A clogged drain is a common occurrence, and not, as they say, the end of the world. But they are annoying, and often require the help of a plumbing service. However, many clogged drain issues can be fixed easily, you can prevent them from happening again. The important thing is to know some of the causes of clogged drains.
Most bathroom drain clogs are caused when dirt, hair, soap scum and residue build up on the walls of drain pipes. Over time, it accumulates, reducing the water flow. In order to fix this, remove and clean the drain stopper, plunge as needed, and try a drain opener. However, if this doesn?t work or if the problem reoccurs soon after you fix it, call a professional.
A clogged drain in the toilet is extremely inconvenient and can be rather unsanitary and malodorous. The primary cause of toilet blockages is items that should not be flushed because they do not break down in water. For example, dental floss, pre-moistened towelettes, feminine hygiene products, and cotton-tipped swabs, are items that people commonly flush down the toilet; however, they should be wrapped in tissue if necessary and disposed of in the trash.
Kitchen sink drains get clogged when cooking grease, and oil build up on pipe walls. In addition to grease, soap scum and other residue can add to the problem. You?ll likely notice slow drainage first, then complete blockage. The best way to deal with this issue is to start with hot water and detergent, then move on to drain opener. Again, if that doesn?t work, call for professional help. To prevent this issue in the future, don?t pour grease down the drain; put it in a can or other disposable container and once it has solidified, throw it in the trash.
In spite of at-home troubleshooting and preventative measures, sometimes a clogged drain just won?t stay unclogged. If this is the case, hire a plumber to inspect the pipes and connections, ensure that everything is properly installed, and take further measures than most of us can do on our own, such as using a sewer snake. Drain pipe venting and slope also affect the way drains work and it may be that you would benefit from some new pipe installation.
Two options for pipe for sewer repair or plumbing repair are ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) and PVC (polyvinyl chloride). ABS is readily available, relatively inexpensive, and a common choice for residential drain and vent lines. It can be installed indoors or outdoors, above or under the ground. PVC sewer pipe and fittings are used just like ABS pipe; however, there are specific types of PVC used just for drains to ensure they have the proper sweeps for drainage. There are pros and cons to each and, along with your research, be sure you choose a plumber that can help you decide which is best for you.