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A drain that clogs frequently is an annoying, inconvenient, and sometimes dangerous problem. Not only can it render a sink or toilet unusable, but it may also cause water or waste to back up into other rooms of the home or business. This is why professional plumbers provide drain cleaning services to their customers.
Clogged drains are often the result of hair strands, grease build-up, food scraps, and other organic material that can accumulate in pipes over time. In some cases, a drain can become blocked entirely by tree roots or other foreign materials that have penetrated the line. To solve these issues, a plumber can use various tools to clear the drain line.
In some cases, drain clogs can be solved with chemical drain cleaners that can break down organic material and dissolve blockages. However, these chemicals can be harsh on plumbing systems and corrode pipe surfaces over time. For this reason, most professional plumbers choose to avoid chemical drain cleaners and instead use more natural methods such as hot water or manual snaking.
Manual drain cleaning is a process that involves using a rod with blades attached to the end to cut through and remove stubborn clogs. This method is particularly useful for removing tough blockages that are located far from the access point. However, this technique does not work on a recurring basis and is best used as a temporary solution to clear away debris that has collected in a drain.
Another option is to use an air-burst drain cleaner. This device is equipped with a built-in compressor that can discharge pressurized gas into the pipe at a high rate of speed. This can disintegrate and remove a large amount of debris in one shot. For more persistent or difficult clogs, a plumber may opt for more mechanical methods such as a drain snake or drain auger.
Liquid drain cleaners are not a good choice for long-term maintenance, as they can seep into groundwater and contaminate natural water sources. These harmful chemicals can then make their way into drinking water supplies, posing a health risk for humans and animals. In addition, liquid drain cleaners can eat through the sides of pipes and erode the surface over time.
Clogged Toilets
The drains in your home are designed to suck waste away through pipes when you flush the toilet. Sometimes this process gets obstructed, leading to a clogged toilet. These clogs are frustrating to deal with, but they are also relatively common and can be prevented with the right tools. If your toilet is constantly clogging, or the clog is resistant to plungers and non-toxic household cleaners, it might be time to call in a plumber for a professional solution.
Most toilet clogs are caused by improper items being flushed down the toilet. Baby wipes, tissue, cotton balls, Q-tips, and other non-biodegradable materials build up in the pipe and create blockages. These items can even cause sewer line backups, which are both unpleasant and dangerous. If you have children, make sure they know not to flush toys or other objects down the toilet and that only waste and toilet paper should be flushed.
Hair is another common source of clogs in toilets. This material may appear harmless when it is wet, but when it dries it can form into hard, brittle strands that can obstruct the drain. While you can attempt to break these clumps up with a broomstick, it is best to contact a plumber to remove them from your plumbing system entirely.
Air vents on the roof allow fresh air into the plumbing system each time a toilet is flushed. However, these vents can become clogged with leaves and other debris that restricts flow and causes pressure to build up in the system. This can lead to clogged toilets and other issues throughout the home.
The main sewer line is what carries waste from all of your drains to your septic tank or municipal sewer source. This line can get clogged with the same materials that affect other drains in the home, but more severe clogs might be due to issues with the actual pipe line itself, like tree roots penetrating holes or damage from corrosion.
If you notice multiple clogged toilets throughout your home, it might be a good idea to request a video inspection of your sewer lines from a plumber. These technicians can pinpoint the location of the clog and recommend the best course of action to clear it.
Clogged Sinks
A clogged sink can put a major dent in your daily routine. Not only does it keep water from flowing freely, but it also means you can’t wash dishes, brush your teeth or shower. Most drain clogs form because of hair, soap scum and other debris that bind together inside your pipes. You can avoid most clogs by regularly using a strainer or stopper to catch any unwanted objects. However, severe clogs can happen even with preventative measures. That’s why it is important to know how to handle a clogged sink so you can get back on your regular schedule as soon as possible.
If your kitchen sink starts to drain slowly, it might be time to clean the P-trap. This pipe connects the sink to the wall and contains a vent that lets air in, but it can become blocked with gunk and grime over time. To clean it, start by removing the trap from the bottom of the sink and cleaning it with hot water and a brush. You can also use a drain snake or auger to remove stubborn clogs. These tools have a long, coiled metal wire with a broader gap at the end that you can feed into your drain pipe to break up or dislodge the blockage.
Once you’ve removed any clogs, run hot water down the sink to flush out the pipe and remove any remaining debris. If you still can’t drain your sink, consult a plumber for more advice.
Another way to tackle a clogged sink is to pour boiling water down the drain. This works because the heat from the water melts any grease or oil that’s stuck to the sides of your pipes. Just be sure to use a kettle or pot that’s large enough to hold the water. You don’t want to spill it on yourself or anyone else! If boiling water doesn’t work, you can always try a plunger. Fill the sink up with three or four inches of water and then plunge the drain for 30 seconds. Be sure to keep checking the water levels to see if your clog has been eliminated.
Clogged Showers
When a shower drain becomes fully or partially clogged, it is often difficult to know what to do. The problem can lead to unpleasant odors coming up through the drain cover or water backing up into your tub and shower. Regardless of the cause, it is important to resolve a clogged shower as soon as possible to avoid expensive plumbing repairs.
One common method for removing a minor shower drain clog is using a chemical drain cleaner. This solution is easy to purchase at most home improvement stores and requires no special tools or skills. However, it is important to note that chemicals can be harmful to your pipes if dumped down a drain in large quantities. Therefore, it is best to save these chemicals for last resort drain cleaning.
A more environmentally friendly and inexpensive option for tackling a clogged shower is to use pantry staples to create a natural, chemical-free solution. Begin by pouring a cup of baking soda down the shower drain followed by a cup of white vinegar. The resulting fizzing reaction can help break up and dislodge clogs caused by soap scum, hair, or other debris.
Once the baking soda and vinegar have had a chance to work their magic, carefully pour a pot of boiling water down the shower drain. This simple step can often be enough to remove even the most stubborn clogs.
For more serious clogs, it may be necessary to roll up your sleeves and physically remove the debris from the pipe. This is a messy option but can be very effective especially for small objects or hair near the drain opening. It is also a good idea to have rubber gloves when working with dirty water. If you are unable to clear the clog using this method, it is time to call a plumber. Most plumbers will be able to quickly and efficiently clear even the most stubborn drain clogs without damaging your pipes. In addition, a plumber can help identify the source of the clog and recommend any necessary pipe repair or replacement.