Being a homeowner requires a great amount of responsibility, and occasionally, a lot of money. If you’re like the majority of homeowners, you’re very often looking for ways to reduce expenses. By checking out your home’s drains frequently, and by adhering to the suggestions that follow, you can prevent almost all clogs and defray plumbing repair expenses.

Why do drains get clogged?

All home plumbing drains are at risk of stopping up. Kitchen sinks stop up from kitchen oil and grease. The grease on your dishes that seems to vanish in liquid dish soap really only melts away temporarily, but sticks tightly to the inside of pipes when the water leaves the sink. Tiny pieces of food that end up in the drain adhere to the sides, and eventually, the sink stops up. Bathroom sinks and bathtubs collect soap residue, oils, and waxes from the everyday products we use. These residues adhere to the pipes similar to the grease in the kitchen drain. Hair gets stuck in the pipes and a clog forms.

What can I do to prevent clogs?

Put a drain screen over any open drain. This prevents pieces of food or hair from being washed down the drain. Clean the drain screen often, preferably after each time you use the sink or tub. For sinks with pop-up stoppers, always keep the stoppers clean. Let grease cool and solidify in the pan after cooking. Wipe as much as you can out of the pan into the garbage. Every week, pour steaming water down the drains in your home to clean residue that might have stayed in your pipes. Every 3 months, pour a combination of 2 cups baking soda and 1 cup vinegar down each sink drain. After half an hour, pour steaming water into the drain. Wait a few minutes and then pour cold water into the drain to remove any residue.

How can I unclog a drain?

To dissolve minor clogs, drop three Alka-Seltzer tabs directly into the open drain. Add a cup of vinegar in after the tablets. Once the bubbling finishes flush with hot or boiling water. You can use a plunger if necessary to make the process a little faster. A plunger is your next step in clearing a clog. Be sure to cover the overflow hole in the sink or bathtub so that the pressure will be more effective. A natural drain cleaner is your next step to clear the clog. There are quite a few “green” drain cleaners you can purchase. You shouldn’t use drain cleaners that contain chemicals. The chemicals can damage the pipes and the environment.

When should I call a Pro?

You’ve tried the suggested ways to clear your clogged drain, but it’s just not working. This is the time to call upon professional plumbing services. Residential plumbing specialists are easy to find. To ensure that you get what you pay for, choose a licensed home plumbing company that’s listed with the Better Business Bureau.