Drain Cleaning Explained
Caring for your plumbing and drain system in your home is an essential part of home ownership. Understanding how to properly care for drains is something every homeowner must understand. The following information will explain what to expect when a clog occurs, how to clear it yourself and when to know when to call in a professional.
Sooner or later, you will experience a clogged drain. Most often, drains can be unclogged with a liquid drain cleaner. These cleaners emulsify soap scum build up, hair and other obstructions in the drain pipes. If a drain cleaner will not clear a clog, you may need to snake your pipe to remove the clog.
The largest drain in your home is the sewer line. Many people go years paying little to no attention to their drain lines until a disaster strikes. You can help avoid this by having your drainage system inspected annually. A certified plumbing specialist will come out and look for any potential problems before they result in a sewage disaster.
Clogs seem to occur at the most inconvenient times. Clogs can be caused by accidents, lack of proper maintenance or severe weather. When this occurs, it is essential that you act quickly. In fact, clogged drains and continually running toilets are the two leading causes of preventable water damage in the home.
Although the most common drain that occurs in the home is the toilet, other drains can also become clogged. For example, a bathtub drain can become clogged if hair and soap scum build up in the plumbing trap. Kitchen sink drain clogs are often caused by oil and food particle build up in the drain line.
If you experience a drain, the first thing you should do is try to purge the clog using hot water. If this doesn't work, grab a bottle of liquid drain cleaner to see if it will remove the clog. If the clog is stubborn and cannot be cleared with the two methods described above, it is time to call a professional plumber. The plumber has the experience and tools needed to clear even the most stubborn clogs.
The drainage system in your home is vital to your health and safety. When a clog occurs, it can cause sewage to back up into your home, which can result in a variety of illness as well as damage to your home's structure. Understanding how to deal with a clog and acting quickly can help avoid potential health risks.