Keeping your home clean and well-maintained is a lifelong project. You make sure all surfaces are free of dust mites and dirt. You sweep and mop the floor to rid of all harmful bacteria. You spend hard earned cash and long hours researching on professionals to keep your carpet looking spotless. Materials such as pillowcases, curtains and rugs, that attract allergens are changed weekly. Kitchen and bathroom counters are wiped down regularly to maintain a healthy environment around your home.
However, more often than not, the REAL problem can lie deep in the areas not visible to the naked eye. You may not be aware of the damage until it’s almost too late. This often overlooked problem that may have a significant impact on your home and your health is the problem of drain blockage.
Small objects, food, grease, hair and hair care products can slowly and gradually accumulate inside the pipes, obstructing the flow of water. When blocked drains are not cleaned regularly as part of your home maintenance, the residue can lead to a number of complications that will affect you and your property.
Here’s one experience I had,
“I had a clog that was so stubborn, I mean would not unclog with chemicals for more than a day or didn’t budge with a low cost homeowners grade snake, so I invested in a power assisted hand auger. After a solid 20-30 minutes and a few tests to check drainage, still nothing. At the end of my small DIY budget. I finally called a plumber. The solutions that I didn’t have, a commercial grade plumber’s auger, did the trick in 5 minutes flat. Talk about shock. I quickly asked what did I, 6 year USAF veteran USAF veteran construction generalist (so I know plumbing), 4+ year building inspector, where was my lack in knowledge or skill that he displayed in his short time at my kitchen sink. The difference was in the tools. His auger cost him hundreds while mine $30. What took me experience to learn was not to put real food scraps in the garbage disposal. I didn’t realize the debris buildup that was occurring in the pipes that only a plumber’s auger could break through.”
The causes of clogged drains can vary depending on the room. Feminine hygiene products, cotton-tipped swabs, dental floss, and diaper wipes can cause bathroom clogs, while kitchen sink drains clog when cooking grease or oil cake onto drain pipe walls.
The little stuff adds up. If not cleaned regularly, your drain will not drain properly and you may have a pricey repair bill. So what can you do to prevent clogged drains from happening in the first place?
- Place mesh drain stoppers over all of your drains – especially bathtub or shower drains – to catch hair, food particles, and other gunk.
- Brush your hair immediately before showering or taking a bath to help remove loose hair.
- Wash pets outside when the weather is warm enough. Once it turns cold, lay a wash cloth over the shower drain to catch excess hair and dispose of the hair later in the garbage. You can also try considering a washtub for pet washing.
- Reduce your dependence on the garbage disposal and start a compost bin. Not only does this help save water and energy, but you’re putting fewer solid, sticky substances down the drain that can potentially create a clog.
- Don’t treat your drains like a garbage can! Your garbage disposal, toilet, sinks, and other drains in your home simply aren’t meant to accommodate certain items. When it doubt throw it out!
Think you can unclog your drain without hiring a professional? You can! Check out our handy dandy shopping list that’ll provide you products to help unclog your drain.
Mix 1/3rd of a cup of baking soda with 1/3rd of a cup of vinegar in a measuring cup. It will fizz immediately, and you should waste no time pouring it down the clogged drain. The fizzing action will help to remove the gunk, hair, and grime that has built up in the pipe. If your toilet is clogged, pour 1/4 cup of dish detergent in the bowl. Then boil some water. The dish soap will act as a lubricant and help break up any greasy residue. Then pour the hot water down, and get ready to start plunging.
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