The Do's and Don'ts of Pre–Drain Cleaning Prep

Do you have slow-flowing drains or complete backups? A professional cleaning service can clear clogs and keep your showers, sinks, and other fixtures in top shape. If you've scheduled this service, take a look at the do's and don'ts of to pre–plumbing appointment prep.

Do Remove Accessories and Extras

The plumber needs space to work. Between an area to easily move and places to put tools or other equipment, your well lived-in bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room may have restrictive clutter that can get in their way. Stop potential safety hazards and reduce the risks of damage (to your belongings) in each room with these simple tips:

• Clear countertops. From the bottles of hair spray and lotion on your bathroom sink to the vegetable scrub brush in your kitchen, clear all countertops completely. This leaves a bare surface for the plumber to use as a work space and eliminates breakage risks to your items.
• Remove items from under the cabinets. The countertop items you can see aren't the only things to move before your home's drain cleaning service. Remove cleaners or anything else under the sinks. The plumber may need to get into the pipes under kitchen or bathroom cabinets.
• Keep the rest of the area clear. Along with items on and under the counters, remove obstacles such as bathroom area rugs, decorative knickknacks, wastebaskets, and other similar accents in the area.

Even though you should remove most items from the plumber's work area, leave the bottle of hand soap that usually sits on the counter where it is. The plumber will likely appreciate access to the cleanser after the service is complete.

Don't Use Chemical Drain Cleaners

Are you tempted to pour a bottle of drain cleaner into the clog as you wait for the plumber? A store-bought chemical cleaner should never become a pre-appointment prep step. While commercially available products may advertise as an easy answer, these products can:

• Cause more damage to your plumbing system. A harsh chemical cleaner can corrode or damage your home's pipes. While this may remove the clog, it can also cause serious leaks inside of your walls or other areas of your home.
• Keep a clog where it is. Even though the cleaning product may claim to clear all clogs, many of these do-it-yourself options won't fully remove the backup. Instead of a bottle or other cleaner product, your plumbing system needs professional help.
• Cause safety hazards. Not only can a cleaner harm the plumbing system, but it can also harm you — or the plumber.

If you did use a drain cleaner, tell the plumber before they get to work. They need to know if the liquid-filled tub holds water or a combination of water and caustic chemicals.

Do Unplug Electrical Items in the Area

Electricity and water don't mix. Keep yourself and your plumber safe during the drain cleaning appointment and:

• Remove hairstyling appliances. Unplug and remove your hair dryer, flat iron, or other electric styling appliance from the bathroom area before a drain cleaning. These items can go unnoticed and easily fall into a sink or shower.
• Move electronics out of the area. The kitchen counter isn't the safest place to plug in your tablet or phone charger — especially if the plumber needs to work nearby.
• Ask about outlets. Will the plumber need access to an outlet for their equipment? If the outlets in the area are already filled, don't force the plumber to decide which items they should unplug. Ask if they'll need an available outlet ahead of time.

You may not need to unplug larger appliances, such as a clothes washer or refrigerator. But do talk to the plumber about the potential for flooding and whether these electrical appliances will interfere with or pose a danger during the service.

Do you need to schedule a professional drain cleaning? Contact Roto-Rooter Sewer-Drain Service for more information.