Confused About Remedies for Clogged Drains or Blocked Sewer Pipes?

June 6th, 2013 Posted in Clearing Clogged Pipes
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There are several remedies available today to help you with your clogged drain or blocked sewer pipe, but which one should you use? Of course, a drain cleaner would be a first choice for the average homeowner. However, that could be anything from a chemical compound to a handheld auger, from a home remedy to an airburst cleaner, from an electric drain cleaner to a high-pressure water sewer jetter, or, finally, an enzymatic drain cleaner.

Consumer product drain cleaners are chemical compounds that are either alkaline (in solid or liquid form) or acidic (liquid) in composition. Their main function is to open drain clogs of either hair or grease that typically lie close to the drain opening. They are less effective for clogs that are farther down the line, such as that which occurs in toilets or main sewer drains. Augers, manual or electric, are often used for those more problematic clogs, but the estimated distance of the clog and the augers potential damage to ceramic surfaces can be a concern.

Airburst cleaners can also break up clogs that are farther from the drain opening and are faster acting than typical chemicals; however, they work best in “standing water” situations and are ineffective on main sewer drains. High-pressure hydro-jetting is effective for most large clogs in drains and sewer lines and can be done by a professional plumber.  Enzymatic drain cleaners are used to maintain clear drains, since they consist of bacteria and enzymes that react to dissolve forming residue.

If you have concerns about your plumbing drainage system that go beyond the quick and easy, consumer product solution, it is always best to have your local plumbing professional inspect your system to ensure that all is in good working condition.

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Is the Plumbing for Mobile Homes Different?

May 9th, 2013 Posted in Clearing Clogged Pipes
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Many of today’s mobile homes look exactly like site built homes, especially modular units, so one would expect the same in plumbing techniques, however, such is not the case. Because mobile homes are “manufactured,” that method results in a significant difference in the plumbing systems. Furthermore, mobile homes fall under different regulations since they are not built to the same standards as site built homes. People are drawn to mobile homes because they are affordable; therefore, many of the materials used in their manufacture are traditionally lower in cost and sometimes quality. Fortunately, the quality used today in new mobile homes is far better than those built prior to the 1980’s. However, when it comes to types of plumbing materials used or the types of plumbing systems, there remain some major differences.

One major noticeable difference is in the type of piping material used. Instead of copper water pipes, newer mobile homes are piped with CPVC or PEX, which lasts as long or longer than copper. Another major difference in plumbing system design is in how the pipes actually enter the house. Mobile home piping comes up through the floor instead of out from the walls; meaning, there is a difference in how the connections are made for different applications. Some mobile homes do not have venting of drain pipes nor clean-outs. Since these are used to clear clogged pipes, clogged drain repairs and other plumbing maintenance can be more difficult and costly.

Overall, mobile home plumbing is usually easy to work on and often less expensive than site built homes. In addition to standard maintenance or repair, your local plumbing professional can help you with upgrading your water or drain lines should it seem advantageous.

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Basic Plumbing Tips You Should Know

March 13th, 2013 Posted in Clearing Clogged Pipes
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What kind of plumber are you? Even though it’s important to know the name and number of a professional plumber or plumbing service so you know who to contact in case of emergencies, it’s helpful to have a grasp of the basics, in order to fix easy problems or to know what to tell a professional plumber when something goes wrong.

Having a strainer is a good first step for most drains and sinks. Make sure a strainer is covering your drains to collect particles and other debris that would clog it if anything goes down the drain. Any strainer used in your kitchen will need regular cleaning, but you should also clean your bathtub strainer any time it is slow to drain.

Prevention is important for avoiding any expensive repairs to your plumbing. Hair is a common source of clogged drains. You can prevent this by using a screen or drain cover that is designed to keep hair out of your drain and pipes. It’s much easier to clean a screen than to remove a messy hair clog in the pipes.

Don’t use your toilet for anything but waste material and toilet paper in order to keep potential problems to a minimum. Never flush down cotton balls or swabs, sanitary pads, used diapers, paper towels, or anything else that will not dissolve. These items can create major clogs.

When attempting to unclog one of your drains, be careful when using chemical drain cleaners. as they might seriously harm your skin if you get splashed. Make sure that you protect yourself by wearing gloves and handling any harsh cleaning chemicals very carefully.

