What Are Effective Ways to Unclog Your Drain?
It is very important that you take care of your pipes. Over time, pipes will become clogged with dirt, debris, sediment, hair, and other obstructions. The obstructions may cause foul odours to emanate from your bathroom and kitchen drains.
Your pipes may become completely blocked if they are not unclogged, which can cause serious issues with your plumbing. Pipes can also become damaged or even burst in some extreme cases, which may cost thousands to repair.
Here, our focus will be on effective ways that you can unclog your drains so that you can have peace of mind going forward.
What causes clogging?
People shed hundreds of strands of hair every day, so hair is a common culprit for clogs. Food waste can also clog your drains, and fat, grease, and oil can cause serious blockages as well. Coffee grounds and tea leaves, in particular, should be carefully dealt with, as they do not break down.
Dirt and soap can also cause problems down the line, and tree roots can cause very serious damage. Even if you have just a small crack in your pipes, tree roots can find a way to penetrate them.
Tree roots will only grow bigger with time, which will cause noticeable water flow obstruction as well as serious pipe damage. Small solid objects can also block pipes. For example, your child may throw toy cars or toy soldiers down the drain, causing massive obstruction.
How to Clear a Clogged Drain
If the clog is on the surface, then you can use a toilet plunger. Of course, the toilet plunger must be sanitary and clean. Minor clogs will often target the mouth of the drain. Usually, hair and/or food particles are the culprit.
If you leave these minor drain blockages to grow, they will eventually get to the point that you may need to call a plumber for a partial repiping. Take care of them when they are small using a plunger and you shouldn’t have any serious problems.
A drain snake is also an inexpensive way to remove most clogs. A drain snake consists of an elongated metal rope that is quite flexible. It has a metal spiral at the end to help unclog bathroom and kitchen drains.
A high-pressure edrian blaster can also be used for severe and deep clogs that cannot be reached with a drain snake. Hydro-jetting is commonly used by plumbers in order to completely rid pipes of debris and other blockages.
You can also opt for powder solutions, or natural alternatives, such as combining baking soda and vinegar. Simply mix ⅓ vinegar and ⅓ baking soda in a measuring cup, and pour it down the drain as soon as it starts to fizz. Leave it overnight and then flush with warm water.
Chemical solutions may also work, but they can be dangerous if not handled properly. Depending on your piping system, flushing your drains with a chemical solution a few times a year may help eliminate tough-to-remove clogs. Baking soda and salt or baking soda and lemon juice also serve as safer alternatives to powerful and abrasive drain cleaners.
Another option is to try and clean your pipes yourself. If you are a do-it-yourself kind of person, then you can inspect the pipes in order to identify the obstruction. Disconnect the p-trap and explore the area in order to discover the root of the problem. However, if water is still pooling in your sinks, toilets, and showers, and if they are still not draining as intended, then the issue may be very serious.
It is best to call a professional if plunging, chemicals and/or powdered solutions, and amateur plumbing work have failed to eliminate the issue. Licensed plumbers are insured, and they also use the most advanced plumbing equipment in the industry in order to eliminate even the most stubborn clogs. They will clean your sewer lines, pipes, and drains from top to bottom so that you will not run into the problem again.
They will also inspect your pipes for any rust or damage and will make the necessary repairs and replacements as well. Advice will also be provided so that you will learn how to properly maintain your plumbing system going forward. Drain cleaning is helpful and can save you headaches down the road as well as thousands of dollars in repair and labour costs.
How to Prevent Clogging
It is important to not flush food down your sink. Drain screens or grates should be used, and you should brush your hair before you step into the shower. You should also check your stoppers for buildup and hair.
As for chemical cleaners, they should be used as a last resort. While they are quite effective at removing clogs, they can damage pipes due to their abrasive properties. You should also inspect your plumbing for leaks on a periodic basis, and you can reduce the risk of clogs by running cold water while you are operating your garbage disposal.
Controlling your water pressure is key in order to avoid plumbing issues, and you can add a hair trap to your drains to prevent hair from clogging your drains. Hygienic products and wipes should also never be flushed down the toilet either. Instead, throw them into the garbage where they belong.
Play It Safe
Clogs start small but can become quite large in a matter of days or weeks. If water is not draining or if it is still pooling after you have tried to resolve the issue yourself, then you should call a plumber.
They have access to state-of-the-art plumbing tools that will eliminate even the toughest clogs without damaging your pipes. However, not all plumbers are created equal, so check online reviews before you make the call. You can also ask trusted friends, family, and co-workers if they can recommend a licensed and bonded plumber in your area.
Author Bio:
Devon Graham is a blogger in Toronto. He graduated with honours from the University of British Columbia with a dual degree in Business Administration and Creative Writing. Devon Graham is a community manager for small businesses across Canada. He also likes to research various topics related to pets, food, storage solutions, home improvement and business solutions.