A good general rule of thumb is that you shouldn’t use the toilet as if it were a trash receptacle: standard garbage that would go in trash cash does not belong in them. Below are some specific objects that you should never flush, especially if your home uses a sewage pump to move wastewater uphill to the municipal system:

• Cat litter and other gravelly material: If you have a cat, you should always dispose of litter into the trash. Litter is extremely abrasive and will cause damage to the pipes. This also applies to gravel from fish tanks and any fine gravel or clay products.
• Caustic chemicals: And this includes “drain cleaners”! They are harmful for pipes.
• Cigarette butts: These are not biodegradable and can damage sewage pumps
• Strips of cloth: Place rag fragments in the trash, not the toilet.
• Coffee grounds: These are also a big “no” when it comes to kitchen disposals; they can create major clogs. Put them in the trash.
• Cotton swabs: You may have heard the advice “don’t flush Q-tips®” and wondered what the big deal about cotton swabs is. They can clog impellers in sewage pumps and cause motor burnout.
• Dental floss: Another non-biodegrable object that can damage sewage pumps.
• Plastic bags: Or any kind of plastic.
• Baby wipes/hand wipes: These are currently creating major problems for municipal sewer system in a number of cities, such as New York.

Do you need plumbing repair or drain and sewer services in West Dundee, IL? Call on Lifeline Plumbing, Inc. We have 24/7 urgent care in case of emergencies.

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Store-bought drain snakes tend to be inexpensive and adopt a “one size fits all” approach to clearing the drain. Depending on the nature of the clog, that can actually cause as much damage as it cures. The snake could cause scratches, the clog could resist easy removal, and even if you open up a passageway for water to flow, the remainder of the clog could remain in place, causing a stoppage again before too much time passes.

A professional, on the other hand, doesn’t have to rely on a generic solution. He can establish the exact nature of the clog and use a motorized snake with an interchangeable head to fix it. That allows him to determine the exact amount of pressure to use, as well as the type of head that best matches the material making up the clog. That allows the clog to be dealt with in a definitive fashion, clearing your pipes completely without causing excess damage to the pipes themselves. Furthermore, a certified plumber will stand by his work and ensure that the job is done right, a promise you won’t have if you buy a snake to do the job yourself.

Lifeline Plumbing is standing by to give you a hand. Give us a call today and make sure your clogged drain is fixed right!

The post If I Can Buy a Drain Snake at a Plumbing Store, Why Call a Professional Plumber? appeared first on Lifeline Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.