Cleaning your drains is an essential part of basic home maintenance. Clogged drains lead to sluggish sinks, unpleasant odors, and water-damaged surfaces. Avoid these five common mistakes to ensure your drains stay free-flowing and efficient.
1. Ignoring Slow-Draining Pipes
When you notice a sink or shower drain moving more slowly than usual, don’t ignore the issue. When this occurs, it indicates a pipe obstruction. If left untreated, it creates more blockage, eventually leading to a complete clog. If a slow-draining line is detected, take swift action by calling professional plumbing experts to assess and resolve the issue quickly.
2. Flushing Non-Degradable Items
Not all items disposed of down the drain are meant to go there! Flushing items such as baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, and paper towels can cause serious drainage issues in the long run. These non-degradable items contribute to clogged or slow plumbing, and putting them down the drain can lead to costly, avoidable repairs. Flushing only biodegradable things like toilet paper is an easy way to keep your drains unclogged and running smoothly.
3. Pouring Grease Down the Drain
When grease cools off in the pipes, it solidifies and clogs drains, making them difficult to clear. This process can destroy the piping system, resulting in costly clog-cleaning services. Furthermore, when grease ends up in the wastewater system, it can have a ripple effect of consequences throughout communities. Other pollutants might mix with the grease and contaminate local water supplies, resulting in potential public health issues.
4. Ignoring Tree Roots
Tree roots naturally grow toward water sources and often make their way into pipes, which can lead to clogs. This could lead to substantial disruption in the plumbing system. The only way to effectively fix the problem is to locate and remove the offending roots. If you have a clogged drain that doesn’t respond to DIY troubleshooting tactics, contact professional plumbing services to evaluate your drainage system for root intrusion.
5. Using Chemical Drain Cleaners
Chemical cleaners might seem like the easiest solution to clogged drains, but they can cause more harm than good. These clog-cleaning services contain caustic and hazardous chemicals that can erode your pipes over time, leading to more extensive and costly plumbing services. These treatments can also harm you and your family’s health if misused. Natural plumbing fixes are the best way to avoid damage and keep your home safe. Using a plunger or coat hanger can help you remove minor clogs, and pouring hot water down any sink will help remove buildups before they become significant blockages.
Avoiding these common mistakes can help keep your drains unclogged and working correctly. Call licensed plumbing experts immediately if you notice a clog forming in your sink or shower. Contact SOS A/C Services Inc. if you have any questions regarding our plumbing fixes or air conditioning services in South Florida.