Clogged drains are the gremlins of the plumbing world. Think of them as little mischievous creatures that cause watery chaos and make you feel helpless. With a little knowledge and some clever clog battle tactics, you can transform your home into a drain domination zone, where water flows freely, and clogs cower in fear.
Prevention Is the First Line of Defense
The best way to deal with a clogged drain is to head it off before it can even begin. Here are some preventative measures to implement.
Procure drain strainers. Think of these as strainer sentinels that are valiant mesh soldiers that stand guard at the entry points of your sinks and showers. They bravely capture enemy debris that include food scraps, hair, and other unwanted guests before they can venture into the depths of your pipes.
Grease, the slippery villain of the kitchen, solidifies as it cools, and this causes blockages in your pipes. Resist the urge to banish grease down the drain. Instead, let it solidify, and then dispose of it in the trash bin.
The toilet may appear like a convenient waste disposal unit, but it is designed for a specific purpose. Flushing anything other than toilet paper and waste is an act of plumbing rebellion.
Once each month, treat your pipes to a refreshing fizzy potion. Pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, and then follow that with a cup of vinegar. The fizzing reaction helps to loosen and break down any minor buildup that is lurking inside of your pipes.
The Natural Clog Conquest
If you have a clog, you must avoid using caustic chemicals because they will ruin your plumbing. You should go with a more natural approach to conquer clogs. Here are some eco-friendly weapons in your arsenal.
For sluggish drains, deploy the boiling water blitz. Carefully pour a pot of boiling water down the drain. The hot water can help to melt away greasy buildup to restore a smooth flow to your pipes. Be cautious when using this method with plastic pipes since boiling water can warp them.
The baking soda and salt brigade is another powerful weapon in your natural clog-fighting army. Create a paste of baking soda and salt. Then, you must pour the concoction down the drain. Let it sit for 15 minutes before flushing it with hot water. This can be effective for minor clogs caused by food particles or soap scum.
The humble plunger, though old-fashioned, is a surprisingly effective warrior against clogs. To maximize its plunging power, ensure a good seal is created around the drain opening. There are different plungers designed for sinks, toilets, and tubs, so choose the one best suited for the battle at hand.
If your preventative measures and natural warriors fail to conquer the clog, it is time to call in professional reinforcements. If you need drain cleaning services to remove clogs in your Arvada, CO home, call Flatirons Plumbing straight away.
