How often have you encountered a blocked drain? From what we’ve seen, it occurs more frequently than we’d prefer.
Clogs happen for different reasons- sometimes they are from hair and other debris that has built up in the pipes, while others may be caused by grease or oil buildups.
Regardless of the cause, it is not always easy to know what steps to take.
That’s why our team at Mr.Plumber we’ve put together this blog post on how to prevent and clear clogged drains.
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How to Prevent Clogged Drains
It’s that time of year again when the weather starts to change and leaves begin falling from trees. Fall is traditionally a busy season for homeowners because it means changing our outdoor landscaping, winterizing our homes, and preparing everything for winter.
With all the prep work we are doing or thinking about doing, there is one thing that can put a damper on any homeowner’s day – clogged drains! You may not realize this, but just about any home has at least one drain in it; some even have multiple drains in them.
Learn how you can prevent clogged drains by following these tips:
Avoid Using Bath bombs
The heat from baths and showers can cause a buildup of oils in drains. This is because the moist air helps create an environment that attracts oil.
To avoid clogged drains when you take a bath or shower, try not using any products like bath bombs which may contain oils or soap particles that could collect at your drain’s endpoint and eventually lead to a blockage.
If you’re looking for bubbles during your bath time instead of worrying about clogs, try this homemade recipe:
Mix dishwashing liquid with water in a sealable container (such as Tupperware). Add some food coloring if desired; stir until mixture is foamy. Pour the mixture into a sealable container (such as Tupperware) and place it in your bathtub.
Protect Your Pipes With a Drain Catcher
A drain catcher is a simple way to keep your pipes clean and free from clogs.
This device fits over the end of your pipe. The small drainage hole on the front allows water in without allowing anything else through it or down into the plumbing system below, according to Stone’s account.
It will catch hair that may come loose while you are brushing or combing; paper towels that have been used for cooking or cleaning up spills and as well as any other materials that could cause clogs in your drain.
Regularly Clean Your Drains
Regular drain cleaning is the best way to keep them clear of clogs.
There are two basic ways you can clean your drains: by using chemicals or with mechanical devices such as a plunger or drain snake.
Chemical cleaning is done first by pouring baking soda down the pipe followed by vinegar; wait five minutes before flushing water through it, and the drain should be clear.
Mechanical devices can help loosen any clogs in the pipe before a chemical solution is poured down to break it up and flush it away.
Plungers are commonly used to manually remove debris that has built-in on the sides of pipes, while snakes work by pushing bits of material through your plumbing system so they fall into your drainage basin or sink below.
Before you clean out drains with either chemicals or mechanical solutions, make sure there’s not been flooding from broken water mains nearby because this type of event often leaves behind high levels of bacteria which could cause serious health problems for anyone who comes into contact with them!
How to Clear Clogged Drains
Are you currently experiencing drain problems? Don’t fret! By following the given advice below, you’ll be able to clear your clogged drains in no time.
Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
One of the simplest ways to clear clogged drains is by using baking soda and vinegar because these ingredients release a chemical reaction that clears your drain.
First, pour a cup of baking soda down your drain followed by one cup of white distilled vinegar; let it sit for five minutes before pouring boiling water through the pipe.
The combination will help break up any debris that has built-in on your pipes.
Use a Plumber’s Snake
Another way to clear clogged drains is by using a plumber’s snake.
This device works like a plunger, but with an added length of pipe that can be wrapped around the end of your drain to pull out any debris and push it through into your sink or drainage basin below.
Make sure you’re careful when doing this because you’ll be reaching into the gushing water and dealing with extreme pressure.
The best way to use a plunger is by applying pressure at your drain’s endpoint for about thirty seconds before pulling it upwards, but make sure you don’t break or crack any ceramic pieces while doing so!
Call a Professional Plumber
If your drain is still clogged after following these steps, it’s time to call a professional plumber.
Don’t be discouraged by the cost of hiring someone professional to clean your drains; instead, think about all the money you’ll save in damages if they don’t catch and fix that problem! One clogged drain can lead to a domino effect of problems, causing water damage and mold growth. By investing in professional drain cleaning, you can potentially avoid the headache and expense of dealing with those issues down the road. In addition to hiring a professional, it’s also important to stay on top of regular bathroom drain maintenance to prevent clogs and keep your plumbing system running smoothly.
Conclusion
The importance of knowing how to prevent and clear clogged drains cannot be understated. It’s a problem that can happen in any household, but it usually occurs when people are not being as diligent about their housekeeping duties as they should.
This is why we want you to take these steps, so your plumbing system doesn’t become clogged with debris such as hair or soap scum!
Our blog post has given you some very useful information on what could lead to a drain becoming blocked, what the symptoms are for this happening, and how best to rectify the situation if this happens at home. If you experience any of the symptoms we mentioned in the blog post, such as slow drainage, gurgling noises, or foul odors, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible to prevent any further damage or inconvenience. The side effects of blocked drains can range from water damage to your property, to potential health hazards from mold and bacteria. It’s always best to take proactive measures to prevent a blocked drain from causing further problems.