Clogged Drain Removal in Murrieta - MVP Plumbers
A clogged drain is a pain in the neck because it interferes with life's daily routine. Each type of clogged drain, a sink, tub, shower, sewer line, or toilet, presents its own set of problems. Most homeowners know how to deal with a clogged drain, especially minor clogs. Nevertheless, there are times when you'll need to call on the services of an expert plumber for those drains that won't budge. This page looks into the common causes of clogged drains, effective DIY methods of removal, and when it's best to seek professional assistance.
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How Drains Get Clogged
Most clogged drains derive from varying factors. Additionally, each household fixture has its own approach to removing the clog. So, let's break down the most common culprits:
1. Hair and Soap Scum
The two most common causes of blockages in shower and bathroom drains are hair and soap residue. Hair can get tangled up inside the drain, usually mixing with the soap scum to form some sticky concoction that clogs up the waterways. Clogs in such forms are more likely to happen with showers and sinks.
2. Grease and Food Particles
One of the most common kitchen drain blockages can be caused by grease, fats, and oils. The grease may seem like it flows well when it's hot, but it quickly solidifies as it cools, grasping onto your pipes. The small chunks of food and other debris start to stick to the grease over time and create an impenetrable clog.
3. Foreign Objects
Items such as paper towels, sanitary products, or even small toys fall accidentally into the drains or toilets. Foreign objects found within these can cause blockages, especially in toilets and sinks.
4. Mineral Deposits
Hard water has a lot of minerals, and they deposit themselves inside your plumbing system. These deposits will eventually build up and reduce the water flow. Over several years, they can create blockages that require professional equipment to clear.
5. Roots of Trees
Another major issue outdoors is tree roots. Roots naturally head towards moisture and can infiltrate underground pipes, resulting in blockages or causing damage to pipes.
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The Misnomers About Removing a Clogged Drain
1. Boiling water
Yes, at the advice of many plumbers who say to put hot water down the drain to remove grease. Well, that will move the grease further down your drain, only to cool and repeat itself. In some minor clogs that include grease, you may want first to use a quality liquid soap like Dawn. Liquid dish soap is designed to break down grease, let it sit for some time in the drain, and then pour boiling water down the drain.
2. Baking Soda and Vinegar
There are thousands of articles and blogs on clearing a drain using Vinegar and Baking Soda. Don't waste your time! Beyond the fizz, it's worthless for clearing clogged drains, and it has been proven not to. However, most people will still try it at least once.
3. Drain Cleaners
Nine out of ten plumbers will tell you commercial drain cleaners will eat your pipes away. While we can't speak for every drain cleaner, we can speak for quality branded drain cleaners like Drano and Liquid Plumbr. These drain cleaners are scientifically tested, so they do not harm your pipes or fixtures. They have been around for over sixty years, clearing minor bathroom clogs. They are not recommended for toilets but will work fine on minor shower and sink drains.
DIY Ways of Removing Clogged Drain
1. Us a Plunger
It's probably the number one household tool. What would we ever do without our plunger? They come in all shapes and sizes. Some are used for toilets, while others are used for sinks and tubs.
For sinks, cover any such overflow holes with a wet cloth to ensure good suction. Place the plunger over the drain, making sure it creates a tight seal. Now, vigorously push the plunger up and down until the water starts to drain.
2. Drain Snakes or Augers
Small household drain snakes are inexpensive tools that allow you to reach deeper inside the pipes to break up or pull out the clogs.
Put the flexible cable down the drain until you feel resistance. Then, start turning the handle to break up the clog or latch onto it. Slowly retract the snake, pulling the debris out with it. This is a great method for bathroom drain clogs with hair and some kitchen blockages.
3. Chemical Drain Cleaner
A good example of a liquid drain cleaner is Liquid Plumbr or Drano. These chemical drain cleaners work by dissolving the blockage, which is usually caused by a buildup of hair, grease, or soap. And as mentioned above, they will not harm your pipes, fixtures, or countertops. They have been clearing drains for many years. However, like so many other household products they are poisonous, so used as directed and keep out of reach of children.
Important Note: These drain cleaners should only be used for bathroom sinks, showers, or tubs. As a rule, never use a chemical drain cleaner in your toilets; it could damage the wax ring.
So When Do I Call a Professional Plumber
While the average do-it-yourself can clear minor clogged drains, there comes a time when you need to call for an experienced professional plumber. Here are some signs it's time to call for help:
1. Chronic Clogs
This means that the drain is continually clogged despite multiple attempts to remove the blockade. In that case, it may have other serious issues, such as damaged pipes or a major blockage.
2. Several Slow Moving Drains
When several drains in your home back up at the same time, the solution may lie within the main sewer line. This will require an experienced technician and a power drain snake or hydrojetter.
3. Standing Water That Cannot Be Cleared
If the standing water is not draining at all with all your attempts to clear it, then it's time to call in reinforcements.
4. Tree Root Invasion
If the roots of the trees have invaded your pipes, plumbers may restore them through methods like hydrojetting. However, they will return if you do not remove the source, or the sewer line will need relining.
Clogged Drains: How to Avoid Them
Taking preventative measures can significantly reduce the risk of clogs in the future:
1. Use Drain Covers
Putting filters over sinks and tub drains will prevent items such as hair from going down the drain.
2. Avoid Putting Grease The Drain
Do not pour grease of any kind down the drain. It would help if you wiped off plates, pans, or pots of any existing grease with a paper towel before washing. You can pour hot grease into a can, let it cool, and then toss it in the trash.
3. Hot Water Flushes
While hot water alone will clear drains, hot water flushes in your bathroom and kitchen can help keep your drains from clogging. Make it a practice to run a kettle of hot water down your kitchen and bathroom drains each week to prevent grease and biofilm buildup.
4. Hot Water Flush
Only toilet paper and human waste should be flushed down the toilet. Avoid flushing wipes, paper towels, or feminine hygiene products.
Clogged drain removal is not an area that always requires professional help. You can clear most minor blockages yourself, provided you have the right tools and techniques for plunging using a drain snake. The larger the clogs, the tougher they are to remedy. MVP Plumbers has you covered for all your clogged drains. As said, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.
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