The Benefits of Drain Inspections
Being a homeowner demands a lot of levelheadedness, and frequently, a great deal of outlay. If you’re like many homeowners, you’re often watching for ways to reduce costs. By checking out drains often, and by taking a few basic steps covered in this article, you can put an end to almost all clogs and defray plumbing repair expenses.
Why do drains get clogged?
All home plumbing pipes are at risk of clogging. Kitchen sinks become clogged from a buildup of grease. The grease on your dishes that seems to vanish in liquid dish soap actually only disburses temporarily, but ends up adhering to the inside of pipes creating layers of grease. Little pieces of food that go down the drain cling to this goo, and eventually, the clog forms. Bathroom sinks and bathtubs gather oils, waxes, and residue from the everyday products we use. These residues stick to the pipes like the oil and grease does in the kitchen sink. Hair gets built up in the pipes and causes the drain to clog.
What can I do to prevent clogs?
Put a drain screen over any open drain. This prevents bits 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, keep the stoppers clean to keep the drain running freely. Let grease cool and solidify in the pan after cooking. Scrape as much as you can out of the pan into the garbage. Weekly, pour steaming water down the drains in your home to clean residue that might have accumulated in the pipes. Every 3 months, pour a combination of 2 cups baking soda and 1 cup vinegar down each sink drain. In half an hour, pour boiling water into the drain. Wait several minutes and pour in cold water to clear out the drain.
How can I unclog a drain?
To get rid of small clogs, drop three tablets of Alka-Seltzer directly into the open drain. Pour a cup of vinegar in after the Alka-Seltzer. Once the bubbling finishes flush with hot or boiling water. A plunger may help if necessary to make the process a little faster. After using Alka-Seltzer and vinegar, a plunger is next. 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 suggested ways to dissolve the clog, but it’s just not working. At this point, you need to rely on professional plumbing services. Residential plumbing specialists are all over town. To ensure quality work, pick a licensed home plumbing company that is listed with the Better Business Bureau.
