Many homeowners experience clogs at some point. Whether it's in the shower, toilet or kitchen sink, these minor issues can quickly become a source of frustration and concern. Thankfully, there are several ways to handle these problems, including requesting a professional service from Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Oswego. Keep reading to discover the most effective tips for preventing clogs, addressing them when they appear and why Mr. Rooter Plumbing is your go-to plumbing service for any need.
Tips for Drain Cleaning and Unclogging Before Calling a Professional
Many homeowners hoping to save money try DIY solutions before calling a professional. Thankfully, dealing with a clog can be simple if you catch it early, and you can take a few steps to fix a garbage disposal, toilet, sink or shower at home.
- Household cleaners: While some liquid cleaners can be helpful for minor clogs, others can be dangerous for you and your plumbing system. Though harsh chemicals can break apart buildup, they could sit on top of the clog and add to the problem. Inside your garbage disposal, this sitting liquid could also land on the blades and fly into the air or onto your eyes or skin when you run the disposal. If you want to use a cleaner to clear clogs, stick with a less caustic option. For example, dish soap can tackle grease and oil, making it your secret weapon for kitchen clogs. You can also try lemon, baking soda and vinegar as an alternative to dish soap to tackle bathroom clogs.
- Boiling: The boil method can also remove small clogs. Scalding hot water can break apart the blockage and force it down the drain. Using two or three cups of boiling water at a time, repeat this method to clear a minor blockage. Do not use boiling water in your garbage disposal, as the hot temperatures can melt fat and cause the substance to stick to your blades.
- Plungers: Plungers are a tried-and-true tool for removing clogs. Always use a sink plunger for your sinks and a toilet plunger for your bathrooms because each type has a specific configuration to aid with clearing clogs in these locations.
- Snaking the drain: It may be time to snake your drain when household cleaners and plungers do not address your issue. This process involves feeding a flexible metal cable down the sink and pulling it out to clean it every few inches. Repeat this process until you can pass the whole snake into the sink. You can determine whether this strategy was effective by running water after to see if the drain is clear. For toilets, you will need an auger, cranking the handle while snaking the tube through.
How to Avoid a Clogged Drain
The best way to deal with clogs is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. After clearing existing clogs from the system, use the following tips to avoid future clogs throughout your home.
- Only putting appropriate things into the disposal: Feeding the wrong items into your garbage disposal can cause multiple problems that may need professional garbage disposal services to address. Besides clogging your system, you might experience jammed blades, leaks or strange noises. Do not put celery, artichokes, potato peels, onion skins, produce stickers, glass, paper, plastic, coffee grounds, eggshells, bones or grease down the kitchen sink.
- Clean all drains regularly: Like many appliances and systems in your house, routine cleaning can go a long way to protect your plumbing from clogs. Besides saving you hassle in the long run, preventive care can help your garbage disposal last longer and work more efficiently.
- Brush your hair before showers: If you've ever finished a shower with water pooling around your ankles, you know how frustrating hair clogs can be. Brushing your hair before showers can remove loose strands that would otherwise fall into the drain. Throw the hair in the garbage instead of flushing it.
- Protect bathroom drains during pet baths: Though it is best to bathe your pets outside, be careful if you choose to use your bathtub. Placing a washcloth over the drain can keep fur and dirt out, helping you avoid nasty clogs.
- Only flush toilet paper: Just like you should be careful about what you put in your kitchen sink, remember that the toilet is only for toilet tissue and human waste. Paper products, kitty litter and plastic components can quickly cause plumbing problems, which you can avoid by using the trash can. Even so-called “flushable” wipes do not break down — instead, they accumulate as solid waste in the pipes. Additionally, do not place large amounts of toilet paper in the toilet at once, as excess paper can also cause clogs.
- Clean drain stoppers often: Soap scum and hair are two of the most significant contributors to bathroom clogs. These elements can slow your drains to a trickle as time passes and eventually lead to complete clogs, highlighting why you should prevent them from going down the drain in the first place.
Request Oswego Unclogging Services From Mr. Rooter Plumbing
Predicting plumbing problems can be challenging. Instead of trying to fix everything yourself, it can give you peace of mind to have a professional team in your corner, ready to assist you with any need. Count on Mr. Rooter Plumbing to deliver the necessary services to keep your systems in efficient, working order. Check for availability for drain cleaning services, repairs or installation or ask any questions by submitting an online contact form.
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