Plumbing Tip of the Month
Next to a leak, a clogged drain is the most common plumbing problem a homeowner faces. Most clogged drains can actually be avoided by following these simple steps:
Other than calling a plumber, the next best way to clear a drain is with a plumber's snake. It is an invaluable tool that can be used to manually clear a pipe. A plumber's snake is the single most effective tool for non-toxic drain cleaning. They're available at most hardware or plumbing stores. More and more homeowners are purchasing snakes for simple clogs instead of reaching for the chemical drain cleaners. As with any new tool, just remember to read the instructions before using.
Help For Your Drains...and You!
Next to a leak, a clogged drain is the most common plumbing problem a homeowner faces. Most clogged drains can actually be avoided by following these simple steps:
- Don't pour grease down the kitchen sink. Most kitchen sink clogs are due to grease and food particles. Always allow grease to cool and pour it into an old can or wipe it out with newspaper and throw it in the garbage. Running hot water while you pour down the grease makes no difference as the grease will still solidify once it hits the cold pipe. More grease and food particles will then get "caught" on it forming a blockage. Grease and food particles may also cause terrible smells and encourage bacterial growth and even drain flies.
- Use a mesh drain screen. Your kitchen drain basket catches larger particles while the smaller ones slip by. A mesh screen that sits in the drain will capture those smaller particles that are attempting to escape down your drain. A stainless steel one will last for years.
- Regularly clean the hair out of your drains. You can prevent clogging by removing the hair from your bathtub and shower drains on a regular basis. Use tweezers or a wire coat hanger unbent to remove the hair. We recommend doing this at least once per month.
- Clean your bathroom sink pop-up plugs. You may carefully do it as above if there is hair or you can lift out the pop-ups and rinse them off.
- Don't use chemical drain cleaners. They are caustic and rarely work. If used on kitchen drains they may even back up into your dishwasher. Chemical drain cleaners damage and shorten the lifespan of your home's piping. They also harm our water and the environment and are especially dangerous around children and the elderly.
- DO use natural drain cleaners. If you do not already have a blockage, pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain followed by 3 cups of boiling water. The boiling water changes the composition of the baking soda making it more alkaline. Used on a regular basis this simple formula may prevent clogging. You can also purchase natural enzyme & bacterial cleaners. These are very effective in the prevention of clogs on all types of drains.
Clearing Clogged Drains
Other than calling a plumber, the next best way to clear a drain is with a plumber's snake. It is an invaluable tool that can be used to manually clear a pipe. A plumber's snake is the single most effective tool for non-toxic drain cleaning. They're available at most hardware or plumbing stores. More and more homeowners are purchasing snakes for simple clogs instead of reaching for the chemical drain cleaners. As with any new tool, just remember to read the instructions before using.
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