Being a homeowner means taking on a great amount of responsibility, and frequently, a lot of outlay. If you’re like the majority of homeowners, you’re frequently on the lookout for ways to reduce costs. By inspecting your drains on a regular basis, and by taking a few basic steps that follow, you can end many clogs and thereby reduce plumbing repair costs.
Why do drains get clogged?
All home plumbing drains are at risk of getting clogged. Kitchen sinks get clogged from kitchen grease. The grease on your dishes that vanishes in liquid dish soap actually only disburses temporarily, but ends up adhering to the inside of pipes creating layers of grease. Little pieces of food that end up in the drain cling to this goo, and eventually, the sink stops up. Bathroom sinks and bathtubs collect soap residue, oils, and waxes from the lotions and shaving creams. These residues stick to the pipes similar to the grease in the kitchen drain. Hair gets stuck in the pipes and causes the drain to clog.
What can I do to prevent clogs?
Use a screen over any open drain. This will catch particles of food or hair from being rinsed down the drain. Clean the drain screen regularly, preferably after each time you use the sink or tub. For sinks with pop-up stoppers, always keep the stoppers clean. Cool grease in the pan after cooking. Wipe as much as you can out of the pan into the garbage. On a weekly basis, pour very hot water down your drains to clear any build up that might have accumulated in the drains. Every 3 months, pour a combination of 2 cups baking soda and 1 cup vinegar down each sink drain. After half an hour, pour scalding hot water into the drain. Wait a few minutes and pour in cold water to clear out the drain.
How can I unclog a drain?
To get rid of small clogs, drop three Alka-Seltzer tabs directly into the open drain. Use a funnel to add a cup of vinegar in after the tablets. When the bubbles settle flush with hot or boiling water. You can use a plunger if necessary to speed up the process. After using Alka-Seltzer and vinegar, a plunger is next. It’s best to cover the overflow hole in the sink or bathtub so that the pressure will be more effective. Use natural drain cleaner. There are a number of these products you can purchase. Never use drain cleaners that contain chemicals. Chemicals in drain cleaners can damage the pipes and the environment.
