Clogged drains are an unfortunate reality that every homeowner will have to deal with at some point. Some of these clogs end up being pretty minor and are able to be fixed within minutes, while others might be significantly more complicated and require professional assistance to clear the blockage.
It is in your best interest to try to avoid clogging your drains at all. To be able to successfully avoid clogs, you should understand the kinds of issues that are most likely to lead to clogs in the first place. With this in mind, here are some common clogged drain causes in Modesto, CA:
- Bathroom sinks: If you’ve got a clog in your bathroom sink drain, the most likely cause is a buildup of soap scum that binds with dead skin, dirt, hair and toothpaste. You should first remove and clean the drain stopper and see if that helps water go down the drain at all. If not, proceed to using a drain plunger. If that doesn’t work, you can shut off the water and remove the drain elbow joint and clean it out at that section. This is where there’s most likely a blockage.
- Clogged toilets: Clogged toilets are no fun to deal with. They frequently occur when people attempt to flush items that aren’t designed to go down a drain, such as feminine hygiene products, floss, diaper wipes and cotton swabs. Your first method of unclogging should be to use a plunger, but if that doesn’t work you may need to use a drain auger to reach a couple feet down into the drain pipe to break up items. If you don’t want to purchase a drain auger, you can call a plumbing professional who will have the equipment already and know how to use it. But the best way to prevent this issue from happening is to only put items down the drain that are supposed to go there.
- Kitchen sinks: Kitchen sinks are most likely to clog as a result of a buildup of food or grease, as well as soap scum. You can first try to run hot water down the drain to soften up the clog, and add a bit of dish detergent. Try using a plunger after that, and repeat the hot water as needed. If this process doesn’t work, you can use a chemical drain cleaner, but with how bad this type of product is for the environment, you may wish to make that your last resort. To avoid this problem, put kitchen grease and oil into a separate container and let it solidify, then throw it into the garbage. Also, don’t put large chunks of food into your garbage disposal—that’s not what it’s designed to handle.
These are just some of the most common causes of clogged drains that you might experience around your home in the bathroom and kitchen. For more information about the best methods of removing or entirely avoiding these clogs, or to schedule septic service in Modesto, CA, contact Alvarado Pumping Septic Service today.