Everyone dreads the gurgling noises, odors and drains draining slower that occasionally happens in a home or business. A call to your local plumber is usually sure to follow. There are a few things that you can do as preventative maintenance to avoid any late night visits from your plumber.
First, don’t put anything down a sink drain that shouldn’t go down a drain! This includes egg shells, pasta, coffee grounds, and grease! Just because it’s called a garbage disposal doesn’t mean it can handle EVERYTHING, especially in excessive amounts! Use a filter or screen over tub and sink drains to catch hair before they can cause blockages and slow drains. Disposable wipes, septic-safe wipes, tampons and sanitary napkins should never be flushed! If it doesn’t cause a drain clog, it’ll cause future problems in your septic system.
Occasionally, pour a large pot of very hot water down a drain to loosen any clogs, then follow it with cold water to flush any loosened clogs down your drain lines. Pour 1 cup of baking soda into your drain followed by 1 cup of vinegar. The vinegar acts as a solvent and will help remove crud from your pipe walls and the baking soda will help remove any odors that may be lingering in your pipes. Refrain from using any chemicals that promise to unclog drains. The chemicals will actually damage your pipes and if your pipes are older, you’re more susceptible to damage over time. Plus, when the chemical concoction doesn’t work and a plumber is called to come clear the clogged drain, you leave them exposed to harsh chemicals that can irritate their lungs, eyes, and skin.
For your home, make sure you have the correct plungers for the job to help with any drain clogs. A cup plunger (the most common) is best for flat surfaces like sinks and tubs. A flange plunger is for toilets where the rubber flap folds out and creates a better seal and pressure to push a clog down the drain.
If you do run into drain issues that you’re not able to solve yourself, give us a call at 785-341-4193 to have one of our licensed plumbers take care of your drainage problems!
De Hart Plumbing Heating and Cooling, serving Manhattan Kansas, Junction City Kansas, Wamego Kansas, Topeka Kansas, and some surrounding areas.