Clogged drains are one of those annoying plumbing problems that develop in virtually every home and every food serving businesses. Whether the clogged drain is in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, or in the floor, there is a gradual accumulation made up largely of organic materials that affects the flow of water through the pipes. Some of the best-known culprits are hair, grease, soap, paper products, food and more that build-up. When buildup occurs the diameter of the pipe decreases which results in water backup.
The best way to deal with clogged drains is to prevent them from occurring as much as possible. Prevention measures include using a drain screen to catch hair and food debris before they go down the drain. Remember to clean the screen often so that its contents are not inadvertently dumped down the drain. Another important tip is to avoid pouring grease down the drain. When cooking, allow used grease to cool so it hardens and then simply scoop it out into the garbage container. Pouring grease poured down the sink will eventually harden on the sides of pipe no matter how much hot water you let flow after it.
Despite your best efforts, in all likelihood you will eventually have a clogged pipe. When this occurs, there are some important dos and don'ts to follow.
Do Not
€ pour harsh chemicals down the pipes. Chemicals damage drainpipes, so you may ultimately have to replace the pipes. Metal pipes oxidize when chemicals are poured down them leading to rust and disintegration or fracturing and chemical de-clogging liquids actual eat away at plastic pipes.
€ use high water pressure. High water pressure simply moves the clog deeper into the pipe. While there may be a temporary improvement in water flow, the clog that is pushed down the loan will tend to create a tighter drain block over time as calcium from hard water attaches to it and crystallizes. Calcium buildups in drains are very difficult to remove.
Do
€ put citrus products in your garbage disposal or pour citrus juice down the drain. The acidity in the citric helps to keep drains clog free.
€ pour one-half cup baking soda followed by one-half cup vinegar down the drain to clear minor clogs. Foaming and fumes will come out of the drain. Cover it loosely and let it sit. After three hours, run water down the pipe to see if the clog has cleared.
€ Use a plunger for minor clogs. Toilet clogs often respond well to a plunger but if you have a chronic problem with your toilet, you may need a plumber to assess the problem. Be cautious with plungers on other drains. Many times a plunger will just push the clog further into the piping system when it builds up with calcium deposits over time.
€ augur the drain or contact your plumbing professional to augur it. If a clog does not break down with vinegar and baking soda, it will need auguring to remove the clog.
Even with all the prevention measures you take, drains eventually become clogged. Take the simple steps outlined above for maximum drain health. When necessary, contact a professional plumber to keep you drains working smoothly.
The best way to deal with clogged drains is to prevent them from occurring as much as possible. Prevention measures include using a drain screen to catch hair and food debris before they go down the drain. Remember to clean the screen often so that its contents are not inadvertently dumped down the drain. Another important tip is to avoid pouring grease down the drain. When cooking, allow used grease to cool so it hardens and then simply scoop it out into the garbage container. Pouring grease poured down the sink will eventually harden on the sides of pipe no matter how much hot water you let flow after it.
Despite your best efforts, in all likelihood you will eventually have a clogged pipe. When this occurs, there are some important dos and don'ts to follow.
Do Not
€ pour harsh chemicals down the pipes. Chemicals damage drainpipes, so you may ultimately have to replace the pipes. Metal pipes oxidize when chemicals are poured down them leading to rust and disintegration or fracturing and chemical de-clogging liquids actual eat away at plastic pipes.
€ use high water pressure. High water pressure simply moves the clog deeper into the pipe. While there may be a temporary improvement in water flow, the clog that is pushed down the loan will tend to create a tighter drain block over time as calcium from hard water attaches to it and crystallizes. Calcium buildups in drains are very difficult to remove.
Do
€ put citrus products in your garbage disposal or pour citrus juice down the drain. The acidity in the citric helps to keep drains clog free.
€ pour one-half cup baking soda followed by one-half cup vinegar down the drain to clear minor clogs. Foaming and fumes will come out of the drain. Cover it loosely and let it sit. After three hours, run water down the pipe to see if the clog has cleared.
€ Use a plunger for minor clogs. Toilet clogs often respond well to a plunger but if you have a chronic problem with your toilet, you may need a plumber to assess the problem. Be cautious with plungers on other drains. Many times a plunger will just push the clog further into the piping system when it builds up with calcium deposits over time.
€ augur the drain or contact your plumbing professional to augur it. If a clog does not break down with vinegar and baking soda, it will need auguring to remove the clog.
Even with all the prevention measures you take, drains eventually become clogged. Take the simple steps outlined above for maximum drain health. When necessary, contact a professional plumber to keep you drains working smoothly.