Drain and Sewer Cleaning Tips

When it comes to plumbing issues, one of the most common complaints from homeowners is clogged drains. From the kitchen, to the bathroom, to your sinks, bathtubs, and toilets, drains are bound to become clogged and will require cleaning out. Drains require a continuous flow of water in order to properly function and flush away to the sewer. Most often, homeowners do not realize that clogs are preventable by following a few simple tips.

Clogged Drains are Preventable

Kitchen and bathroom drain clogs are preventable. In kitchen sinks, place a filter/strainer in the drain to prevent large food particles from going down the drain. It is important to remember not to pour grease down sinks, as it will coat the inside of the pipes causing blockages. In the bathroom, a filter can also be used in the tub or shower to help drains from becoming clogged with hair. Finally, to prevent toilets from clogging, ensure that only human waste is flushed. Although there are products labeled as flushable, toilets will become clogged by continued use overtime.

Liquid Drain Cleaners

Contrary to popular belief, liquid drain cleaners should be avoided for clearing out clogs. Although pouring a bottle of cleaner down the drain sounds easy enough, in reality, liquid drain cleaners contain a harmful chemical called hydrochloric acid. This acid, overtime, will eat away and damage pipes. For minor clogs, it is best to purchase a drain snake from a hardware or home improvement store. If the drain is still not functioning properly, it is time to call a plumber. For major clogs, calling a plumber will need to be your first option so as to prevent further issues.

Preventative Maintenance

Although plumbers are helpful in an emergency, they can also help with preventative maintenance for your drains and sewer. With the ability to come out annually and inspect and clean drains, plumbers help to identify any issues before they become costly emergencies. If a problem is identified they can help you with creating a plan to solve the issue.

If your home has not had drain and sewer cleaning, contact The Polite Plumber and let us help you. With our state-of-the-art equipment, we can get things flowing smoothly again. Our drain cleaning services include drain snaking and hydro-jetting, as well as camera inspections and more. As always, we'll never ask how it happened!