Almost every homeowner has experienced a backed-up pipe, a flooded kitchen, or a bathroom. Nothing ruins your weekend mornings like unclogging drains and trying to push accumulated water down the drainage pipe. If unchecked, clogged drains are not only a nuisance for your home, but they can also lead to hefty repair bills and are one of the favorite spots for bacteria to grow. Here is your complete guide to clogged drains:
What Causes Clogged Drains?
There are a number of reasons why your drain pipe clogs up every now and then. In almost all cases, there are external contaminants that seep into your drainage pipe and cause blockages. Some of the main factors that lead to clogged drains include:
Hair
The bathtub drain has always been susceptible to falling head and body hair. As individual hairs enter the drain, they tangle with each other. The resulting watery hair sludge blocks your drainage pipe and prevents water from draining out.
Grease and Fat
After a heavy cholesterol-rich meal, the leftovers are sure to end up down your kitchen sink. Fatty and greasy food accumulates on the inner linings of your pipes and restricts the flow of water. This results in water accumulation and flooding of the drain.
Foreign Objects
Sometimes, heavy external objects can end up in your drains and lead to water clogging. If you have young ones at home, you probably have experienced a small toy getting clogged in a drain or toilet or a full roll of toilet paper ending up in your drainage pipe!
Unclogging Your Drain
They say that prevention is better than cure. If you want to avoid bearing heavy plumbing and repair costs, here are a few simple DIY tips for unclogging your drains. Make sure to use them at least once a week to keep your drain free from clogs:
Use Vinegar and Soda
This method does not work on tough clogs, but it does work wonders for smaller clogs and saves you the time and effort needed to take the clog monster out on your own.
- Pour a pot of boiling water down the drain
- Dump 1/3rd cup of baking soda immediately afterward
- Mix a cup of vinegar with hot water and pour the mixture
- Flush the water-baking soda-vinegar mixture with more boiling water
Wire Hangers
Hangers offer a simple and effective way to get the boogeyman out of your clog. Unwind the neck of the hanger and straighten out the two elbows. Make sure to retain the hook part. Gently insert the hooked part into the drain and take out whatever is causing the clog.
If the clogs persist or if water starts to leak from your walls you will want to contact a licensed plumber in Jacksonville FL. At Metro Rooter we specialize in clogged drains and all things related to the repair of your plumbing!