Clogged drains are nasty and one of the biggest plumbing issues in our household. Unfortunately, you will have to deal with them if and when they do occur. Understanding some common causes can help you manage the situation the right way. Often times, there are some precautions or measures that can be taken to remedy the problem but other times, you might just have to call in a professional.
Fats, Grease, Oil
If your kitchen sink feels clogged, it is most likely due to a buildup of grease, oils, and fats that stick to the inside of the pipes, along with soap scum and (bigger) food particles. But the fix is easy: run hot water and dish washing soap down the drain, topping off with some more hot water and then use a plunger to clear the pipe. Only resort to a chemical drain cleaner if the problem persists book a professional on helpbudy.
As a precaution, you should dispose of any grease and oils by scraping them off in an empty jar or a bag and throwing it with your garbage, rather than down the drain. Before washing dishes, you can also wipe off the grease with paper towels. Invest in a simple sink strainer, if you don’t already have one, to help prevent large food particles from accidentally going down the drain.
Hair & Skin
Have a clogged shower drain or a sink that’s giving you giving trouble? Hair and skin flakes are the most likely culprits behind clogged drains in the bathroom. Over time, dirt, skin, and hair go down the drain along with soap scum and stick to the pipes, causing a blockage.
A plunger is your best bet to unclog these and a drain cleaner for serious blockage. You can avoid the problem by regularly cleaning and maintaining the drain stopper, as it is easier to clean smaller amounts of hair and gunk before they accumulate. Remember to wear gloves!
Toiletries & Other Foreign Objects
Clogged toilet? Are you sure you’re not, intentionally or unintentionally, flushing down items which are not supposed to be flushed? Quilted toilet paper, dental floss, makeup wipes, diaper wipes, feminine hygiene products, cotton swabs, etc. are items that are likely to inflate in water and cause an obstruction to the flow. Or maybe your child tried to flush a toy down the toilet for fun?
The long-term line of defense is to make sure you throw such items in the garbage, rather than down the drain. Keep proper dustbins in all the bathrooms at hand. Only flush those items down the toilet which you know will dissolve. Even then, we would recommend avoiding throwing things down the toilet as much as possible. Also let your kids know to not flush anything down the toilet and to let you know immediately if they do.
However, accidents do happen so keep a plunger and/or a hand auger nearby to unblock the toilet on your own. Remember to wear gloves and wash your hand thoroughly once you’re done. If it feels too nasty, don’t hesitate to call in a plumber.
Sediment Buildup
Sometimes, a lower water pressure is indicative of a sediment buildup in the pipes. If you suspect this, simply clean out shower heads and taps, and any other removable pipes but if water flow doesn’t resume to normal, you will need to consult a professional.
If issues continue to persist or you’re not sure what’s the root cause of the problem or if you’d be able to deal with it yourself satisfactorily, it is always a good idea to call in the experts. Try helpbudy for help with your plumbing so that you can get the right person for the job, assessing and resolving the problem correctly.
