Top 3 Tips on Preventative Drain Care

Unfortunately, most people don’t think about their drains until they need a clog removed or there is some other plumbing problem. Many common clogs and drain issues are preventable, saving you time, money and frustration. Here are some preventive tips that can keep your drains and pipes clear and free from the need for clogged drain repairs.

Eliminate Grease, Fats and Oils

One of the main issues that cause clogs is the grease and fats from your dishes and pans. While it may be easy and convenient to rinse greasy messes on your plates and pans down the drain, you can expect that that grease will eventually cause a clog. Wipe greasy residue from your plates and pans before rinsing.

Use a Drain Strainer

Hair and soap are another hazard to drains. Make sure your bathroom sinks and shower have a drain strainer. This catches pieces of soap and hair from going down into the drain and cause clogs. It is easier to clean out the strainer every few days than deal with a plumbing clog.

Don’t Use Drain Cleaners

It can seem easier to dump chemicals down your drain to reduce clogs. However, drain cleaner can harm your plumbing and is terrible for septic systems. If you have a clog, call a plumber. They can completely remove the clog and clean your pipes. It will last longer and be safer for your expensive plumbing.

Anything that can accumulate in your pipes should not be put down the drain. Fats, grease, hair, soap and solid food can all cause problems. Think before you put anything down the drain and you can prevent many plumbing issues with your drains in the future.

Posted on behalf of:
Seagraves Plumbing Sewer & Septic
4980 Plant Atkinson Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(494) 792-2221

When to Call a Plumber for a Clogged Drain

One of the most common plumbing issues are clogged drains. Almost everyone has experienced a bathroom sink that begins to drain slowly or a kitchen sink that won’t drain at all. Most often this is an easy fix that you can handle yourself. Using a plunger or snake will often dislodge a simple clog and fix your draining issue. But when should you call a plumber? Here are some signs that you may need a professional clog removal:

  • Clog keeps returning. Do you have a sink, shower or toilet that keeps getting clogged over and over? Although you may be dislodging some of the clog, chances are there is something stuck in the pipes which is perpetuating new clogs to form. A plumber can inspect your pipes and clear away any debris that will cause future clogs from forming.
  • Multiple drain issues. All your drains in your house go to the same place. If you have multiple drains that are backing up or draining slowly, you may have a clogged sewer line or pipe. This will require professional attention immediately by a professional plumber.
  • Foul odor. If a drain is backing up or draining slowly and accompanied by a foul odor, call your plumber. You may have a broken pipe or other issue that is blocking your sewer lines and causing sewage to stay trapped in your plumbing.

Although you may want to save money by trying to fix clogged plumbing yourself, often you can make the problem worse if it is not a simple clog. When you have a stubborn drain issue, call in a local plumber to have the issue resolved right the first time.

Posted on behalf of:
Seagraves Plumbing Sewer & Septic
4980 Plant Atkinson Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(494) 792-2221

Why Clogged Drains Might Be More Serious Than You Think

Clogged or slow-moving drains are one of the most common plumbing problems that a homeowner faces, and often leave you reaching for a bottle of commercial drain cleaner. While these chemical solutions may clear out stubborn hair clogs, you may want to think twice before dumping them down a slow-moving drain.

First and foremost, liquid drain cleaners contain corrosive chemicals that are designed to completely dissolve the materials blocking the drain. Pipes in older homes can become thin or damaged over time, and the same chemicals that blast a clog can erode them even further. A damaged pipe is a pipe that leaks, which can lead to very expensive repairs and property damage. The money you think you’re saving by taking matters into your own hands can be spent several times over to repair damage you inadvertently caused by tackling problems bigger than they appear.

Clogs can also occur as a result of massive hard water build-up, or be located farther down the pipe than you can reach with a chemical drain cleaner or pipe snake. These problems will not only render your efforts useless, but could also cause more problems if you’re damaging already weak pipes. Slow-moving or clogged drains in more than one area of your home can indicate problems with your house drain or a soil drain. Before you attempt to clear out a stubborn clog or clean a slow-moving drain, it’s wise to seek the advice and diagnostic services of a licensed, professional plumber. In the long run, you could save far more money by getting professional attention than if you take on the task yourself and perform repairs incorrectly.