Slow drains in the home can be a major inconvenience. Whether it’s the kitchen sink, shower or bathtub, you want them fixed quickly so you can get back to life as usual. Fortunately, there are some easy steps you can take to fix slow drains yourself and save yourself time and money. In this article, we will explore how to remedy slow drains in the home.
Identifying The Cause Of The Clog
Figuring out the cause of a slow drain can be tricky, but it’s an important step in fixing the issue.
First, check for visible clogs, like hair or food particles. If there is nothing visible, you may need to run a sink auger through the drain to clear it out. That should tell you if there’s a deeper blockage causing the slow drainage.
If that doesn’t work, try flushing hot water down the sink while running a plunger over the drain. This will usually break up any stubborn clogs and get your water flowing freely again.
Unclogging A Sink, Shower, or Toilet
Once you have identified the cause of the clog, it’s time to get to work on clearing it out. The solutions for unclogging a drain vary based on what is causing the blockage.
If your drain is slow due to a build-up of hair and soap scum, then you can use a combination of liquid dish detergent and hot water to break down the debris. First, pour a cup of boiling water down the drain and wait a few minutes for it to soften up any stubborn clogs. Then add 1/4 cup of liquid dish detergent and another pot of boiling water. Wait 10-15 minutes for it to work its magic before flushing with cold water.
If grease or oil is causing your slow drain, you may need to break up the material with an enzyme cleaner or try using baking soda and vinegar instead. Start by pouring 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain followed by 1/2 cup vinegar. Cover the opening of the drain with a rag or stopper and let sit for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the cloth or stopper and flush with boiling water.
If your clog persists after this method, you may need to resort to using an enzyme cleaner specifically designed for breaking down grease build-up in drains. Follow directions on package carefully before use and wear protective gloves while handling these products.
If these methods still don’t work, you’ll need to call in a professional who can take care of the clog for you. Keep in mind that if your pipes are old or corroded, they may need to be replaced entirely. In any case, it’s best to consult an expert before attempting any repairs so that you can get the job done quickly and safely.
What Are The Warning Signs Of A Serious Clog?
Warning signs of a serious clog often include water draining slowly or not at all, gurgling sounds coming from the drain, and bad odors. If you’re noticing any of these issues in your toilet drain, then it’s likely that you have a major clog that needs to be addressed. It’s important to act quickly and address the issue before it gets worse.
Professional Services for Slow Drains
Reaching out to a professional is often the best way to fix slow drains in your home. As DIY methods can be unreliable and may not provide a permanent solution, it’s important to call on an expert for assistance.
Utility repair professionals are skilled at identifying the cause of slow drains and can provide you with the most effective remedy. They may be able to unclog a drain using a plunger, snake or chemicals, or they might recommend more extensive measures such as replacing parts of your plumbing system.
A utility service company may use hydro jetting to clear a drain. Hydro jetting is the process of shooting highly pressurized water into the clogged lines. The first step is to perform a video inspection to see what what is going on inside. Next, a specialized nozzle is attached to the end of a flexible hose that is attached to a water tank. The nozzle and hose are then fed into the pipe.
The self-propelled nozzle moves through the line, spraying water in multiple directions at extremely high-pressure—typically 2,000 PSI to 4,000 PSI, breaking up whatever is in its path, pushing it through the pipe. The high-pressure hose blasts water from the inside of the drainpipe from all angles. That means that clogs are blasted into the sewer line.
Utility Service Experts at Behm Enterprises
Don’t hesitate to contact a professional—doing so will save you time and money in the long run. Behm Enterprises has all the right tools and expertise to get your drains back up and running. Reach out to our professionals today and take care of the problem so you don’t end up dealing with bigger issues down the road.
