Water is the most abundant natural resource on the planet. And because it's so plentiful, you rarely think about it. That is, until you have to figure out how to unclog pipes. "Nearly every plumbing fixture in your home can become clogged, from your fabulous kitchen sink and bathroom sinks to your bathtub and shower," says Doyle James, President of Mr. Rooter Plumbing.
Here's what's causing those clogged drains and how to fix them. Causes of a clogged drain Clogged drain grease and oil Grease, oil and grease can clog your drains and pipes. Buy these products now: Liquid Clog Remover - Clog Remover Tool "Foods and substances that do not break down, such as fibrous foods, egg shells and non-rotten foods along with grease and oil build up in the pipes and eventually clog the drain,” explains James. Leaving a clogged drain untreated might even attract household pests like drain flies, so you should fix your clogged drain problem fast. [deals-hub-ad] Clogged Drains: Hair Hair is one of the main culprits from clogged drains.
Shop these products now: Drain Clog Remover - Liquid Clog Remover Also, when you shower or wash your hair, hair can fall down the drain, causing a clogging of drain lines. In addition to washing hair, combing and cutting hair over the sink clogs the water drain. Soap is another culprit. "Sometimes the soap itself isn't a problem, but when it combines with hair and other substances, it can form solid clumps that clog the drain," says James. "On the other hand, many traditional bar soaps also contain fat or grease and shouldn't be thrown down the drain either."
” Clogged Drains - Toys These toys seem so innocent that they clog the drain. And according to Audrey Monell, President of Forrest Anderson Plumbing and AC, a clogged drain pipe can also be caused by children wanting to see their toys floating on water. Also, your drain could be clogged if excessive amounts of toilet paper or paper towels, tampons and other items are flushed down the toilet. Solutions for clogged drains Clogged Drain - Hangers A clothes hanger is an inexpensive solution. Image: Buy these products now: Clothes hanger - clothes rail Are you wondering how to clear a drainpipe?
If you have a clogged drain pipe, one option is a bent wire hanger. "Use a regular wire hanger and flatten it as best you can," says James. "Bend one end into a hook, slip it down the drain, and start fishing." After removing hair and/or other substances, she recommends running hot water to clear the drain. A plunger is another option, but many people don't know how to use it properly.
The initial immersion should not be forceful. You're trying to force air out of the piston hood, but you don't want it to squirt out, especially if you have hardwood floors in the kitchen and bathroom. After the water comes out, you can dip harder, but make sure the plunger is tight. Don't give up if you don't see any progress after four or five dives. It can take more than a dozen dives to clear clogged pipes to see results.
Also make sure there is enough water in the toilet to cover the plunger. Clogged Drains: Vinegar and Baking Soda Vinegar and baking soda are an alternative to toxic chemicals. Credit: Eskay Lim/Eye Em/Getty Images Another solution to clogged drains is baking soda and vinegar. "Make a mixture of 1/3 cup baking soda and 1/3 cup vinegar that bubbles when combined," says James. "Pour it down the drain immediately and the effervescent action will help break down dirt, hair and grime.
" He recommends leaving it on for an hour, although he says overnight is even better, and then rinsing it off with hot water. "You can also pour the dry baking soda down the drain first and then apply the vinegar," explains James. However, he says boiling water is probably the easiest tip. “Boil as much water as your kettle will hold and slowly pour it down the drain in two or three stages, letting the hot water run for a few seconds between pours,” says James. "Make sure your sink is empty before attempting this and be very careful when handling hot water.
“Chemical drain cleaners on clogged drains are a risky option as these chemicals are slow acting and can be caustic. "If you're not sure what to do, or if the above solutions haven't worked, consult a professional who can help you clear your drain faster and more effectively," advises James. Clogged Prevent Drains Clogged Drains: Trapped Hair Catches hair or debris before it goes down the drain. Image: deepblue4you/Getty Images Shop these products now: Sink Hair Trap: Clog Removal Tool An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure (or trying to save a pound of hair to clean and grease). For example, if your hair tends to fall out when you wash it, be proactive.
"Make sure you have a guard over the drain so hair gets caught more often," recommends James. This tip works whether you're washing your hair in the shower, at the sink, or in your favorite bathtub. Whether you use the dishwasher or wash dishes by hand, toss the dishes over a trash can first to make sure there are no leftovers. Clogged Drain: Hot Water Be careful when using hot carrying water down the drain.
Images You can also regularly maintain your drains by pouring hot water down the drain weekly, or pouring a cup of vinegar down the drain, letting it sit for half an hour, and then pouring 2 quarts of hot water down the drain down.
"It's also a good idea to regularly check your home's plumbing for leaks and clogs to avoid a plumbing emergency that could cost more to repair," says Monell. The Bottom Line No matter how good your appliances are, all plumbing fixtures are subject to clogged drains. Some of the main culprits are hair, food, grease and oil, soap and bath toys. If you find your pipes are clogged with water due to an uncleaned pipe, there are some inexpensive approaches you can use before calling a plumber. Frequently Asked Questions Q: Can I use a plunger to clear my drain?
A: Although plungers are commonly used in toilets, you can also use them to remove small plugs in the drain. Just make sure there is water in your plumbing fixture as using a soak on a dry surface can damage your plumbing. Q: What is the best home remedy to unclog a drain ? A : If you have a clogged drain line, hot water, vinegar, and baking soda can serve as an inexpensive way to unclog it. Pour the hot water down the drain first, then the baking soda, then the vinegar, followed by more hot water after the mixture has sat in the drain for 10-15 minutes.
Q: Does Coca-Cola clear drains? A: Yes, the phosphoric acid in soda makes it possible for Coke to clear drains. A two liter pitcher of Coke should do the job. Earth Care plumbers are on call 24 hours a day to assist with plumbing emergencies. Just dial 8337368835 or book online at https://www.
earthcarebrands.com/
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