If you are a homeowner you know that it means taking on a lot of time, and sometimes, a lot of liability. If you’re like most homeowners, you’re constantly watching for ways to cut expenses. By inspecting your home’s drains frequently, and by adhering to the suggestions laid out below, you can put an end to most clogs and defray plumbing repair expenses.
Why do drains get clogged?
All home plumbing drains are at risk of getting clogged. Kitchen sinks become clogged from a buildup of grease. The grease on your dishes that seems to vanish in liquid dish soap doesn’t actually get washed away , but sticks tightly to the inside of pipes creating layers of grease. Minute pieces of food that end up in the drain adhere to the sides, and eventually, the pipe clogs. Bathroom sinks and bathtubs collect soap residue, oils, and waxes from the everyday products we use. These residues adhere to the pipes similar to the grease in the kitchen drain. Hair gets built up in the pipes and causes the drain to clog.
What can I do to prevent clogs?
Place a screen over any open drain. This will catch pieces of food or hair from being washed into the pipes. Clean the drain screen frequently, preferably after each time you use the sink or tub. For sinks with pop-up stoppers, always keep the stoppers clean. Let grease cool and solidify in the pan after cooking. Wipe as much as you can out of the pan into the garbage. Each week, pour boiling water down the drains in your home to clean residue that might have gathered in your pipes. Every 3 months, pour a combination of 2 cups baking soda and 1 cup vinegar down each sink drain. After half an hour, pour scalding hot water down the drain. Wait a few minutes and then pour cold water into the drain to remove any residue.
How can I unclog a drain?
To get rid of small clogs, drop three Alka-Seltzer tabs directly into the open drain. Use a funnel to add a cup of vinegar in after the Alka-Seltzer. Once the bubbling finishes rinse away any debris in the pipes with steaming hot water. A plunger may help if required to speed up the process. Your next tool in clearing the drain is a plunger. Before using the plunger in the bathroom cover the overflow hole in the sink or bathtub so that the pressure will be more effective. If plunging doesn’t work, go to a natural drain cleaner. There are several of environmentally safe products on the market. Try not to use drain cleaners that contain chemicals. Chemicals in drain cleaners can damage the pipes and the environment.
When should I call a Pro?
You’ve tried the recommended ways to clear your clogged drain, but it’s still a problem. Now you need to take advantage of professional plumbing services. Residential plumbing specialists are easy to find. To ensure your work will be done properly, choose a licensed home plumbing company that is listed with the Better Business Bureau.
