Many residents think it’s a given that they can dump nearly anything into their sink, especially if they have a garbage disposal. They also believe a powerful flush of a toilet or plunged shower drain is enough to clear plumbing lines. Unfortunately, most of the products and waste that enter your system have adverse effects on the pipes, mandating a repair or, if you wait too long, a replacement.
For instance, in the shower or tub, anything from loose hair to thick remains of shampoo and conditioner stick to the inner part of your drain walls. In your kitchen sink, greasy and fatty foods, vegetable peels, and dirt from plant care create a blocking layer, restricting water flow. Even disposing of flushable wipes, excessive toilet paper, diapers, and sanitary napkins in your toilet bowl may affect all household drains.
If you have a small clog in the drainpipe or traps, alleviating the issue is as simple as grabbing a plunger or unscrewing the curved P-trap and emptying the debris, if accessible. However, are you noticing any occurrences uniformly across your entire household? The problem is likely in the main drain, which connects all your residence’s drainpipes before moving waste into the sewer main for disposal.
Upon noticing any of the following signs of drain issues, contact an expert:
While scheduling a drain cleaning service in Barnegat, NJ, every two years is vital for keeping your pipes in top shape, you can prevent regular repairs with some DIY tips from our drain cleaning company.
First, don’t rush to call a plumber if you suspect the restriction of a clog to one appliance or fixture. For instance, if your toilet isn’t properly flushing, but your sink and shower show no unusual signs, try plunging or snaking the drainpipe yourself. You may fix the issue with this one simple step.
If you’re unsure how to conduct these methods safely for toilet clogs, we highly suggest the non-abrasive solution of boiling water on your stove and pouring it into the bowl from hip level to ensure the water mixes deep into the drain. Wait about an hour or until the water cools before flushing, and the heat will break down buildups.
This next method you can use not only in your toilet bowl but also for the shower, sink, and tub drains. Create a natural cleaning liquid solution by pouring a cup of baking soda directly into the problematic drain before adding a cup of white vinegar. Use a stopper or another object to cover the drain opening, and, after half an hour, use hot water to flush it down.