Nobody wants a drain clogs, especially not when it’s full of dirty water and nasty smells. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to prevent clogs from happening in the first place. Following a few quick tips can prevent you from having expensive plumbing bills.
Signs of a Clogged Drain
- Slow Drains
- Foul odor
- Standing water
- Noisy pipes
If you encounter any of these, it may be time to give your drain a good cleaning.
Common Blockages
There are many reasons why you are experiencing drain clogs. They can be from incorrectly disposing of everyday household items to hair buildup to trees growing into your pipes.
- Grease
- Hair
- Soap scum
- Coffee grounds
- Flushable wipes (They’re not flushable)
- Tree roots
- kitty litter
- leaves and organic material
Grease
One of the leading causes of clogged drains is grease. When hot grease cools, it solidifies and can cling to the sides of your pipes, eventually causing a blockage.
Hair
Another common blockage is hair. This one is especially troublesome because it can accumulate over time without notice.
Soap Buildup
Soap buildup can also cause problems by reducing the effectiveness of your drainage system over time.
Coffee Grounds
Drinking coffee is a morning ritual for many people, but those coffee grounds can come back to bite you if you’re not careful. Coffee grounds can cling to the sides of your pipes and cause a blockage.
Preventative Maintenance
The best way to deal with drain clogs is to prevent one from happening. There are a few things you can do to help with this:
Be Careful With What Goes Down Your Drain
Drains and pipes are only designed to handle water and human waste, so they don’t react well to other objects entering the system. It is important to keep this in mind when using your sinks. If you keep this in mind, this may help keep your pipes and drains clear of clogs and save you money in the process.
In addition, you should never pour grease or oil down the drain. This will cause a clog over time.
Regularly Clean Your Drains
The best way to avoid these problems is to be proactive and clean your drains regularly. Drain cleaning can easily be done by buying a simple drain cleaner at your local store. Drain cleaners are usually a combination of chemicals that break down organic matter and help keep your drains flowing freely.
Regularly Flush Out Your Drains
One way to nip potential clogs in the bud is to flush your drains with hot water regularly. This will help keep any buildup from happening in the first place. You can do this once a week or so, and it only takes a few minutes.
Install a Strainer
A strainer acts as a drain filter. It catches debris like hair, soap scum, and food particles before they have a chance to clog up your drain. You can find strainers at most hardware stores.
DIY Drain Cleaning Tips
It is not recommended that you perform a DIY method that may not entirely fix your problem. However, if you want to try a home remedy before you call in the professionals, there are a few things you can do.
Natural Drain Cleaner
If you want to try a natural drain cleaner, mix one-part baking soda with one part vinegar. This will create a fizzy reaction that can help break down any buildup in your drains. Just pour it down the drain and let it sit for a few minutes before flushing with hot water.
Use A Drain Snake
A drain snake is a long flexible tool used to clear drain clogs. It is a very common method of cleaning drains that can be done without any harsh chemicals. You can purchase a drain snake at most hardware stores. Just insert the drain snake into the drain and twist it around to help break up any clogs. Then, flush with hot water.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a highly versatile cleaning tool since it can be used to clean everything from dirt to stains. It also captures unpleasant scents, keeping drains smelling fresh and clean. All that is needed is to sprinkle baking soda down the drain while running water occasionally.
Use Boiling Water
If you already have a clog, one home remedy is to try using boiling water. Boil a pot of water and carefully pour it down the drain. Be sure to do this with the utmost caution, as boiling water can cause serious burns.
Pour a Cup of Vinegar Down the Drain
Vinegar is a natural cleanser, thanks to its acetic acid content. Vinegar is an organic solvent that removes the organic buildup of foods and other oils in pipes. All that is needed is to pour a cup of vinegar down the drain and let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing.
Plungers
The plunger is a classic. A plunger is one of the most common tools used to unclog drains. To use a plunger, fill the sink with enough water to cover the rubber cup on the plunger, then place the plunger over the drain opening. Pump up and down until the clog clears.
Understand how P-traps Work
A P-trap is the U-shaped drain pipe under your bathroom and kitchen sinks. To clean this, unfasten the pipe and allow debris to flow into a bucket. However, be careful as doing this incorrectly can damage your plumbing, leaving you with a much bigger mess.
Exercise Caution
Safety should always be one’s priority. Safety is one of the many reasons it is recommended to call a professional plumber as they have the experience, the equipment, and the training to deal with such issues. However, if you are doing a DYI fix, you should know a few things.
Store-bought Chemicals- Strong but Dangerous
Store-bought cleaners can have very harmful fumes. If you use a store-bought cleaner, make sure the area is well ventilated. You should also avoid using these cleaners too frequently as they can be corrosive and damage your pipes over time.
Boiling Water
If you plan on pouring boiling water down your drain, you must use great care. Boiling water can damage your pipes if not used correctly. Additionally, boiling water can be very harmful if spilled. Use extreme caution when using this method.
Need professional help?
The only way to fully get rid of a clog is to call a professional plumber. A professional will be able to quickly and easily unclog your drain without causing any damage. Drain cleaning is an important part of home maintenance, so don’t wait until there’s a problem to take action.
Certified Plumbing of Brevard can Help!
Certified Plumbing of Brevard has over 40 years of experience and 30 years in business. We are Brevard county’s most trusted local plumbing service provider for your residential or commercial plumbing needs. Drain cleaning is just one of the services we provide. Contact us today to schedule a service call! Drain cleaning is an important part of home maintenance, so don’t wait until there’s a problem to take action.
Let us clean your drain today!
