Homeowner drain maintenance is imperative to stop any nuisance backages and back ups. To keep your drains clog free make sure to never pour grease or harmful chemicals down them. As a plumber we never recommend using products like drain-o or liquid plumber. These products are acid based and could eat through your pipes causing unnecessary home maintenance.
Regular maintenance of removing hair from shower and tub drains will prevent slow running drains and future blockages from occurring.
Floor drain backing up? This is a sign that you may have a problem with your main line and needs to be looked at immediately. Some home improvement stores will rent out drain cleaning equipment but you should always have a professional inspect the problem before proceeding. Floor drain always smelling? Try putting a ½ a cup of vegetable oil down it. This will stop the water from evaporating as quickly.
How to Unclog a Shower Drain
There are many good ways a homeowner can unclog their own tub/shower drain. Having a clear drain will prevent any water damage from happening and stop any buildup of soap scum and hair from building in the pipe. Thus, preventing you from an unnecessary trip to the hardware store for more cleaning products.
The most simple way is to go to the hardware store and buy a hair snake. This device is very inexpensive and quite small. Normally shorter than two feet long. Insert the snake down the drain and it will grab ahold of any hair that is sitting close by. You can also grab any build up of hair by inserting it down the overflow as well. Most slow running shower drains are caused by hair buildup. Still have an issue? Call Atmosphere Plumbing to help!
How to Keep Your Kitchen Sink Clog Free
New homeowners typically have little knowledge of how to properly maintain a kitchen sink. Never under any circumstances do you pour grease or harmful chemicals down any drain especially your kitchen sink. This will produce a clog that will need a professional power snake to be run down the pipe to clear. Always use lots of hot water when using your kitchen sink and after draining let it run for a few moments longer to make sure the pipe is clear of debris.
Want a garbage disposal? Otherwise known as a garburator, this device will allow you to dispose of certain food waste down the kitchen drain. Homeowners need to properly research which unit is proper for them and if the local jurisdiction provides a rebate for using a certain model. Know how to properly use the unit and always run water during and after each use. This will make sure the pipes under the sink stay clog free of food particles. We recommend the Insinkerator Evolution product for best results.
How to Keep Your Floor Drain Clear
Where are most floor drains located? In the mechanical room and typically close to the washing machine. Wonder where that one sock ended up? Always make sure that your floor drain is free of any material that can float or be kicked down it thus preventing a sewer backup or mainline drain clog. If you ever come across a need for your floor drain to work, keeping that main maintenance tip in your mind will help every time. And if your floor drain is located in a hot environment and is always smelling, pour a ½ cup of canola oil down it. This will prevent it from evaporating too quickly.
How to Use Baking Soda to Clear a Drain
If you are a homeowner in dire need to clear a drain you can always try the baking soda method. Never use drain cleaners as they are primarily an acid base and could eat out old pipes and fittings. This DIY method could really save you some money in a pinch but should never be used as a long term solution.
Start by pouring a pot of boiler water down the drain. Next, pour a cup of baking soda and one cup of water/vinegar solution down the drain. Insert the drain plug and leave it inserted for five to ten minutes. Pour another pot of boiler water down the drain.
If the problem persists, call Atmosphere Plumbing & Heating.
When Should You Call a Plumber?
Started that DIY project and not sure what pipe to use? Or tried opening up that one water line and it wasn’t turned off and now you have a plumbing emergency? A professional plumber knows how to repair all plumbing issues and emergencies. If you don’t know where to start or that last youtube video confused you even more, a plumber can help sort out that DIY project.
Every homeowner should have a plumber in their contact list to help aid in those future plumbing issues and with a plumbing emergency. The average water claim causing damage is over $11,00. If you don’t have the proper knowledge or tools to tackle a DIY project, give Atmosphere Plumbing & Heating a call.
Choose Atmosphere Plumbing & Heating
With over 50 combined years of experience in the Edmonton region, Atmosphere Plumbing and Heating is your go to source for a professional plumber. We specialise in servicing Edmonton and Northern Alberta homes and buildings. From water distribution to drainage system solutions we will provide you with a maintenance checklist to keep your plumbing system running smoothly. Call us today to see how we can change your Atmosphere for the better.