CLOGGED DRAIN? WE FIX IT TODAY!
TIPS & TRICKS
Some neighborly advice to help you avoid those unwanted plumbing problems!
GARBAGE DISPOSALS
Garbage disposals can be a fantastic addition to your home, but they do come with hidden costs. They are designed to handle small amounts of leftover food from plates that may end up in the sink, focusing on minimal food waste. However, when food waste enters the sewer line, it can lead to grease buildup, which over time may cause clogs, resulting in a costly call for help. To prevent unwanted expenses, be sure to run plenty of water while using your disposal and after. Additionally, try to scrape your plates into the trash; these simple steps can save you money in the long run!
DISH SOAP
You know that famous blue dish soap that the commercials show being used on ducks? Yup, that dish soap is DAWN and no we are not sponsored by them (although we would accept an invitation). This product is great for drains that take food waste like the kitchen sink. Our tip is every once in a while when you do your dishes you should run hot water for 10 minutes and use a quarter cup of that blue dish soap. Doing this will help break down unwanted grease build up in your sinks waste arms and sewer line.
note: After every sink we clear we make sure our technician demonstrates this process for our customers too see.
Overloading System
A slow draining toilet, backed-up shower, or sluggish bathtub drain can sometimes be caused by a partial blockage in your sewer line. In the drain cleaning industry, these are often referred to as "soft clogs" because they are typically made up of accumulated waste, toilet paper, soap residue, or other organic material that has narrowed the pipe but not completely blocked it.
Before scheduling professional drain cleaning service, there is a simple method homeowners can try to help restore flow.
If the issue appears to be affecting a bathroom, begin by running water into the bathtub or shower until it starts to back up. Continue filling the tub until it is approximately one-half to three-quarters full. Once the desired water level is reached, flush the toilet.
Because water weighs approximately 8 pounds per gallon, the additional volume and weight of water moving through the drain system can sometimes create enough force to push a partial blockage through the sewer line and restore proper drainage.
Important Safety Tips
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Keep a wet vacuum nearby if available.
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Have several towels ready in case water escapes from the toilet base.
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Stop immediately if water begins overflowing from any plumbing fixture.
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If multiple drains throughout the home are backing up, the problem may be a larger sewer line blockage that requires professional attention.
If the drain remains slow after attempting this method, a professional drain cleaning or sewer camera inspection may be necessary to identify the cause of the blockage and prevent future backups.
Push Connect Fittings
Push-to-connect fittings, often referred to as SharkBite® fittings, are a popular option for quick plumbing repairs because they can connect pipes without soldering, glue, or special tools.
These fittings work well for temporary repairs, emergency leak situations, and accessible locations such as garages or utility rooms where they can be easily monitored.
However, they are generally not the preferred choice for long-term installations in high-risk areas. Push-to-connect fittings should be avoided in underground applications, areas exposed to direct sunlight or UV rays, and locations where a leak could cause significant
property damage.
For permanent plumbing repairs, professionally installed copper or PEX piping is often the more reliable long-term solution. When used correctly, push-to-connect fittings can be a helpful repair option, but choosing the right application is key to preventing future plumbing issues.
Wet Wipes
Many wet wipes are marketed as "flushable," but that does not mean they break down like toilet paper. Unlike toilet paper, which is designed to quickly dissolve in water, wet wipes can remain intact as they travel through your plumbing system.
Over time, flushable wipes can become caught on rough spots, roots, grease buildup, or existing debris inside drain and sewer lines. As more wipes accumulate, they can create stubborn clogs that restrict flow and lead to backups.
Because of the frequency of wipe-related blockages, many plumbing and drain cleaning companies will not warranty drain cleaning services when flushable wipes are regularly used.
Wet wipes can be especially problematic for homes with septic systems. Since they do not biodegrade as quickly as toilet paper, they can clog septic filters, interfere with normal system operation, and contribute to drain field problems.
To help prevent costly sewer line repairs, drain cleaning services, and septic system issues, only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed down the toilet. All wipes, even those labeled "flushable," are best disposed of in the trash.
Proper Flushing
One of the simplest ways to help prevent toilet clogs is to make sure the toilet is flushing properly. Many homeowners quickly press and release the flush handle, but this can prevent the toilet from completing a full flush cycle.
When the handle is released too quickly, the flapper inside the tank may close before enough water has been released into the bowl. This reduces the flushing power needed to move solid waste completely through the toilet and into the drain line.
For the best results, hold the flush handle down until most of the water has left the tank. This allows the flapper to remain open longer, releasing the full volume of water designed for the flush cycle.
Incomplete flushes can leave waste behind in the toilet or drain line, increasing the likelihood of recurring toilet clogs, slow flushing, and drain blockages over time.
A simple habit like allowing a full flush cycle can improve toilet performance and help reduce the need for future drain cleaning services.