Lastly, know who to contact in case of a plumbing emergency. Your local plumbing professional or plumbing service can answer any plumbing-related question you might have.

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Clogged Shower Drains

March 11th, 2013 Posted in Uncategorized
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Nobody likes getting into the shower, lathering up and then realizing that the shower drain is draining slowly – or worse, not draining at all. The common culprit for slow drains is human hair, which is normally caught in the strain cover. Normally all you have to do is clean out the strainer and check the flow of water. More serious clogged drains should be handled by a plumbing professional, but it’s also worth trying a few simple steps to unclog the drain.

The first step is to see how easily the strainer can be removed, whether it snaps into place or is removed by a screwdriver. Once it’s removed and pulled away, grab a flashlight and check for any clogs that you can see. If you spot anything obstructing your view, try to remove it with wire or other tool, and gently remove it without pushing the clog deeper into the pipe.

If this isn’t a feasible solution, an alternative is using a plunger. Pour or run water around the plunger’s head to create a tight seal, and create a force of suction by pushing and pulling the handle up and down at a fast, steady speed. Make sure you never use a plunger after pouring a chemical solution down the drain. A second alternative is a wire snake, which has a hook on the end – run it down your drain, and when it hits the clog, turn the crank to snag it into the clog before pulling it free.

If none of these solutions are enough to get rid of the clog, your last option is to call a professional plumber in your area, who will have other alternatives to remove almost any pesky clog.

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Important Plumbing Tips

March 11th, 2013 Posted in Clearing Clogged Pipes
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Nobody likes dealing with leaking pipes, slow drains and other plumbing headaches. The importance of knowing a reliable local plumbing professional is vital for the health and longevity of the pipes and fixtures in your home. But do you know some basic tips for handling the plumbing in your own home?

Never flush anything but toilet paper in the toilet: It’s important that you and your family should never flush other paper-like material such as sanitary napkins or baby wipes. Because of the density of these materials, they can block the pipe in your home, and that can lead to unsightly (and messy) clogged toilets and other plumbing backups.

Learn how to handle slow draining pipes and sinks: Some sinks and drain pipes, especially in old homes, can become clogged with unpleasant sludge and other build up. Your local plumbing professional will have industrial tools and other methods for cleaning out your pipes, but one method to try is called “snaking.” You can either buy or rent a snake pipe which attaches to your tub or sink faucet, and run it down the drain to the source of a clog. Turning on the water will shoot high pressure water streams to break up any loose mater in the pipe.

Locate the shut-off value for your home: Not every homeowner knows where this valve is located, but it’s important enough that everyone should learn how to locate it. Make sure that you know both where the valve is located inside of your home, as well as the public shut-off outside of the house. The main shut-off is usually at the curb for most residences.

Remember to contact your plumbing professional for any larger jobs or those you aren’t sure about how to handle.

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Why Clogged Drains Might Be More Serious Than You Think

February 26th, 2013 Posted in Clearing Clogged Pipes
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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.

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Common Solutions for Clogged Drains

January 16th, 2013 Posted in Clearing Clogged Pipes
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If you’ve been a homeowner for very long, you’ve probably dealt with clogged drains. It may have a sink, bathtub or toilet drain. Often the first sign of a clog is when water begins to drain slower than normal. Occasionally, a slow moving drain will gradually clear out the clog itself and begin draining properly again. In most cases, however, a drain will require some assistance to remove the material that is clogging the drain pipe.

Do-it-yourself Solutions

Hair Clog: If the clog is in the bathtub drain, the first step would be to remove the drain cover. Bathtub drains often can become clogged with hair that has collected just beneath the drain cover. Simply removed the accumulated hair clog may be all that is needed in this case.

Plunger: For a toilet or sink clog, the use of a plunger may be all it takes to dislodge the clog from the drain. The pressure of air and water being forced through the pipe by the plunger usually will dislodge most simple clogs.

Soda and Boiling Water: If you are not dealing with standing water, just a slow draining sink or tub. After be sure the drain cover is clear of any hair or obvious obstruction, pour one cup of baking soda down the drain and then follow it with three cups of boiling water. You may need to repeat the process a couple of times to fully clear the clog.

Not all clogs can be dislodged with these simple methods. The more stubborn clogs may require the help of a professional plumber who has the tools needed to remove what wasn’t affected by the use of a plunger or the soda and water treatments.

