Whether you’ve never had a blocked drain before or you’re looking to find ways to keep them flowing smoothly, there are several tips and tricks you can use to make sure your pipes are running smoothly.
Hair
Using baking soda and vinegar as a drain cleaner is a great way to get hair out of the drain without causing too much trouble. Baking soda is a natural disinfectant and will fight odor-causing fungi, while vinegar will get rid of bacteria. Both ingredients can be tossed in a sink full of hot water and left to work their magic.
Hair is the most obvious culprit when it comes to clogged drains. Its not uncommon for a normal human to shed 100 to 125 hairs per day. These hairs stick to pipes and can cause major issues.
There are a lot of ways to clear a clogged drain. A simple auger will work wonders for trickier drains. You could also consider using a drain snake.
Chemical drain cleaners
Choosing the right chemical drain cleaners is important if you have a clogged drain. These are products that can remove a clog quickly, without requiring the disassembly of your drain’s pipes. However, using them can also be dangerous. They can release harsh chemicals and noxious fumes, which can burn the skin and eyes. Using them incorrectly can also damage plumbing fittings and septic tanks.
Caustic drain cleaners are corrosive chemicals. They work by reacting with organic matter in the clog to produce a fizzing reaction. This causes the blockage to move, which makes it easier to unclog the drain. The cleaners are generally available in liquid form. However, they can also be bought in solid form.
Heavy rain and storms
During a heavy rain, your outdoor drains may become clogged. This can lead to leaks, flooding, and damage to your home. Luckily, there are ways to avoid the problem.
First, you should check your gutters. If they are in disrepair, they may be causing the drains to block. Make sure you clean them before the rainy season. Otherwise, heavy rain will push debris into your drainage system.
Next, you should check your storm drains. These drains receive water from nearby streets on busy roads. They then drain the water into rivers and streams. They may carry debris, such as leaves, into your waterways. This can clog your storm drains, especially if you have tree roots.
Sluggish drains
Having sluggish drains is a common problem that is often caused by a clogged drain. Thankfully, there are several ways to clear these drains.
First, you may need to use a plunger. This tool can be used to clear drains from the bathroom, kitchen, and basement. Just apply pressure to the plunger handle and push it up and down for 30 seconds to a minute.
Another useful tool is a Zip-it tool. This tool is small enough to fit in a pop-up drain and can remove hair and debris from the drain. If you don’t have a pop-up, you can use tweezers to remove hair from the drain.
Recurring blockages
Keeping your drains in top shape is one of the easiest and most cost effective ways to keep your home clean. However, if you’re facing recurring blockages in your drains, it can be difficult to determine exactly what the problem is. If you need help, you may need to call a plumber or sewer company to inspect your drains.
Some of the most common clogs are caused by food and hair. These items usually rot in your drain over time, creating a slime. It’s important to install a drain strainer to prevent these items from getting into the drain. If you’re using a garbage disposal, be sure to clean it regularly.
Call blocked drain specialists – Gold Coast Plumbing Services to expertly clear your blocked drains.