Clogged drains are a nuisance for homeowners, but because they’re so common, homeowners will try many different solutions before reaching out to a professional. Unfortunately, a lot of these solutions are potentially damaging to their plumbing, resulting in unsatisfactory results and potentially an even larger repair bill. Our last blog discussed three things homeowners who try to fix clogs on their own wish they would have known before trying. This blog is part two of that post, and discusses three more things that you should know as a homeowner before attempting to unclog your drains on your own.
Get a Drain Snake
In the last post, we discussed regular tools you likely have in your own home and how they can help you unclog your drain. While you may not have a drain snake, you can pick one up from your local hardware store for a fairly inexpensive cost and keep it for whenever you need it in the future. These tools are simple to operate and can be used to safely and effectively loosen clogs and clear your drain of blockages without damaging the inside of your plumbing.
Snaking a drain is simple: simply feed the snake head into your drain and turn the handle clockwise until you feel resistance. Once you feel this resistance, rotate the snake so the head digs into the clog. Then slowly remove the snake from your drain and the clog should come with it.
Sugared Sodas Work Wonders
Have you ever heard the myth that a sugary soda like Pepsi or Coca-Cola can actually help remove clogs from your drain? For many people, this one sounds so weird that it can’t possibly work. But… it actually does. These drinks actually have corrosive properties that are just strong enough to dislodge smaller clogs so they can be washed away. This is both significantly safer than a corrosive chemical drain cleaner, and may actually prove to be less expensive as well. You can also use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, which also shares some of the same dissolving agents that eat through clogs but are still safe on your pipes. While it may seem unconventional, give it a try and you might be surprised.
Prevention is the Best Medicine
What’s the best way to eliminate the problem of a drain clog? Simple: avoid it in the first place. Preventative methods can do wonders for your home’s plumbing system, and even save you a ton of money in the long run. Once a year, you should have your plumbing inspected by a professional Columbus plumber, who will look for leaks, eliminate the debris forming clogs, and make sure your fixtures are all functioning properly. This will also help eliminate any water you might be wasting. Another thing you can do that will dramatically help your plumbing’s health is to know what to put down your drain, and conversely, what not to. If you have a garbage disposal, you may be tempted to put just about anything down in it to grind it up to dispose of it, but you might be tossing something that will encourage a clogged sink drain. Avoid putting greasy or oily foods, egg shells, coffee grounds, and other clog-creating foods down the garbage disposal and drain.
If you experienced a drain clog or need assistance with a different plumbing problem, call The Eco Plumbers today at [614-665-5436
] to schedule a service appointment!
