For homeowners, few things conjure up more fear than a clog or other plumbing problem. Not only are they always unexpected, they usually come at the most unfortunate time – like during a Halloween party or other get-together. But fear not. There are strategies you can take to eliminate and treat clogs.
Common Causes of Clogs
Inside your home, clogs can happen due to buildup of soap scum, hair, grease, fats, oils and paper. Clogs can also occur outside your home when tree roots block the main line, when the sewer collapses or when there is a major buildup of oil or scum. The good news is most of these clog-causing problems are preventable.
Preventing Clogs
Here are some go-to preventive techniques you can use to reduce your chance of experiencing a clog:
Don’t dispose fat and oil down the kitchen drain – Throw them away instead of allowing them to run down the drain.
Don’t plant trees close to your sewer or main water line – Consider your placement of trees in your yard and avoid having to eventually deal with invasive roots that cause clogs and other plumbing problems.
Don’t flush hair down drains – Cover drains with filters that capture hair and throw it away. This one simple and inexpensive trick can save you substantially on future plumbing repairs.
Use vinegar and baking soda in drains – This cleaning mix made from common kitchen items clears out grease and dissolves organic material caught in pipes. Simply mix the baking soda and vinegar and pour it down drains. Let it sit in the pipes for several hours before flushing it with hot water.
Use enzymes – Enzymes work like baking soda and vinegar but are stronger to help keep drains flowing smoothly. Follow the manufacturer’s directions on how to use.
Eliminating Clogs
If you are experiencing a clog, you may be able to eliminate it yourself with a tool called a plumber’s auger – a type of stiff cable with a corkscrew-like tip. To eliminate a clog, push the auger down the drain and turn the hand crank when it engages with a clog. Continue to push the cable and turn the crank down the pipe until the clog can be pierced. Then remove the auger and flush the pipe with hot water.
Main line or sewer line clogs need to be repaired by a professional. The best way to determine this type of problem is if multiple plumbing fixtures are suddenly experiencing the same problem.
Call Cool Blew when you need assistance with clogs and other plumbing problems. We promise that we’re not scary at all and we can get your plumbing back up and running in no time.
