| Clogged Drains |
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The Simple Plunger Very often the faithful plunger is enough to do the job. Several plunges are usually enough to dislodge the debris and allow it to float away. Washing Soda Another time tested trick for grease build up is washing soda and water. Dissolve 1lb washing soda into 3 gallons of boiling water and pour down the drain. This simple trick can save you time and money. It quickly dissolves grease and hair build up without causing damage to the pipes.
Baking Soda and Vinegar As a kid, you discovered this fun concoction in rocket building. Pour ½ cup baking soda down the drain. Add ½ cup of white vinegar and let sit for several minutes. If possible, cover the drain. The mixture breaks down the fatty acids and allows the clog to dislodge and go down the drain. It is important to remember to do this before, and not in conjunction with any commercial drain opener.
Salt and Baking Soda Another inexpensive solution to try is Salt and Baking soda. Pour equal parts salt and baking soda down the drain and follow with boiling water. After sitting several hours, or over night, flush with more hot water.
Commercial Drain Openers If these less invasive solutions fail, there are many commercial drain openers on the market that can do the trick. These are very corrosive, harmful to the environment and should be used on a limited basis. Most of them contain sodium hydroxide which reacts with the water and generates heat, melting the grease build up. Ultimately, they do the same thing as the old home remedies, faster but with some risk. Be certain to read and follow all the instructions carefully. There are also some eco-friendly commercial drain openers that use natural enzymes to break up clogs. The Auger If these have failed to solve the problem, there is still more you can do. The next simple step is try to remove the clog through the cleanout. These fittings, which are usually “Y” or “T” shaped, are set at a 90 degree angle from the drain pipe and capped with threaded caps that can be unscrewed. From this access, you can easily run an auger to clear the drain. Augers, also called snakes, can be rented from most home improvement stores as well as rental outlets. As you push, or crank, the cable it should dislodge the stubborn clog and push it toward the drain.
Call in the Troops It is important to know when to get a professional to handle the problem. If the simple less invasive methods fail, calling a licensed professional is money well spent. The money homeowners attempt to save on plumbing repairs often ends up spent on further repairs caused by trying to fix the problem themselves. If all else fails, you can find a pre-screened plumbing expert at 10besttuscon.com
Prevention The best drain opener by far is always, prevention. Once you have had the arduous task of unclogging a drain, you will want to prevent future clogs. Never poor grease down the sink as this not only adheres to the pipes but also any other debris in the pipe. This build up can quickly cause messy and expensive problems. Another great, and simple, preventative measure is to install drain strainers that catch hair and other particles before they go into the drain and become lodged Trackback(0)
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It is likely that you have or someday soon will have to deal with the mess of a clogged drain. The system of pipes, traps and cleanouts are largely “out of sight, out of mind.” That is, until some unpleasant problem makes itself known. When plumbing problems arise, the often panic stricken homeowner has two choices: Do it yourself, or hire a professional. All drains can become clogged with hair, grease, food or other residue. Certainly, there are times when it is necessary to call a plumbing professional but for a clogged drain; there are a few simple tricks to try before making the call. 
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