Keeping Drains Clean In Your
Austin Home
Clogged drains are a common
problem in every Austin home. From
time to time we notice our water
going down slowly and backing up in
our sinks, tubs, and showers.
Unfortunately, most homeowners are
under the assumption that nothing
short of the most powerful chemical
arsenal will work to unclog our
drains. However, this is not true.
There are simple steps that you can
take to try to keep your drains
"tuned-up" and running freely. And
if your drain does need the help of
something more powerful, there are
safe home remedy alternatives to the
traditional liquid drain cleaning
products.
Being cautious of what you put down
your drains is one of the best ways
to prevent a clogged drain from
forming. Things such as cooking
grease, coffee grounds, and hair and
soap scum should be put down your
drains with discretion. Use an old
coffee can or milk carton to store
cooking grease and make sure your
drain openings have a screen or
grate to catch hair and soap scum.
There are a few other methods that
can be used to keep your drains
running freely. You could try
running hot water through them after
each use; pouring a cup of vinegar
into the drain and chasing it with
boiling water; and also pouring 1
cup of baking soda followed by 3
cups of boiling water. In addition,
if the water isn't going down the
drain, pour a cup of washing soda
over the drain area and let it set
for a while to work its way down to
the clog.
If your sink is still clogged, you
may want to try using a plunger.
Simply place the plunger completely
over the mouth of the drain and
rapidly pump it up and down until
the water rushes down the drain. If
the water remains clogged in the
drain then you may need to try
something a bit more forceful.
The next step up from a plunger
would be an expansion plug. An
expansion plug is a flexible rubber
nozzle that attaches to a garden
hose. They come in a variety of
sizes for different size drains.
Simply insert the nozzle into the
drain and turn on the water. The
rubber nozzle will expand which will
create a tight fit while the
concentrated water pressure will
work to free the clog.
In most cases, your problem will be
solved after you have performed all
of the above procedures. However, if
you notice that all of the drains in
your home are running slowly, you
may have a bigger problem and
chances are the source is within one
of the main sewer lines. If this is
the case then you'll want to call in
a
professional Austin plumber.
If you are looking for a plumber for your Austin home, please
call us today at 512-445-5212 or
click on the link below:
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