3 Common Objects That Can Clog Your Drains

Drains are an important part of every home, and many people take them for granted until they become clogged. Although clearing the drains does not require much time or effort, doing it on a regular basis can be annoying. Fortunately, you will be able to avoid this issue and make drain cleaning a snap. Clogged drains can be caused by a variety of circumstances, but the most typical cause is things becoming trapped or accumulated in the drain. The following are some common household things whom you might be guilty of flushing down the drain.

1. Fats, oils, and grease

Clogs are generally caused by condiments or leftovers. In the kitchen drains, fats, oil, and grease (F.O.G.) are commonly found. Oil and grease in liquid form often deceive some homeowners. Many people are unaware that once these compounds enter the drain, they solidify. Grease, oils, and fats should never be poured down the drain since they will clog it. To properly dispose of them, throw them in a trash can. Some landfills will accept money in exchange for F.O.G. These items must be kept in a container and then refrigerated. After you’ve met the necessary criterion, you can trade the hardened F.O.G. for cash.

If you’ve been dumping grease and oils down the drain for a long time, it’s time to clean it out. Before you begin your cleaning process, fill a pot with hot water. This will help in the dissolution of grease and oils that have formed on the drain lining. When you have a garbage disposal, things are different. You can use cold water to harden the F.O.G. and give the garbage disposal blades a possibility to break the solidified material into small pieces.  

2. Hygiene products

It’s simple to dump your hygiene stuff down the toilet or down the bathroom drain. However, you must appropriately dispose of these goods, such as by placing them in a rubbish bin. Flushing hygiene products down the toilet can cause clogging, so avoid it. Toilet paper may be the only hygiene item suited for toilet flushing. The reason for this is that toilet paper is supposed to be flushable and degrades quickly in the pipe lining of the toilet. Tampons, cotton buds, and wipes are examples of other hygiene products that aren’t. Even hygienic goods labeled as flushable can clog the toilet. Another thing to keep in mind is that while flushing a toilet paper is okay, flushing multiple toilet papers at once will only result in a clogged drain.

3. Hair

While hair isn’t normally flushed voluntarily, it is a common cause of drain blockage – particularly in the bathroom floor. If left unattended, hair can mix with soap residue and cause a nasty clog. Make it easier to collect hair by placing a hair catcher on your drains. Before entering the bathroom, comb your hair to remove any fallen or loose hair. This will reduce the amount of hair that tangles in the drains.

6 Natural Drain Cleaners to Prevent Obstruction

Is your drain running slowly again? It’s probable that the diameter of your drain has shrunk due to internal build-ups. And an ounce of precaution from the old chestnut is required to keep them from becoming entirely clogged. The most effective approach to avoid this problem is to pay attention to what goes down the drain in the first place. Some of the particles we use on a daily basis are just not meant to penetrate our sewer system, especially if we have our own septic system. If, however, a sewer camera check discovers that build-ups have already formed, the only solution is to use natural drain cleaning methods to clear them. These are completely safe for your pipes and sewer system as compared to chemical drain cleaners. Here are a few examples:

1. Drain Snake

One of the natural drain cleaners is snaking, or utilizing a long wire hook as an alternative. It can pass through the build-ups and eliminate them. A drain snake, on the other hand, is not that efficient since it cannot guarantee that it will clear the entire pipe. It may be beneficial, but it also has limitations. It will not be able to clean the entire pipe due to its length limitations, and it will only be able to clean what it can reach.

2. Boiling Water

Most of the sewer pipe blockages and buildups are caused by various types of grease and fat that have cooled within the pipe. Draining boiling water on a regular basis will soften the cooled fat and grease build-ups, allowing them to release from the pipe and be drained down the system.

3. Dishwashing liquid and hot water

Because both have their unique roles when drained down the pipe, this combination can assist clean your sewer pipes. The hot water can melt the grease and fat build-ups, while the detergent thoroughly dissolves the fat so it won’t stay to the pipe walls when it’s drained.

4. Salt and Hot Water

Salt and hot water, like the natural drain cleaner mentioned earlier, can eliminate oil and fat build-ups. The grease and fat that had become stucked can be removed with hot water, while the salt can be used as a scouring agent due to its abrasive texture. More grease build-up may be removed as a result of the salt. The gunky build-up would certainly be cleared, allowing the water to flow freely through the pipes.

5. Baking Soda with vinegar

The first combination of baking soda and vinegar on the DIY list of natural drain cleaners is baking soda and vinegar. Pour one cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar down the drain. Because of its strong foaming action, especially when combined with flowing hot water, this is a good routine maintenance solution.

6. Biological enzyme cleaner

Biokleen drain gel and earth enzymes drain opener are two examples of biological enzyme cleaners. They contain microorganisms that will consume organic buildups and debris in your drain. Because they do not kill beneficial bacteria in the septic system, they can be utilized even if you have your own septic tank.

