Drains that are clogged or take too long to empty can create an unpleasant odor and pool of water. By familiarizing yourself with Binley Plumbing‘s drain cleaning services, you may clear up obstructions and avoid such issues in the future. The following are some frequently asked questions regarding the maintenance of unclogged drains.
How Does a Drain Become Clogged?
Hair, food scraps, grease, soap residue, and other organic materials build up in drains and cause them to become clogged. These substances accumulate on pipe walls and harden with time, restricting flow. Tree roots infiltrate and grow into external drainage pipes. Unsanitary practices, such as the improper disposal of sanitary products and dental floss, also contribute to blockages. Clogs can be avoided if their root causes are understood.
How Do I Fix a Clogged Shower or Sink Drain?
Use a plunger to remove the blockage from a simple sink or shower. Grease accumulation can be melted and washed away with boiling water. To dissolve organic substances, combine baking soda and vinegar. To remove debris like hair, try using a wire coat hanger or zip-it tool. To avoid pipe damage, avoid using drain cleaners that contain strong chemicals.
When Should I Get Help from an Expert?
If you have tried to clear a blockage in your sink or bathtub drain but have been unsuccessful, or if your outdoor drains are backing up, you should call a professional drain cleaner. Experts can use cameras and other specialized equipment to inspect your drainage system and remove any obstructions they find. If you try something on your own and it doesn’t work, don’t put it off.
How Can a Plumber Help With a Clogged Drain?
Plumbers utilize a range of procedures like augers, or “drain snakes,” to fish out material. Water jets at high pressure clean the inside of the pipes. The abrasive grit in hydrojetters is combined with high water pressure. Mechanical cutters pulverize the material in the case of thick roots. Experts evaluate each clog individually and choose the most appropriate treatment.
Can I Avoid Future Clogs by Keeping My Drains Clean?
Plumbers can inspect your pipes for damage, including fractures, leaks, and root intrusion, after performing a thorough drain cleaning to eliminate any built-up muck. They may suggest relining the pipes to reinforce their walls and stop future blockages or replacing the damaged parts entirely. Maintaining drains ahead of time prevents clogging.
Can I Use Chemicals to Unclog the Drain?
Harsh chemical drain cleaners can chew through biological clogs but damage pipes in the process, so they should be avoided wherever possible. If you must use a liquid unclogging remedy, safer ones like those based on enzymes or bacteria are preferable. However, professional drain cleaning using mechanical means is gentlest on pipes.
How Often Do I Need to Clean My Drains?
Clear the main sewage and outdoor drainage lines once every two to five years, and clean the indoor sinks, showers, and tubs once a year as preventative maintenance. Maintaining your pipes with regular cleaning helps prevent clogging from building up over time. You can clean fixtures more frequently yourself using methods like hot water.
Should I Use Drain Covers?
You may prevent hair, debris, and soap scum from ever entering your sink or tub drain by adding a hair catcher, strainer, or drain cover. These add-ons prevent buildup from occurring. Maintaining clean strainers and lids will maximize their efficiency.
How Do I Know If I Have a Drain Issue?
Water backing up and draining slowly, gurgling sounds, terrible sewage aromas, sinks and tubs not entirely emptying, and toilets that bubble and burp are all signs that your drains need cleaning. Molasses-like bubbling and water gathering near floor drains also indicate obstructions. Avoid ignoring warning signs of a halting process.
Can Clogged Drains Cause Serious Issues?
Absolutely. When backed up, water can overflow from sinks and bathtubs if obstructions are ignored. Over time, tree roots in sewage pipes just get bigger. Bacteria and sewage gas thrive in stagnant drains. Water can seep into the foundations and cause serious damage if the external drainage system is clogged.
Maintaining a regular schedule of drain cleaning will save you a lot of money and hassle in the event of a plumbing emergency. Keep an eye out for slow drains, and give us a call before even small obstructions cause big backups. Binley Plumbing can maintain your drains in working order with regular maintenance.
