Being a homeowner means taking on a great amount of levelheadedness, and frequently, a great deal of liability. If you’re like many homeowners, you’re always watching for ways to cut costs. By inspecting your drains on a regular basis, and by adhering to the suggestions laid out below, you can reduce the likelihood of many clogs and avoid plumbing repair for clogged drains.
Why do drains get clogged?
All home plumbing pipes are at risk of clogging. Kitchen sinks get clogged from kitchen grease. The grease on your dishes that seems to vanish in liquid dish soap really only melts away temporarily, but sticks tightly to the inside of pipes creating layers of grease. Small pieces of food that get washed down the drain cling to this goo, and eventually, the clog forms. Bathroom sinks and bathtubs collect soap residue, oils, and waxes from the everyday products we use. These residues gather on the sides of the pipe much like the grease does in the kitchen sink. Hair gets attracted to the sticky gunk in the pipes and a clog forms.
What can I do to prevent clogs?
Use a screen over any open drain. This helps catch bits of food or hair from being rinsed down the drain. Clean the drain screen often, 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. Clean as much as you can out of the pan into the garbage. Weekly, pour steaming water down each of the drains to cleanse the walls from any gunk that might have collected in the drains. Four times a year, pour a combination of 2 cups baking soda and 1 cup vinegar down each sink drain. After half an hour, pour very hot water down the drain. Wait 5 minutes and follow it with cold water to clear out any residue.
How can I unclog a drain?
To dissolve minor clogs, drop three Alka-Seltzer tabs directly into the open drain. Add a cup of vinegar in after the Alka-Seltzer. When the bubbles settle flush with hot or boiling water. You can use a plunger if necessary to make the process a little faster. Your next tool in clearing the drain is a plunger. You’ll want to cover the overflow hole in the sink or bathtub so that the pressure will be more effective. Use natural drain cleaner. There are a number of these products available. Don’t use drain cleaners that contain chemicals. The chemicals are harmful to you, to your pipes, and to the environment.
When should I call a Pro?
You’ve tried the suggested ways to unclog your drain, but it’s just not working. This is the time to rely on professional plumbing services. Residential plumbing specialists are easy to find. To ensure quality work, pick a licensed home plumbing company that’s listed with the Better Business Bureau.
