Are you a new homeowner in St.Petersburg, FL? If so, you’re likely going to have to deal with a clogged drain from time to time.
Clogged drains are a common household problem. They can cause frustration and inconvenience. A clogged drain can prevent water from draining properly and can even cause water damage to your home.
Fortunately, many clogged drain problems can be easily prevented or fixed.
In this article, we will discuss the common causes of this type of household problem and what you can do to prevent or fix them before calling professional plumbing services. Keep reading to learn more.
Hair
Over time, hair can build up in your drains and cause a blockage. If you have a clogged drain that’s caused by hair, here are some steps you can take to remove the blockage:
Step 1: Remove Visible Hair
Start by removing any visible hair from the drain. You can do this by using a pair of tweezers or pliers to pull out the hair. Be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands from any bacteria that may be present in the drain.
Step 2: Use a Plunger
If there’s still standing water in the drain, try using a plunger to dislodge the blockage. Place the plunger over the drain so that it creates a seal. Then, push and pull the plunger to create pressure and dislodge the blockage.
Step 3: Use a Drain Snake
If the plunger doesn’t work, try using a drain snake. Insert the drain snake into the drain and twist it to break up the blockage. Then, pull the drain snake out of the drain and flush the drain with hot water.
Step 4: Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
If the clog is not completely removed, try using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to soften the blockage. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, and then flush the drain with hot water.
Step 5: Prevent Future Clogs
To prevent future clogs caused by hair, use a drain cover or strainer in your sink or shower. These devices can catch hair before it goes down the drain and causes a blockage.
Soap Scum
Another common cause of clogged drains is soap scum buildup. Soap scum is a mixture of soap, mineral deposits, and oils that can accumulate in your drain and cause a blockage. If you have a clogged drain that’s caused by soap scum, here are some steps you can take to remove the blockage:
Step 1: Remove Visible Debris
Start by removing any visible debris from the drain. You can do this by using a pair of tweezers or pliers to pull out the debris. Be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands from any bacteria that may be present in the drain.
Step 2: Use Hot Water
Next, pour hot water down the drain. Hot water can help dissolve soap scum and flush it out of your pipes. If the blockage is severe, you may need to repeat this step several times.
Step 3: Use a Drain Snake
If the blockage is still not removed, try using a drain snake. Insert the drain snake into the drain and twist it to break up the blockage. Then, pull the drain snake out of the drain and flush the drain with hot water.
Step 4: Prevent Future Clogs
Using a drain cover or strainer in your sink or shower can also help prevent soap scum buildup. These devices can catch debris before it goes down the drain and causes a blockage.
Food Waste
If you have a kitchen sink that’s draining slowly, it may be clogged with food waste. Food particles can accumulate in your drain and cause a blockage over time.
Here are some steps you can take to remove the blockage and get your sink draining properly again:
Step 1: Remove Visible Debris
Start by removing any visible debris from the drain. You can do this by using a pair of tweezers or pliers to pull out the debris. Be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands from any bacteria that may be present in the drain.
Step 2: Use Hot Water
Next, pour hot water down the drain. Hot water can help dissolve food particles and flush them out of your pipes. If the blockage is severe, you may need to repeat this step several times.
Step 3: Use a Plunger
If the blockage is still not removed, try using a plunger. Fill the sink with enough water to cover the plunger, and then plunge the drain vigorously. Repeat this process several times until the blockage is removed.
Step 4: Use a Drain Snake
If the blockage is still not removed, try using a drain snake. Insert the drain snake into the drain and twist it to break up the blockage. Then, pull the drain snake out of the drain and flush the drain with hot water.
Step 5: Prevent Future Clogs
To prevent future clogs caused by food waste, avoid putting large amounts of food particles down the drain. Use a sink strainer to catch food particles and dispose of them in the trash. Avoid pouring cooking oil or grease down the drain, as this can solidify and cause a blockage.
Hard Water
If you notice that your sink or shower drain is draining slowly, hard water buildup may be the culprit. Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can accumulate in your pipes and cause a blockage over time.
Here are some steps you can take to remove the blockage and restore proper drainage:
Step 1: Boil Water
Boil a pot of water and carefully pour it down the drain. The hot water can help dissolve and dislodge any mineral buildup that’s causing the blockage.
Step 2: Use Vinegar
Pour a cup of white vinegar down the drain and let it sit for 30 minutes. The acidity of the vinegar can help break down the mineral buildup and dislodge it from the pipes.
Step 3: Rinse with Hot Water
After the baking soda has had time to sit, flush the drain with hot water to rinse away any remaining mineral buildup.
Step 4: Prevent Future Buildup
To prevent future buildup of hard water minerals in your drains, consider installing a water softener system.
Water softeners can remove minerals from your water supply, preventing them from accumulating in your pipes and causing blockages. You can also use a monthly drain cleaner designed specifically for hard water buildup to help keep your drains flowing smoothly.
Foreign Objects
Foreign objects such as toys, jewelry, and hair ties can accidentally make their way into your drain and cause a blockage. If you suspect that a foreign object is causing your drain to clog, follow these steps to remove it:
Step 1: Turn off the Water
Before attempting to remove the foreign object, turn off the water supply to the affected drain. This will prevent any additional water from pushing the object deeper into the pipes.
Step 2: Locate the Blockage
Use a flashlight to locate the blockage in the drain. If the object is visible, you may be able to use a pair of pliers or tweezers to grasp and remove it. Be careful not to push the object further into the pipes.
Step 3: Use a Plunger
If the foreign object is not visible, try using a plunger to remove the blockage. Place the plunger over the drain and create a tight seal. Then, push and pull the plunger up and down vigorously to dislodge the object.
Step 4: Use a Drain Snake
If the plunger doesn’t work, try using a drain snake. Insert the snake into the drain and turn the handle clockwise until it catches the object. Then, gently pull the snake back up to remove the object from the drain.
Step 5: Call a Professional
If you’re unable to remove the foreign object using these methods, it’s time to call a plumber. Attempting to remove the object with excessive force can cause damage to your pipes and make the problem worse.
A professional local plumber will have the tools and expertise necessary to safely and effectively remove the object without causing further damage.
A Guide to Dealing with Clogged Drains
There’s nothing fun about plumbing problems. Fortunately, this guide to dealing with clogged drains will help make a frustrating situation a little less stressful.
Please contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our clogged drain specialists at Home Team Plumping in the St.Petersburg, FL area.
