Dealing with Clogged Drains
Posted: Thursday, May 15, 2008
by John Good
http://www.goodservices.com
Do you have a drain that just won't come unstuck? If so, there are a number of different remedies you can try to use in order to get the drain unplugged. In addition, there are things you can do in order to prevent the drain from getting plugged up in the first place. Here is a look at just a few things you can do in order to keep things running smoothly.
One of the simplest things you can do to keep your sink from getting clogged is to use a strainer. Your kitchen sink probably already has one that you don't keep in place or that you only use when you wish to plug the sink up so it can hold water. These strainers are also good for keeping food out of your drain, so be sure to use them. If you don't have one of these strainers, you can also purchase a mesh strainer that is made specifically for keeping your drain clean. With one of these strainers in place, the water can run freely through and your sink won't accidentally get plugged up when you don't want it to be.
When using a strainer, be sure to keep it clean as well. It doesn't take long for soap, food particles, debris, and even hair to clog up a strainer. The longer you let these items stay in the strainer, the harder it will be for you to clean them out later.
Utilize Mechanics Before Chemicals
We have all heard of chemicals that you can pour down your drain in order to magically clear it up. While these chemicals can certainly help keep your drain clean, it is better to use mechanical methods first if at all possible. Chemical cleaners will corrode your metal pipes over time, which will cause you a load of new problems! Rather than using chemicals, try to pour a cup of baking soda down the drain and then follow that up with a cup of vinegar once per month.
You should also pay special attention to the drains in your bathroom and shower. These drains can easily get clogged with hair, soap residue, and more. Body grease can also build up in these drains, which can create a major clog. Try dumping two to three gallons of boiling water into these drains once per month in order to clean the mess out. Similarly, never pour grease down the drain of your kitchen sink or you will run into the same problem.
Caring for Your Tub
You can also help prevent clogs in your tub by removing its overflow plate and then pulling up the pop up assembly. This will allow you to reach the rocker arm or the spring so you can remove any hair that has accumulated. Then, rinse it thoroughly before putting it back in place. You should also remove the pup up stopper in the tub and clean it every one or two weeks.
Unclogging Your Shower Drain
If you are having problems with a clogged shower drain, you may be able to fix the problem with a plunger. Use it in the same way you would plunge a toilet and try to work the clog up or down so it can get moved out of the way. If this doesn't work, try using a plumber's helper. This device, which is commonly referred to as a snake, can be steered into the drain and used to push the clog away.
Call in Help When Needed
Sometimes, a clog is so stubborn that you simply can't seem to get rid of it. In this case, you should contact a professional to help you get it unclogged. Never pour in more than one type of chemical, as the mixture can cause a potentially deadly reaction to occur.
When searching for a plumber, contact your friends and family and find out if they have anyone they can recommend. If not, ask the plumber for references and be certain to choose someone that has a good reputation in the industry. In addition, be certain to ask about pricing and to get an idea of how much you can expect to pay for the plumber's services before you let him or her get to work.
Good Services specializes in Seattle plumbing, sewer and heating services. We have been in business since 1909.
This Article has been viewed 330 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)Yes and don't forget the havoc all this plains with a septic system.
We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.