Unblocking a clogged pipe sometimes seems like a simple task: just pour some chemical or manoeuvre a hand plunger, right? However, what starts as a quick fix can turn into a bigger problem: damaged pipes, lingering odours or even a much higher repair cost. In this post we explore the most common faults that individuals make when faced with a clog, and explain how to avoid them. At the end, you’ll see why professional pipe cleaning and unblocking can save you time and money.
Why doesn’t ‘homemade’ always work?
Before diving into the specific errors, it is useful to understand why domestic methods often fall short:
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Insufficient diagnosis: Many blockages are not in the visible section of the sink or toilet, but in deeper sections or in common downpipes.
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Ineffective products: Homemade plungers can momentarily soften the blockage, but do not remove encrusted traces of grease, limescale or roots.
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Risk of damage: Vessels or hard fibres can scratch or puncture the inside of the pipe, causing silent leaks which then manifest themselves as dampness or cracks.
If after several attempts at home the problem persists, it is best to call in a DIY pipe repair service to avoid long-term complications.
Excess chemicals
Why we do it
It’s easy to think: ‘If a little bit of product doesn’t work, I’ll just add more and that’s it’.
What actually happens
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Material attack: Very aggressive products (caustic soda, strong acids) can corrode plastics and cause micro-cracks in old iron or PVC pipes.
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Hazardous mixtures: Combining different cleaners (e.g. bleach with acid) generates toxic fumes and health risks.
Tip: Always opt for biodegradable products or, better still, ask for a pipe inspection by camera before applying chemicals. This way you will know exactly where the clog is and what type of intervention is appropriate.
Improper use of the manual plunger
Why we do it
The rubber plunger is the iconic tool: affordable and easy to use.
What actually happens
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Insufficient pressure: If the suction cup does not cover the drain port well or is used with insufficient force, only water is displaced without dislodging solid obstructions.
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Displacement of the clog: Sometimes the litter plug is pushed further down, aggravating the blockage at a point inaccessible from above.
Tip: Use a flexible bowl plunger (‘sweeper’ type) or have a professional septic tank emptying if you presume the problem is deeper down.
Pushing with cables or spirals without technique
Why we do it
Pushing with cables or spirals without techniqueHand-operated spirals promise to ‘drill out’ the clog without building work.
What actually happens
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Damage to the inner lining: Metal spirals can scratch plastic pipes, weakening them.
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Hidden leaks: When the sealing between sections is broken, the joints lose their watertightness and drips appear in visible or cast installations.
Tip: If you decide to use a spiral, be sure to pull gently and turn with control, avoiding forcing. And if your network is old, it is best to rely on professional pipe cleaners, who use pressure equipment adapted to the diameter.
Ignoring initial signs
Why we do it
A sink that takes a little longer to drain or a noisy toilet do not always seem urgent.
What actually happens
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Progressive obstruction: food, hair or paper debris accumulates and progressively reduces the diameter.
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Increasing cost: When it becomes completely blocked, emergency cleaning is more expensive and annoying.
Tip: Schedule a six-monthly check with chamber inspection and high-pressure cleaning. A small preventive intervention costs a fraction of an urgent unblocking.
Underestimation of the odour problem
Why we do it
We think that a little air freshener or baking soda solves everything.
What actually happens
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Septic tank gas leaks: If the problem is a deterioration of siphons or a leak in the septic tank, the smell does not disappear with air fresheners.
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Build-up in downpipes: Foul odour indicates that the clog is holding organic matter in inaccessible places.
Tip: If you notice persistent odours, contact a septic tank drainage company and check the condition of the siphons before using home-made tricks. Build-up in downpipes: Bad odour indicates that the clog is holding organic matter in inaccessible places.
Not having adequate equipment
Why we do it
We believe that a bucket, hose and gloves are enough.
What actually happens
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Poorly regulated pressure: A domestic pressure washer does not have the flow rate and power required to unblock large diameter or limescale-laden pipes.
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Electrical risk: Using professional equipment without proper training can lead to accidents.
Tip: Hire an on-site pipe repair service with pressure trucks and certified personnel. This way you avoid complications and leave your installation as good as new.
When to call in a specialist?
If after a first attempt at home you detect any of these symptoms, the best thing to do is to contact our team at Limpiezas Domingo:
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Recurrent blockages at the same point.
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Leaks or dampness in false ceilings or adjoining walls.
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Constant unpleasant odours despite superficial cleaning.
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Noise from standing water in downpipes or wall gauging.
In these cases, our experience in pipe cleaning and unblocking, together with the ability to empty septic tanks and repair pipes without building work, guarantees you a quick, clean and long-lasting solution.
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