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Applying drain cleaner is a common DIY solution to clogged drains, but it can be extremely harmful to your pipes and lead to corrosion and leaks. It is almost always better to try snaking a clog than using a drain cleaner, but the best solution is to hire a professional plumber. They can locate the clog and gauge the severity using a camera system and then decide if using a plumber’s snake, auger, or drain cleaner is the best option to remove the clog and limit damage to your plumbing system.

It’s sometimes difficult to distinguish a clog from a frozen drainpipe since ice technically causes a clog. If the temperature doesn’t tip you off, there are a few additional signs that your pipe is frozen. Look for condensation and frost around the pipes. Ice in pipes can cause a banging or clanking noise as opposed to a clog from a softer material.

Your sewer line can get grimy quickly. To prevent sludge buildup in your sewer line, pour a mixture of 1/3 cup of vinegar and 1/3 cup of baking soda down each drain in your home once a month. After about 30 minutes, flush the drain with hot water.

Some plumbers recommend 3/4 cup of bleach instead to clean any germs and bacteria that may build up in your sewer line. But this won’t break down any active clogs, and it cannot be combined with vinegar, as the mixture will create a toxic, hazardous gas.

To unclog a plumbing vent, you first need to locate it. Look at your home's roofline. The plumbing vent will be a vertical pipe sticking straight up from the roof. Since this pipe runs all the way to the main drain underneath your house, you should also be able to find it in the attic.