A clogged drain is one of the most common plumbing problems homeowners experience. Only becoming more common during the holidays when you might have guests or family members who don’t treat your drains as they would their own.
Below we discuss what can cause a clogged drain so you can avoid this annoying plumbing issue and how to go about unclogging a drain safely.
What Can Cause a Clogged Drain?
Clogged drains can come from numerous sources like hair, soap scum, toiletry products, food scraps, fats, oils, grease, and in some places, even mineral buildup from your local water.
How to Unclog a Drain
If you have a particular drain that is flooding or even just draining slower than expected, it’s essential to address the issue quickly before things get worse.
If you are looking for a quick fix with household materials, try creating your own snake with that old metal hanger in your closet. Straighten the hanger and bend the tip into a hook so you can grab whatever is lodged in the drain.
Some of the best and safest tools you can use when trying to unclog your drain are your plunger and drain snake, both of which can be easily acquired at your local hardware store.
If the hanger trick is failing you, reach for the plunger. Yes, your plunger can be used in places other than your toilet. Ensure your sink or tub has a few inches of water inside and plunge away. However, ensure the plunger has water inside, not air, as this will yield more success.
Avoid using strong chemicals when trying to unclog your drain. If the chemicals sit on the clog, they can aggravate the issue. The chemicals also have the potential to put your health and the health of those around you in danger. Other liquids could have harmful reactions, especially if chemical drain cleaner has already been poured down the drain.
Preventing Clogged Drains
The best you can do to reduce the number of times you experience a clogged drain is to avoid putting materials down that might clog.
If your drain unclogging efforts fail, don’t hesitate to reach out to us, there’s no clog too powerful for the team at Still Waters Plumbing. We can assess the problem, clear and clean the drain, and educate you on how to keep your drains clear in the future. Give us a call at 877-917-5161 today!
