As a new homeowner, I can tell you that things aren't always as simple as they appear. I started thinking about it a few years ago, and I realized that there were some serious problems with our plumbing system. We had issues with drains working correctly and toilets flushing like they should, so I started focusing more heavily on understanding the basics of our plumbing system. Within a few short months the entire system was operating more fluidly because of a few changes that I made, so I wanted to create a blog all about my journey. Check out these articles to learn more about the plumbing basics.
Jorge Alexander
When your drains aren't working, you'll usually see a sign or two. If you miss these signs though, you could end up in some trouble with your plumbing. When your plumbing doesn't drain, you're left scrambling to get the water to go down the sink, tub, or toilet in order to be able to use it as needed. Having your drains cleaned out can help ensure you have proper drainage. If you aren't doing your part to keep them clean though, you could end up in trouble again. Read on for tips to help you clean your drains at home.
Use A Drain Cleaning Solution
Adding a drain cleaning solution down your sink or toilet here and there can help to clear out minor clogs, and it can help move anything that may be clogging or creating a slow drain. You can find a drain cleaning solution at your local hardware store or at most grocery stores. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the bottle to clean the drains properly.
Use A Snake In The Drain
You can snake the drains using a store-bought snake, or if you have a bigger issue with drainage, you can rent an electric rotating snake. Snake the drain as needed to remove any clogs such as hair or food particles caught in the drain. Remove the clog, and continue to snake the drain until you are no longer pulling debris out of the drain. If your issue is further out in your drain, such as outside of your home, you may want to use a cleanout in order to remove whatever is clogged to prevent damaging your toilet.
Prevent Clogs In The First Place
You can prevent clogs in the first place from occurring by taking care of your drains and only putting water and appropriate waste into the drains. Don't flush feminine products, flushable wipes, baby wipes, or other products that say they are flushable but more than likely won't disintegrate in the drain pipes. Also, be sure to use drain stops in all of your sinks and other vessels to ensure nothing is washed down the drain that shouldn't be. Prevent a clog by using your garbage disposal properly and only using it for its intended purposes, not putting anything too hard down the disposal that isn't able to be chopped up in the disposal, such as bones or corn cobs.
If your drains seem to be moving slowly, you could already have a problem. Hire a professional plumber to clean your drains out and ensure they work correctly.
For more information, contact a local drain cleaning service today.