Like most people, you probably don’t think about your drain pipes until they start back up. Unfortunately, it’s often too late by that time, and the pipes have already become severely blocked. In this blog post, AK assainissement explores the causes of clogged drain pipes and the easy ways you can unclog them yourself!
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What are the symptoms of a clogged drain?
Every now and then, it’s normal for your drains to become clogged. However, if you notice any of the following symptoms, it’s time to take action:
Water drains slowly from your sink or tub
The next time you’re in the bath or shower, notice how quickly the water drains. If it takes longer than usual for the water to go down the drain, you may have a clog.
Water that’s backing up into other drains
If you have a clog in your main drain, water can go back into your other drains. For example, if you have a clog in your kitchen sink, you may see the water back up in your bathroom sink.
Your toilet overflows or drains slowly.
It can be a nightmare to have your toilet start to overflow. If you notice it’s draining slowly, there’s a good chance it’s due to a clog.
Sewage or bad smells
Try and identify any smells coming from your drains. If you notice a sewage smell, it’s time to call a professional.
You notice water stains on your ceiling or walls.
Sometimes, clogged drain pipes can cause water to leak through your ceiling or walls. If you see any water stains, it’s time to take action.
Gurgling sounds and foul odors
The most tell-tale sign of a clogged drain is the sound it makes. If you hear gurgling or bubbling, that’s a good indication that your drain is clogged.
What causes clogged drain pipes?
Many things can cause your drain pipes to become clogged. Here are the most common culprits:
Hair
Think again if you thought your hair was only a problem in the shower. Anytime hair goes down the drain, it can become wrapped around the pipes and cause a clog. The worst thing about a hair clog is that it can be very difficult to remove.
Grease and oil
Never pour grease or oil down your drain! These substances will solidify in your pipes and cause a clog down the road.
Soap residue
Even if you’re using biodegradable soap, it can still leave behind a soapy residue that will clog your pipes. Over time, this residue will build up and cause thick blockages.
Food scraps
It’s tempting to just dispose of food scraps by putting them down the drain. However, these scraps can easily become stuck in your pipes and cause a clog. Instead, dispose of food scraps in the trash or compost them.
Coffee grounds
Coffee grounds are one of the most common things people pour down their drains without realizing it. These small particles can easily become stuck in your pipes and cause a clog.
Non-flushable items
There are some things that you should never flush down the toilet, no matter how small they may be. Things like cotton balls, dental floss, and paper towels will cause a clog, so throwing them in the trash is best.
Now that we’ve gone over some of the most common causes of clogged drain pipes, let’s talk about how to fix them!
How to unclog your drain pipes: 5 Easy Fixes
If you think you may have a clogged drain, there are a few things you can do to try and unclog it yourself. Here are some easy fixes to try before calling a professional:
1. Use a plunger.
If you have a plunger, this is usually the first thing you should try. Place the plunger over the drain and push and pull it up and down. Be sure to do this quickly so that the plunger can create suction.
The trick is to create a seal so that the plunger can generate enough pressure to push the clog through. If you don’t think you’re doing it right, watch a few tutorial videos online. But if this doesn’t work, move on to the next method.
2. Pour boiling water.
Sometimes, all you need is a pot of boiling water to dislodge a clog. Pour the boiling water down the drain and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, try running the water again to see if the clog has been removed.
You can try mixing baking soda and vinegar if this doesn’t work. Just pour ½ cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by ½ cup vinegar. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes before running hot water down the drain.
3. Use a wire hanger.
Did you know you can use a wire hanger to unclog your drain? Just straighten out the hanger and make sure there are no sharp edges. Then, insert it into the drain and try to hook the clog.
Once you’ve hooked the clog, pull it out of the drain. Make sure to dispose of it properly, so it doesn’t cause another clog down the road. However, it must be noted that this method only works if the clog is within reach.
4. Use a drain snake.
A drain snake is a long, flexible rod that you insert into the drain to try and reach the clog. You can usually find them at your local hardware store.
To use a drain snake, insert it into the drain and turn it clockwise. This will help to loosen the clog to pull it out.
Drain snakes are typically used for more serious clogs further down the drain. So if the other methods haven’t worked, this is worth a try.
5. Call a professional.
If you’ve tried all the above methods and nothing is working, it’s time to call a professional. A plumber or sanitation technician can quickly identify the problem, conduct a DEGORGEMENT, and unclog your drain.
Can you use harsh chemicals to unclog a drain?
Most people have a cabinet full of harsh chemicals that they use for cleaning. However, you should never use these chemicals to unclog your drain.
Harsh chemicals can damage your pipes and cause serious health problems if inhaled. They can also be dangerous if used incorrectly. So it’s best to avoid them altogether.
People don’t realize that these chemicals also eat away at your pipes, causing them to deteriorate more quickly.
Which chemicals are safe to use?
There are a few chemicals that are considered safe to use for unclogging drains. These include:
• Baking soda and vinegar
• Boiling water
• Lemon juice
• Saltwater
You can also buy specialty drain cleaners that are considered safe at the store. Just be sure to read the label carefully to make sure it won’t damage your pipes.
What causes clogged sewer lines?
Once in a while, you may have a clog that is so severe that it backs up into your sewer line. This is usually caused by tree roots growing into the pipe or an object flushed down the toilet that gets stuck.
If you think you have a clogged sewer line, you must call a professional immediately. While you may be tempted to try and unclog it yourself, this is a job for a professional.
They have the tools and experience to quickly identify the problem and unclog your sewer line without causing any damage.
Final Thoughts
Most minor clogs can be fixed with a plunger or a drain snake. However, more severe clogs may require the help of a professional.
If you find yourself with a clogged drain, try one of the methods above before calling a professional. But remember not to force anything and to call the professionals for CURAGE CANALISATION if the clog is still there after trying a few methods.
