Drain cleaning is one of the most important plumbing maintenance tasks that should be done regularly. It can prevent clogged pipes and save you money down the road.
There are many different drain cleaning methods that you can try at home, from pouring boiling water down the drain to using chemical cleaners. But which method is best for your home? Read on Plumbers Aurora CO for more information.
Clogged drains are a common household nightmare. They put a damper on your dinner or ruin your morning shower, and they can cause a lot of stress for a homeowner. However, if you know what causes these blockages and how to clean them, they can be prevented.
In general, clogged drains happen when something gets caught in or slows down the drainage system, which is where your home’s water and sewer pipes come together. These systems are arranged like a tree and its branches, with main lines running out from the roots and sublines that branch off to smaller locations.
As James explains, there are certain clues that can indicate the existence of a blockage and its location within the system. “Clogs that are easily removable can be spotted in the drains, while those that are more difficult to get to are usually located under the ground or inside walls.”
For example, if your toilet is clogged, it can be a good indication that hair is the culprit. The easiest way to remove a clog is to pull out the drain stopper and look under it. If you see a wad of hair in the cross under the drain stopper, it means the clog is located there and should be removed by a professional plumber.
Another common cause of a clogged drain is grease or oil that has gathered in the pipe. These build-ups can be a pain to clear up, but they can also cause your pipes to break down and cause water damage.
Other causes of clogged drains include soap scum, which builds up on the outer surface of your pipes. You can try pouring boiling water down your drain to dissolve soap scum, but it’s important to note that this won’t unclog the clog entirely.
If you need to unclog your drain, you can try using baking soda and salt or vinegar and hot water. Mix equal parts of each in a bowl, then pour it down the drain and let it sit for 20–30 minutes.
If the problem still persists, you may need to call a plumber for more advanced cleaning methods. Some plumbers use a high-pressure water jet to dislodge the clog, but that can be a dangerous method and isn’t recommended for your health or safety. Instead, Calabrese recommends keeping a tub of Bio-Clean on hand at all times. This product introduces a natural enzyme into the system that eats away at clogs and keeps them from coming back. It can be expensive, but it’s worth the investment for peace of mind.
While clogged drains can be a nuisance, they can also be a sign of more serious plumbing problems. The good news is that there are plenty of easy and effective ways to clear a clogged pipe.
A plunger is the most popular tool for removing clogs from sinks, toilets and tubs. It’s simple to use and can be found at just about any home improvement or hardware store for less than $10.
The key to using a plunger effectively is to make sure the water you pour into the sink, bathtub or toilet is as hot as it can be. This can help melt some of the grease that’s built up in your pipes.
Another great method is to mix up some baking soda, salt or vinegar and pour it down the drain. This can help break down organic waste and other particles that can become clogged.
Vinegar is a natural deodorizer that helps remove bad smells from the drain line. It can also be used to dissolve dirt and grease, helping unclog a slow drain.
