December 24, 2019 by Alexender Schoitiz

How To Unclog Your Drain

It’s bound to happen to Ladue homeowners sooner or later—a clogged drain. Although clogged drains are often a nuisance, they can many times be managed at home with inexpensive solutions.

Our team at Rapid Response Company wants to share some affordable, effective ways to unclog a home drain as well as tips on preventing the problem in the future.

What causes clogged drains?

• Clogged drains can occur in various parts of our homes, from kitchen sinks to bathroom drains. Several factors contribute to drain blockages, including the buildup of hair, grease, soap scum, hard water minerals, and even flushing non-flushable items down the toilet.

• Hair is a particularly common culprit, especially in shower and bathroom sinks, as strands easily get entangled and form clumps that obstruct the flow of water. Grease and food particles are notorious for causing drain clogs in kitchen sinks, as they can solidify over time and create stubborn blockages. Soap scum, formed by the combination of soap and hard water, can gradually accumulate and restrict the drainage capacity of pipes.

• The minerals present in hard water can also contribute to the development of deposits, further impeding water flow.

• Additionally, flushing items such as cotton swabs, baby wipes, or feminine hygiene products down the toilet can result in drain blockages, causing inconvenience and potential plumbing issues.

Home Remedies

• Before you run to the store for a harsh, commercial drain cleaner, try some of these gentler methods of unclogging a drain. The chemical drain cleaners may be ineffective, can damage your pipes in the long run, and are not always healthy for your family or the environment.

• Pull out any visible clogs from the sink itself first. Then, you can pour boiling water down the drain with some salt. This can be effective for grease clogs. For some additional power, let a fizzy mix of vinegar and baking soda sit in the drain for a few minutes before adding the boiling water.

• For toilet clogs, use a quality plunger and be sure you have a good seal to maximize the suction. You could also try a drain snake or an auger, but be sure you use a properly sized tool for the specific job.

• For washing machine clogs, you can try an enzyme-based drain cleaner to eat through the clog.

• If you are mechanically inclined, try to empty the drain trap under sinks.

• When these remedies don’t work, you need a professional plumber to handle the issue. Call our Tony LaMartina Plumbing Company Inc. plumbers to come out and help.

Preventive Measures

Taking proactive measures to prevent drain clogs can save you time, money, and the hassle of dealing with drainage issues. Here are some tips to keep your drains flowing smoothly:

• Install drain screens in sinks, tubs, and showers to catch hair, food debris, and other potential clog-causing substances before they enter the pipes. Clean the screens regularly to prevent buildup and ensure optimal water flow.

• Regularly flush your drains with hot water. Boiling hot water helps break down grease, soap scum, and other residues that can accumulate inside the pipes. Consider doing this monthly or as part of your regular cleaning routine.

• Be mindful of what you dispose of down the drain. Avoid pouring grease, oil, or food scraps down the kitchen sink, as they can solidify and cause blockages. Dispose of these substances in the trash or, in the case of grease, collect it in a container and discard it properly.

• Practice proper maintenance of your plumbing system. This includes regular inspection of pipes, checking for leaks, and addressing any plumbing issues promptly.

• If you suspect a buildup of hard water minerals, consider using water softeners or descaling agents to prevent deposits from forming inside the pipes.

• By incorporating these preventive measures into your household routines, you can minimize the risk of future drain clogs and maintain a healthy plumbing system.

Call Us to Unclog Your Drain

If you can’t unclog your drain yourself, call Rapid Response Plumbing Company in Port Washington, NY. Our professional plumbers would be happy to come out and take care of the problem quickly and efficiently. Call 314-403-2980 or contact us online today.

Sam George, Software Engineer