Three Reasons to Use Garbage Disposal

A garage disposal is a kitchen appliance that contributes in the reduction of household duties. This will shred any leftovers and food waste, saving time for homeowners who really have to put it in a garbage bag. As a result, now is the time to invest in one, as it will make cleaning faster and easier. People will no longer have to be worried about the odor of leftovers in plastic bags, as well as the insects that it attracts. In addition, there are a variety of other reasons to choose garbage disposal:

It saves money and avoids plumbing issues.

It is generally known that using a garbage disposal can help homes save money on both power and water. As a result, the monthly bill is reduced. Likewise, buying a unit can help you avoid plumbing issues. This is helpful to homeowners because they will save time and money on replacements and repairs. Food trash that hasn’t been cut into little pieces and is poured down the drain, for example, can hinder the flow of wastewater. As a result, all of the trash will collect inside and clog the drain system. When one invests in a garbage disposal, however, this situation will not occur because the disposal’s function is to shred all large pieces before you reach the drain and pipe system.

Makes your home more sanitary and clean.

If a homeowner does not have a garbage disposal, they will be forced to dispose of all waste in a garbage bag. Because the garbage will only be placed in a corner, it will decay and bacteria will start to occur. Furthermore, if the trash bag is not properly stored, cockroaches, insects, and rats begin to gather in it. The disadvantage of not having a garbage disposal, on the other hand, is the nasty odor coming from the rotting waste. It is necessary to have a garbage disposal in our home because this will help us in properly disposing waste. When compared to the old technique of waste disposal, this method is more easy.

Help to make a greener environment

Aside from its primary role, the unit could also improve the environment against global conditions. To give you a better idea, these are some of the things it contributes:

• With a garbage disposal, homeowners will no longer need to utilize garbage bags to dispose of all of their kitchen waste. As a result, people will use fewer plastic bags.
• A waste management truck will usually carry all of the trash to a landfill. These wastes will produce greenhouse gases during transportation. Because the unit decreases the quantity of waste produced in each household, it reduces the amount of greenhouse gases released.
• Waste water, in addition to food particles, passes through the unit. Until it reaches the treatment plant, the waste water will flow through drains and pipes. Before the water is returned to the river, it will be treated at the plant. Treated waste water, on the other hand, can be used as a fertilizer or as a source of energy.
• When the amount of food waste thrown in landfills drops, so does the amount of methane generated. As a result, the environment benefits although this odourless gas is known to be hazardous.

5 Drain Cleaners to Use If Your Drain Is Blocked

The majority of householders are capable of resolving drain issues on their own. This will keep them from having to spend a lot of their hard-earned money on repairs. There are some issues that you can fix on your own. You will not require the services of a professional plumber to do the task. Here are 5 drain cleaners that you may use to remove clogs in drains to assist you with the do-it-yourself repair.

1. Homemade Drain Cleaners

Drain cleaners can be created at home using ingredients you already have on hand. 1 cup salt, 14 cup cream of tartar (potassium bi-tartrate), and 1 cup baking soda are required for this drain cleaning. Combine the three ingredients and mix well. 14 cup of the mixture should be poured down the drain. Two cups of hot water should be flushed. It also allows the combination to remove filth and grease buildup from your pipes. Allow at least one minute and thirty seconds to pass. If feasible, repeat the operation.

2. The Plunger

This is the most popular plumbing instrument that is required to keep your drains in good working order. The gunk is removed by applying pressure. There are two varieties of plungers on the market, each serving a different purpose. One is a flat plunger, which is used to clear drains in sinks. The other is a cup-bottomed toilet seat, which is specifically built for toilets. Make certain that the plunger you buy is suitable for your drains.

3. The Drain Snake

The drain snake, also known as the auger, is a plumbing instrument that helps unclog clogged drains by removing debris and filth. By inserting and twisting it into the affected area, you can physically clear the drain and remove the clog. Make sure to carefully read and follow the product instructions. This instrument is built of a steel cable that cannot be used in the wrong direction after it has been used. It may also cut and break through any obstruction in the vicinity. However, you must exercise caution when using this tool. When you use the device with too much force, it might rip your plumbing apart from the inside out. Once it has been broken, the cost of repair will be high.

4. Pipe Removal

Blockages can occur when debris accumulates in the pipes of your plumbing system. A clogged garbage disposal indicates that the pipe needs to be removed and rinsed out right away. Because you’ll only be unscrewing the rings, removing the pipes beneath your sink will be simple. Pull away the major curved one. Place a bucket beneath your pipes to capture any clogs. Lastly, tighten the pipe so that the drain works properly.

