockage plus the chemicals inside the drain. Drain cleaning chemicals are toxic and can end up doing more harm than good.

2. The Over-Enthusiastic Plunger

Ah, the humble plunger—a symbol of hope and determination in the face of stubborn clogs. Yet, in the hands of the uninitiated, it can quickly become a source of frustration. Picture the scene: a determined homeowner, armed with a plunger and unwavering resolve, plunges away with gusto, only to realize too late that they’re making matters worse. 

Plumber’s Advice:

The key to effective plunging is to place the plunger over the drain and completely seal it off. Push the plunger slowly and precisely, up and down. If you plunge too fast, you may push some of the matter that’s blocking the drain too far down.

3. The Ill-Fated Experiment with a Drain Snake 

Enter the drain snake —a wiry contraption designed to conquer even the most stubborn blockages. Or so they say. In reality, this tool of the trade can quickly transform into a tangled mess of frustration and regret. With visions of a quick fix, the DIY enthusiast plunges the snake into the abyss, only to find that they’ve shoved the matter causing the blockage further down the drain.

Plumber’s Advice:

Don’t force the drain snake around pipe corners that are hard to navigate. Using a drain snake too frequently and incorrectly can damage pipes and leave you with a costly plumbing bill.

4. The Cautionary Tale of the Garden Hose

Ah, the garden hose gambit—a desperate attempt to unleash the power of H2O upon a stubborn clog. In reality, a garden hose is not the ideal equipment for trying to unblock a drain. The pressure from it will probably not be heavy enough to move a clog along, especially if the drain is outside and has been blocked by tree roots or even small animals.

Plumber’s Advice:

Hydro jetting a blocked drain should be done with equipment that is designed for this purpose. Attempting to DIY hydro-jetting can cause flooding which will only make matters worse. It may also cause damage to the pipes.

5. The Curious Case of the Forgotten Plumber

Welcome to the classic tale of procrastination and misplaced priorities. Our humble homeowner, faced with a stubborn drain clog, vows to call a professional plumber—tomorrow. But as tomorrow becomes next week, and next week becomes next month, the clog remains undisturbed. Until one fateful day, when the water rises, the sink overflows, and our homeowner is left with no choice but to face the music—and the plumber’s bill.

Plumber’s Advice:

DIY is to be celebrated. We get it. A lot of homeowners would prefer to do repairs themselves in order to save some money. But there are certain instances where it’s just more cost-effective to call in a professional to deal with the problem.



If you’ve tried everything to unclog your drain and nothing is working, then there’s no need to go any further. It’s time to call a plumber !

The Moral of the Story

As we reflect on our cautionary escapades in the world of drain unclogging, one lesson becomes abundantly clear: sometimes, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. While DIY enthusiasm is commendable, plumbing prowess is best left to those with the expertise and experience to tackle even the trickiest of clogs.

The Most Common Plumbing Problems in San Diego and How to Fix Them

16 Jul, 2024
Living in San Diego comes with its unique set of plumbing challenges. From the hard water that can wreak havoc on your pipes to the occasional droughts that strain water resources, homeowners here face various plumbing issues. In this article, we'll explore some of the most common plumbing problems in San Diego and provide tips on how to fix them. We'll also help you understand when to call in a professional. 1. Clogged Drains Problem: Clogged drains are a frequent issue in many San Diego homes. They can occur in sinks, showers, and bathtubs, often due to the buildup of hair, soap scum, grease, and food particles. DIY Fix: Plunger: For minor clogs, a plunger can often do the trick. Ensure enough water is in the sink or tub to cover the plunger’s cup, and give it several firm plunges. Drain Snake: A drain snake (or auger) can break up the blockage for more stubborn clogs. Insert the snake into the drain and turn the handle to push it through the clog. Baking Soda and Vinegar: Pour a cup of baking soda and vinegar down the drain. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then flush with hot water. When to Call a Professional: If you’ve tried these methods and the clog persists, it’s time to call a plumber. Persistent clogs can indicate a more severe issue in your main sewer line. 2. Leaky Faucets Problem: Leaky faucets are annoying and can also waste significant water, driving up your water bill. The cause is usually worn-out washers or seals. DIY Fix: Turn Off Water Supply: Before starting any repair, turn off the water supply to the faucet. Replace Washers and O-rings: Disassemble the faucet handle and replace any worn washers or O-rings. These parts are inexpensive and can be found at most hardware stores. Reassemble Faucet: Once the new parts are in place, reassemble the faucet and turn the water supply back on. When to Call a Professional: If the faucet continues to leak after you’ve replaced the washers and O-rings, the issue may be more complex, such as a corroded valve seat. A professional plumber can diagnose and fix the problem. 3. Low Water Pressure Problem: Low water pressure can frustrate daily tasks like showering and washing dishes. It’s often caused by the buildup of mineral deposits in pipes or fixtures, leaks, or issues with the municipal water supply. DIY Fix: Clean Aerators and Showerheads: Mineral deposits can clog aerators and showerheads, reducing water pressure. Remove these fixtures and soak them in vinegar overnight to dissolve the deposits. Check for Leaks: Inspect your plumbing system for leaks. Even a small leak can significantly reduce water pressure. Pressure Regulator: Ensure that your home's pressure regulator (if you have one) is set correctly. Adjust it if necessary. When to Call a Professional: If cleaning aerators and checking for leaks doesn’t solve the problem, there may be a more severe issue, such as a problem with the main water line or pressure regulator. A plumber can diagnose and fix the issue, restoring your water pressure to normal levels. 4. Running Toilets Problem: A running toilet can waste a lot of water, usually caused by a faulty flapper, fill valve, or overflow tube. DIY Fix: Inspect Flapper: Check the flapper to see if it’s worn or misaligned. If it's not sealing correctly, water will continuously flow into the toilet bowl. Replace the flapper if necessary. Adjust Fill Valve: Ensure the fill valve functions correctly and adjust the float arm if the water level is too high or too low. Replace Overflow Tube: If the overflow tube is cracked or damaged, it must be replaced. When to Call a Professional: If you’ve replaced the flapper and adjusted the fill valve, but the toilet still runs, a more complex issue may require professional attention. Conclusion While many common plumbing problems in San Diego can be fixed with a bit of DIY effort, some issues require the expertise of a professional plumber. Knowing when to tackle a problem yourself and when to call in a pro can save you time, money, and frustration. If you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact a reliable San Diego plumbing service to ensure your home’s plumbing system remains in top condition.

Understanding Your Home's Plumbing System: A Beginner's Guide

18 Jun, 2024
Welcome to the world of home plumbing! This guide is designed to help you understand the basic layout and components of your home's plumbing system. Whether you're a new homeowner in San Diego or someone interested in home maintenance, knowing plumbing basics can help you manage minor repairs, make informed decisions, and communicate effectively with professionals when needed.
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