A clogged drain can be one of the most frustrating and unpleasant problems that homeowners face. If left unattended, clogged drains can lead to flooding, mold and mildew growth, and a host of other issues. However, there are some simple things that you can do to keep your drains running smoothly and prevent a clog from developing.
Don’t Use Harsh Chemical Drain Cleaners: These cleaners can damage your pipes and are dangerous for you, your children and pets. In addition, they can leave behind a sticky residue that’s difficult to remove from your clothes.
Instead, if your drain is clogged, try using hot water and dish soap to help loosen the clog and eat away at it. A little bit of baking soda can also help if you don’t want to use harsh chemicals.
Use a Plunger to Get Rid of Small Clogs: It’s tempting to reach for a plunger to get rid of smaller clogs in your sink or tub. But don’t forget that there are different types of plungers for different drains, so it’s important to make sure you’re using the correct plunger for the job. Cup plungers are designed for sinks and drains with a flat surface around them, while flange plungers work best for toilets.
Don’t Throw Grease and Oil Down the Drain: This is a mistake that too many people make, and can lead to clogs that are hard to get rid of. By storing any grease or oil in a container first before throwing it down the drain, you’ll reduce the risk of a clog and ensure that you can easily remove it.
Avoid Putting Any Food Down the Drain: This is an easy way to prevent a clog from developing in your drain, especially when you run the garbage disposal. Don’t put things like eggshells, stringy vegetables and foods that expand with water down the drain.
Pour a mixture of salt and baking soda down your drain: Mixing the two together makes a powerful cleaning agent for your drains that can break down and unclog any blockage you might have. The best part is that this combination won’t leave a chemical smell in your home, which is often the case with harsh, chemical drain cleaning in Long Beach.
Pull Out the Junk and Gunk: Rotting debris, hair, leftover liquids, saliva, and personal cleaning products can all build up to form a nasty clog in your drain. If this clog isn’t easily removed with hot water and dish soap, you can try pulling it out with a store-purchased plastic wand or a wire coat hanger bent like a hook.
You’ll need to be careful, though, because the hair and gunk you pull out will probably bring up some other stuff that will need to be cleaned as well!
Another great tip to prevent clogs is to never flush anything that isn’t supposed to go down the toilet, such as paper towels or diapers. If you’re not sure what should or shouldn’t go down the drain, check with your local plumbers about which types of materials are safe to flush down the toilet and how long they can be in there before they break down and clog the drain.
How to Know When It’s Time to Call a Drain Cleaning Service in Long Beach
