Preventative maintenance is essential to avoid damaging clogs and hazardous backups in your drains and pipes, especially in an older plumbing system. By moderating what goes down your drains, you will have a better chance of preventing clogs and keeping your drains free to do their jobs efficiently. One way to effectively counteract drain clogs is to regularly clean out your drain strainers and stoppers, removing natural debris, including hair, sediment, food, grime, and other clinging build-up that inhibit draining. Learn more from the premier drain cleaning company in Denver, and beyond, Blue Sky Plumbing.
Common Drain Blockers
Regardless of where your wastewater goes – to the local treatment plant or a septic system – here are several things that should not, under any circumstances, get flushed down the toilet or poured down a sink drain:
- Grease
- Diapers
- Feminine hygiene products
- Hair
- Cooking Oil
- Food (without a functioning sink disposal)
- Coffee Grounds
- Wax
- Toothpaste
- Paper
- Dirt
- Liquid Soap
- Hard Water Mineral Deposits
Hazardous Materials
Unless the sewage treatment system can handle these harmful materials, they can inhibit proper treatment and cause pollutants to be released into the environment.
- Gasoline
- Antifreeze
- Paints
- Pesticides
- Fertilizer
- Motor Oil
Easy Solutions for Unclogging Drains
Every sink, tub, and toilet drain behaves like a trap that prevents sewer gas backflow into your house. The “trap,” or S-bend, is where most clogs will form. First, you should inspect the trap to locate the blockage. Much of the time, clogs (including those caused by paper products) will resolve themselves in a matter of time; however, if time is not on your side or the clog is too severe, try some of these solutions:
The Trusty Plunger
Plungers are good for more than removing toilet drain blockages. Apply some petroleum jelly to the rim to increase suction. DO NOT use the toilet plunger for your sink drain or store the sink plunger with the toilet plunger.
Drain Snakes
Otherwise known as plumbers’ augers, drain snakes can “hook” the blockage, break it up, or remove it partially or entirely from the drain.
Enzymes
There are many safe and all-natural enzyme and bacteria treatments available to combat drain clogs. These microorganisms can break down or eat natural waste. Use this treatment once a month for best results.
Chemical Drain Cleaners (Not Recommended)
Chemical drain cleaners are useful at disrupting clogs; however, they are toxic, corrosive, and terrible for the environment. Use chemicals only as a last resort. Regular use can cause your pipes to corrode.
Bring in the Experts
If the clog is still not budging after attempting the previous suggestions, it may be time to bring in the experts at Blue Sky Plumbing for a plumbing inspection in Denver Metro! For more information, call us or contact us online today!
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