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Clear Your Clogged Pipes Properly and Professionally

December 20th, 2012 Posted in Clearing Clogged Pipes
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A clogged sink drain or toilet can be a real nuisance and even the simplest clogged drain cleaning task can involve technical issues that can make the job challenging for the average home owner to tackle alone. Clogged pipes and drains should be cleared properly and professionally or you will find that they frequently will quickly become clogged again.  In addition, a homeowner can inadvertently cause damage to their plumbing or create a clog that is even more difficult to remove.

Having said that, depending on the type and severity of the blockage in the drain there may be some simple techniques that you can try before calling on the services of a plumber.  Stoppers and strainers in the sinks and bathtub regularly accumulate grime and hair so the first step when you notice that the water is not draining properly is to remove them and give them a good cleaning.

If cleaning the stoppers doesn’t make a difference we turn to the trusted plunger. There is a reason this simple tool has been around for so long and that is because it is highly effective.  A little petroleum jelly on the rim of the plunger can help make a good seal.  Put the plunger into the clogged sink or toilet and carefully but firmly push down on the plunger to force the clog to break loose.

If the plunger doesn’t work, the blockage may be too servere or too far down the line to get to yourself. More specialist tools will be required and you may decide that this the time to call in a plumber. A plumber will know exactly how to remove the entire clog, leaving your pipes in good condition and your water draining freely.

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Preventing Drain Clogs

November 6th, 2012 Posted in Clearing Clogged Pipes
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Everyone has most likely at one time or another had to deal with a clogged drain. These messy nuisances can sometimes be an easy fix, but stubborn clogs require professional drain cleaning by a good plumber. The best way to avoid these aggravating and sometimes expensive clogs is to use some prevention measures to keep them from happening in the first place. 

Watch What Goes Down The Drain

The most common reason drains get clogged is from food, grease, hair and other particles that are allowed to go down the drain. Even small particles can get caught within the pipes and start attracting more and more debris until they clog the drain completely.

  • Food. Make sure to scrape as much food off plates as possible into the garbage. When rinsing them, put in the drain strainer to catch any excess food that comes off and empty the strainer into the garbage.
  • Grease. Never dump grease from a pan into the sink. Dispose of as much grease out of a pan as possible first, then, wipe it out with a paper towel. If possible, run the water until hot, put a small amount into the pan to rinse any greasy residue and dump the water outside.
  • Soap and hair. Bathroom drains are often clogged by small pieces of soap and hair that get into the pipes. Throw away soap once the bar gets too small and clean hair from outside of the drain after each bath or shower. 

By just keeping as many of these particles out of your plumbing as possible, you can prevent most drain clogs from ever happening. Make sure everyone in your household is watching what they allow to go down the drain and you wont have to deal with clogs as often.

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Common Causes for Clogged Drains

October 16th, 2012 Posted in Clearing Clogged Pipes
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Clogged drains are a common issue for plumbers who get calls from residential customers.  This problem can be prevented and costly repairs avoided if homeowners know what should never be put down their drains.  While hair is the most easily recognized culprit, other things are the most common causes of clogged drains.

Grease is the worst culprit of drain clogs because it becomes solidified once it cools, effectively blocking the drain.  Even liquid grease such as vegetable oil can cause issues, but solids are the biggest problem.  Grease should be stored in a container such as a metal or glass jar and thrown away once it has cooled.

Another problem for clogged drains is food, especially with a garbage disposal.  Certain foods are thick and do not grind up as fine and can get stuck in the disposal.  Foods such as celery, potato or apple peels should be thrown away instead of tossed down the disposal.  Coffee grounds and eggshells are actually good for a disposal and do not cause problems with the drain.

Soaps and body lotions can cause problems for drains.  The ingredients in these items cause them to stick to the sides of the drain and build up in the pipes.  If you notice the soap scum that accumulates on your shower walls, this is what it does on the inside of the pipes as well.

If you have a clogged drain, you may be thinking about using a chemical product to remove the clog.  However, you should be careful when using these types of  products because they can cause damage to your system over time.  In addition, if they don’t work you will have a sink full of caustic chemicals to deal with.  The better option is to call a professional plumber to unclog the drain and avoid putting things in it to cause problems.

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