There comes a time for every homeowner when they need to tend to their drains. Maybe you’ve been noticing that your drains are slow and...
There comes a time for every homeowner when they need to tend to their drains. Maybe you’ve been noticing that your drains are slow and need drain service, or you’re dealing with a full-blown clog. The best thing that you can do for your home plumbing system is to recognize when you need a drain service, be prepared for the service to take place, and put into action some DIY remedies to clean out your own drains.
Having a routine maintenance plan in place will help to make this process much smoother and less stressful. So, when you run into a drain problem, you don’t need to panic because you’ll already know what needs to be done. Here’s everything you need to know from the pros at Service Champions.
Key Takeaways:
Preventative maintenance is the best way to keep your drains running clear between professional drain service. If you have constant clogs or slow drains, it’s best to bring in a professional to fix the problem once and for all.Signs a Drain Service Is Needed
The very first step to solving any problem is recognizing that there is one. You might think that it’s difficult to know what kinds of issues need a drain service, but we will share all the signs that you should look for. Some of these problems can be DIYed, but others will require the help of a professional from Service Champions.
Standing Water
If you’re noticing that water is staying in your washing machine, sink, or shower you most likely have a drain clog that will need to be taken care of right away. This problem poses a risk of damage to your pipes, backup, or flood.
Plumbing Is Backed Up
Seeing water backing up through the laundry room or a bathroom fixture is a sign that the drain line is completely clogged. If you delay in giving the problem attention, it can cause bigger issues down the line which might result in an emergency repair job. This water is also unsanitary.
Presence Of Drain Flies
When you see pesky little flies around your drains, known as drain flies or fruit flies, they are thriving on the organic particles found in your drain. This shows that your drains are much dirtier than you might think and need to have a good cleaning to get rid of them. Over time, this buildup can become a clog.
Slow Drainage
Water that slowly goes down a drain is usually a sign that there is buildup formed in the drain or the pipe. Usually, this is caused by hair, grease, soap, or even foreign objects. If only one sink is affected, then the blockage is most likely not too far down. However, if multiple sinks are slow, then it’s possible that the clog is somewhere in your plumbing or sewer line.
Clogs That Come Often
If you’ve tried to free a clog from your drains before and they keep returning, there may be a blockage that runs deeper in your plumbing lines. It’s important to address the problem before it expands into a bigger issue.
Strange Odors
If you have strange and pungent odors coming from your drains, it is very possible that it is coming from dirty drains and pipes, or other plumbing fixtures that need a drain service.
5 Drain Services You Can Do On Your Own
While you might automatically think that you need to call in a pro for your drain service, there are some DIY remedies that you can try to get rid of clogs yourself. These easy at-home methods might make it possible that you can avoid a costly repair completely.
Vinegar and Baking Soda Trick
One of the most common DIY remedies out there to get a clog out of a drain is to use white vinegar and baking soda. You pour one cup of each of the components down the drain and wait for it to fizz up. After about 5 minutes, pour boiling water down the drain. If this happens to clear your clog, you won’t need to do anything further.
This makes a great option in comparison to other drain-cleaning chemicals, which can damage your pipes over time. Baking soda and vinegar create a powerful chemical reaction that can break up the material that accumulated in your drain without harming your plumbing.
Soda Down the Drain Trick
While this might sound like a very strange trick, it actually does work. Using soft drinks such as Coca-Cola or Pepsi can help dissolve a clog in your drain pipes. This is another safe and effective option when it comes to getting rid of clogs quickly and on your own. The phosphoric acid in the mixture will help to resolve the clog.
Just simply pour the sugary soda down your drain and see if it takes care of the problem. You can also follow this with boiling water.
Use Hot Water
Pouring hot water down your drain can be effective for dissolving organic buildup and getting your pipes flowing again. This very simple DIY can help dislodge any blockages and built-up piles of grease. The heat, water pressure, and force of the water can help get this gone fast. Run your hot water for about 15 minutes.
Weekly Drain Cleaning
Weekly drain cleaning can help you avoid a pesky drain service call. This can be done by using the classic white vinegar and baking soda mixture. But instead of only waiting 15 minutes or so, you’ll want to wait a little longer to give your drains time to get a good cleaning.
Pour ½ cup baking soda down your drain, followed by ½ cup white vinegar. As soon as both mixtures are down the drain, plug your drain for about an hour. This will allow the chemical reaction to clean out your drain and pipes without harming the plumbing system.
Be Aware of What Goes Down Your Drain
There are many different materials that should never enter your drain system. Some things can cause clogs and blockages to form quickly. While sometimes these items can be put down by complete accident, you should know what can happen if they do. Items that commonly will cause a drain to clog include:
Cat litter “Flushable” wipes Rice and pasta Coffee grounds Grease, fats, or oils Eggshells Paper towels Feminine hygiene productsAll of these items can quickly clog up your drain and pipes. Avoid putting these down your drains so that you can avoid a drain service repair. If you have guests at your home, ask that they don’t put these items down the drain.
When To Call A Professional For Drain Service
It is always best to call in a professional if you have tried the DIY solutions and you still are not able to get the clog or blockage out of your drains. There might be a deeper problem that will need professional equipment like a drain snake to get it dislodged. You’ll also always want to reach out to a Service Champions plumber if you’re having leaks coming from the bottom of your toilet when it’s clogged, or water pulling underneath sinks.
Waiting to have a drain service completed can wreak havoc on your plumbing system. The best thing that you can do is address it before it gets too bad.
How to Prepare for Your Drain Service Appointment
If you’ve decided to take the step and have a drain service job completed at your home, there are some ways you can better prepare so that the plumber can get the job done quickly. These tips will help you get ready for the drain service and give the plumbers plenty of space to complete the job.
Clear the space for your plumbing team. This means removing any items under the sink or in the shower that could get in their way. Make sure to have a clear path for the plumbers to get in and out of your home. They will likely have equipment that they will need to bring and removing obstacles will make this much easier for them. Always clean up sewage waste. This can help you get the right assessment of where the problem is coming from and keep the area sanitary for the team.Next Steps for Keeping Your Drains Clear
Once your drain service has been completed, there is one more thing that you’ll want to do to keep your drains flowing properly. While you’re now equipped with 5 DIY remedies that can make a huge impact on the way that your drains stay clean and clear, you won’t always be able to ensure that they remain that way with DIY methods.
Getting a yearly plumbing inspection will help not only keep your drains clear and clean but also help identify any potential problems that might arise.
If you’re in search of plumbing in your area to perform your drain service, give Service Champions a call. We are experts in this field. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment!