Clearing Your Clogged Drains | Doug’s Service Company

When Do You Really Need a Professional Plumber for Drain Cleaning or Repair in Thibodaux, LA?

Knowing what to do for small drain clogs can save you a lot of time and money. Doug’s is here to prepare you for these events and hopefully save you your precious time and money wherever possible. However, there are some plumbing issues that you simply won’t be able to resolve on your own and we’ll make sure you’re aware of the signs of a more serious problem beneath the surface, as well. Is there standing water in your sink or tub? Is water draining very slowly? Here’s what to do.

Step 1: Drain Cleaners

You’re probably familiar with these. They are caustic, smell terrible and they are usually lye based which means they eat away at pipe obstructions very quickly. Thus, you don’t want to get in the habit of using them on a regular basis. To use them, you can simply pour them down your shower or sink drain and wait fifteen minutes, then run hot water down to rinse. If you try to flush the pipe with water too quickly, you may bring all the drain cleaner up into your sink. If the sink is still clogged, try one more time. It works best if you wait for any standing water to clear before pouring in the liquid. Greener Alternatives: You can also attempt to clear the clog with something that’s a little better for the environment. You can use a combination of vinegar and baking soda or lemon juice and baking soda (for a fresher smell).

Step 2: Plunging

This is where is gets a little gross, but you can do it yourself. This is more effective if you fill the sink or tub up a few inches. Take a small plunger and try to work the clog out. If it is a bathtub, it’s usually a wad of hair or soap scum. If it’s your sink…Well, you tell me.

Alternatively, you can try using a hook or a drain snake and fishing for the clog.

Step 3: Prevention

After you remove the clog, be aware that some things just aren’t meant for certain drains. If an object is too large or tough for your garbage disposal, just throw it away in a bin. Items to avoid dropping in garbage disposal:

• Eggshells
• Celery
• Bones
• Coffee Grounds (Creates Buildup)
• Fruit Pits

Toilet paper was designed to break down. No other product is intended to be flushed. Items to avoid flushing:

• Feminine Hygiene Products
• Paper Towels
• Wet Wipes
• Dental Floss (Becomes Tangled)
• Cat Litter

Step 4: When All Else Fails

If the above methods aren’t helping, you might have a clog deeper in your pipes. If you are experiencing any of these signs below, we would advise you to seek professional plumbing assistance: These issues will usually not get better on their own. They are indicative of a main line clog, which can be cleared by a professional plumbing service such as Doug’s Refrigeration!

• Gurgling sounds from your pipes
• Floor drain in basement backing up
• Recurring clogs
• Clogs in multiple areas of the house
• Presence of sewage

If You Can’t Seem To Clear The Drain On Your Own…

Call Doug’s Refrigeration at (985) 746-1116 to clear your pipes and ensure there isn’t a larger, more serious problem that needs to be addressed.