You want to keep all of your home’s plumbing systems and components running efficiently in your Kalispell home. Drain clogs are not uncommon, but with the right cleaning and maintenance, you can significantly decrease the risk of experiencing a clog. There are several questions about drain cleaning that homeowners often have. Once you know the answers, it will be easier to deal with the drains in your home.
1. What Causes Drain Blockages?
A blockage in your drain can be either partial or full. If it is partial, some water may get through, but with a full blockage, no water can flow past the obstruction. Regardless of the obstruction, the water might back up and come back through your home’s drains.
A blockage can occur as a result of many factors, including the buildup of grease, hair, soap scum, and food particles. In some cases, a foreign object, such as a child’s toy, can cause a blockage. If there are many trees on your property, sometimes the roots can cause a blockage after they infiltrate your pipes.
Hard water might also contribute to drain blockages. The sediment and minerals in the water can accumulate over time. As the pipe gets narrow from these deposits, things like hair and soap scum can also latch onto them. Eventually, a clog occurs in the drain.
2. Do I Have a Drain Clog?
Certain signs are common when you have a clog in your drain. You might notice that the fixture is not draining as efficiently as you are used to. There might also be strange odors and gurgling sounds that indicate your drains have something blocking them.
When you are running the water, if there is water pooling around a drain, this could mean that a clog is present. If you flush your toilet and it is not working as usual, there could be a clog in the drain preventing proper flushing.
If you notice the signs of a clog, do not hesitate to call a plumber. The longer a clog goes unchecked, the higher the risk of more extensive plumbing issues in the future.
3. Can You Prevent Drain Clogs?
There are things that you can do to reduce the risk of a clog affecting your drains. First, make sure that you are properly disposing of waste before it gets into your drain. For example, remove any leftover food from your dishes before you rinse them. You should also make sure to dispose of grease so that you are not pouring it down the sink.
There are drain screens that you can use to keep debris out of your drains. A plumber can install these for you so that you know the installation is right. When it comes to your toilet, only flush toilet paper, and no other items such as feminine hygiene products or paper towels should go down it.
Let some hot water flow down your drains about once a month. This can help to dissolve things like soap scum and grease so that they do not cause a clog.
4. Can Natural Remedies Help Drains?
Due to social media, more people are turning to natural remedies to clean a variety of things in their home. This is also true for drains, and many people are curious about the combination of vinegar and baking soda for drain cleaning.
If there is a minor clog, this mixture causes a chemical reaction that could potentially be helpful. However, it is best to call a plumber since they will know exactly what is necessary to clear a clog in your drain.
5. Are Chemical Drain Cleaners Safe?
Many homeowners reach for chemical drain cleaners whenever they notice a drain issue. However, this should not be your first choice. Harsh chemicals make up these cleaners, so they can cause damage to your pipes. This is especially true if you are using them frequently. Due to the chemical composition of these cleaners, they can also harm the environment and potentially pose a risk to pets and children.
It is best to avoid using chemical drain cleaners. If a plumber thinks that they are a viable option, they will come in and use them for you to ensure optimal safety and efficacy.
6. Can I Prevent Tree Root Clogs?
Tree roots disrupting drains is a common problem. If you are planting new trees on your property, make sure that none are close to your plumbing system. You should have a professional evaluate the roots of the trees that are already growing on your property. If they notice any that are at risk for infiltrating your drains, they can recommend proactive solutions to prevent the issue.
7. Can I Prevent Kitchen Blockages?
The best way to prevent kitchen sink drain blockages is to not allow any grease or food to get into your drain. Dispose of these before bringing any dishes to your sink. With your garbage disposal, use it cautiously, and never put a lot of food down it at once. If you do not overload it, you reduce the risk of a blockage occurring.
8. Are There Eco-Friendly Cleaning Methods?
Plain hot water is the most eco-friendly option for cleaning your drains. About once a month, just let some hot water run down all of the drains in your home to discourage clogs from forming. You can also have a plumber install traps so that debris cannot get down into your drains in the first place. If you need something more to keep your drains clean, your plumber can recommend other eco-friendly options.
9. Can DIY Cleaning Cause Damage?
There is a risk for damage to your home’s drainage system if you use DIY methods. The risk is higher when you use methods incorrectly or excessively. For example, using a plunger incorrectly could damage joints or seals. The wrong drain cleaner could cause pipe corrosion. When it comes to your drain system, the safest and most effective way to clean it and deal with issues is to call a plumber.
10. Should I Call a Professional Plumber?
If you have a clog in your drain, especially one that is quickly getting worse, it is best to call a plumber. Trying a variety of DIY methods could possibly cause more damage to your system. A plumber will be able to evaluate your drain and the clog. They will determine the severity of the clog and which of their specialized tools can effectively clear it. Once they finish removing the clog, they will inspect your system to ensure it is now functioning properly.
You should contact a professional about once a year to have drain cleaning and a thorough inspection. They will evaluate the health of your system and let you know if any repairs are necessary. This can prevent blockages and other issues from occurring unexpectedly.
Expert Plumbers in Kalispell
Keeping the drains clear and flowing freely in your Kalispell home takes a bit of work and knowledge. Our team is always here to answer your questions and provide you with all of the drain cleaning and maintenance services that your home requires. We’re also here to assist you with sewer problems and the complete range of HVAC services during any time of the year.
Contact us at Wild West Plumbing, Heating & Cooling in Kalispell today for your important drain cleaning and maintenance questions.
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