5. Water Jetting

In certain cases, the main cause of backups is not the plumbing drain lines. The sewer lines, on the other hand, are the ones that cause the drain to back up. It would be important to have your sewer lines jetted as a result of this. You may need to rent a high-powered hydro jetter from a nearby equipment rental business. However, it is better to seek assistance from a professional plumber who is familiar with the equipment. A competent plumber can simply apply the proper pressure to get your drains flowing again. They may also be able to provide you with some advice.

3 Common Types of Toilets

Home is where you can let go of all the pain you’ve been experiencing as a result of eating too much cheese or whatever it was that upset your stomach. As a result, it’s only natural that you buy a toilet bowl where comfort is a luxury you can surely afford. When buying a toilet bowl, think about whether you’ll be able to DIY-plumb it once the time comes, and, most significantly, if it’ll fit your tastes. Here are three main types of toilets that you should be aware of.

Pressure-Assist Toilet

This toilet is commonly used in commercial settings like restaurants and public restrooms. A pressure tank, the size of a large water balloon, is housed within this toilet. The tank is filled with water, which is held under pressure in the tank. When you flush the toilet, the pressurized water in the tank is coupled with gravity to produce a powerful flush. A flush cartridge, a sealed plastic drum, and a water-intake device make up the inside of the tank. However, because most plumbing supply businesses do not sell components to non-plumbers, this toilet type has parts that are difficult to come by. They also produce a loud flush. Its one positive feature is that its forceful flush thoroughly flushes solid waste.

Gravity Flow Toilet

Because it has a simple design and only a few parts that can be easily purchased at hardware stores, this toilet type is commonly found in residential dwellings. The gravity flow toilet, unlike the pressure-assisted toilet, flushes the toilet using the weight of the water in the tank. Because water is held in a tank above the toilet bowl, the tank uses gravity to release the water into the bowl and pushes the contents to the trap, leaving a clean toilet bowl.

Vacuum Assist Toilet

The most recent flush innovation in the toilet industry is this toilet type. When it comes to flushing solids, the vacuum-assisted toilet performs better than gravity flow toilets, but not quite as well as pressure-assisted toilets. They are similar to gravity flow kinds in that they are both simple to maintain and use the same fill and flush valves in their tanks. When the toilet is flushed, the water from the tank creates a suction in the vacuum tank and the trapway, flushing the solid waste in the bowl. This is one of those toilets with a tank inside a tank. However, when compared to gravity flow toilets, this is more expensive.

Drain Pipe Blockage: 4 clear Signs

Any plumbing system’s veins are referred to as pipes. These fixtures are in charge of bringing in water and removing waste from the structure. You must keep these lines open and in good working order to ensure that your plumbing system functions properly. Most households fail to maintain and inspect these pipes, which is why they continue to be damaged and cause users issues.

Low pressure, slow drains, and blocked pipes, for example, are completely avoidable if you know how to maintain the area and, of course, what the causes of the problem are. 4 of the most prevalent and well-known causes of pipe obstruction are discussed in this article:

1. Fat and Grease

Grease and fat, as well as oil, are some of the most well-known causes of pipe blockage since they foster pipe blockage build-up and even support and strengthen minor accumulations, allowing them to grow into larger bodies that block the waste and water supply pathways. The collection of these pollutants causes the pipes to become clogged and unable to function. To avoid this from ever happening to your plumbing system, make sure that the items listed above are never flushed down the toilet. This task can be difficult and will require a lot of enforcement, but once completed, your pipe’s performance will considerably increase. Make careful to sort these objects, place them in separate rubbish bags, and dispose of them correctly.

2. Pipeline Sagging

The pipes sag and give way as a result of severe deterioration. Old age is one of the causes of pipe sagging, but there are a slew of other elements that contribute to this, and they’re all over your neighborhood to make matters worse. Cast iron pipes, too, can sag and lose their shape. Sagging portions can withstand accumulation. They can cause blockages by causing build-ups. Blockages induced by buildup in sagging places, unlike grease and fat collected blockages, are significantly more difficult to repair but much easier to detect due to the pipeline’s uneven construction.

3. Root Intrusion

When it comes to pipe health, root intrusion is another element to keep an eye on. When you have randomly chosen vegetative bodies all throughout your property, this is a common occurrence. Plants, as valuable as they are, pose a serious threat to the plumbing system due to a number of issues. When plants, particularly trees, are cornered and undernourished, they can suck up your pipelines like candy bars, destroying the exterior while continuing to grow within, resulting in a big obstruction.

4. Foreign Objects Getting Stuck

Foreign objects will get trapped in strange and amusing places in your home, especially if you have children. It was Batman in the washing machine last week, Spiderman in the toilet today, and Ironman resting in the fridge the next. These materials are so strong that it’s amazing how far they can get into places where they shouldn’t be able to go. Children, after all, always seem to find a way, don’t they?