Free Flowing: Drain Dilemmas and What to Do
August 23, 2023
A good working drain is something you may take for granted. Typically, the only time you’ll even notice the drains in your home is when they’re not working properly. Dealing with drainage issues is not easy and may require your thinking cap; but being able to address drain problems on your own could save you a lot of money. If you’re going to do the job yourself, you’ll have to do some research to ensure all of your bases are covered before beginning the job.
The Right Tools
The first thing to think about when attempting to address Kansas City rooter and drainage issues in your home is what tools to use. Surprisingly, a hammer will not fix every repair issue in your home. One of the best things you have in a situation like this is a quality pipe wrench. In some extreme cases, you may also need things like metal files or even tube cutters. Getting the right tools ahead of time can save you a lot of time and trouble.
Properly Diagnosing the Issue
Before you are able to tackle your drainage issue, you will first need to think about what is causing the problem. Properly troubleshooting this issue will allow you to get the right repairs done the first time. When troubleshooting a drain issue, be sure to check the pipes directly under the fixture in question first. Get a bucket and place it under the pipes.
With your handy dandy pipe wrench, you should be able to remove the pipes and see if any clogs are present. If there are no visible clogs in the pipes, then the problem is a bit further down the line in your plumbing system.
Snaking the Drains
If you suspect that the problem with your drains is down further in the piping system, the next step would be to snake the drains. You can usually get a metal or plastic type of plumbing snake at a local hardware store. While getting the snake all the way down the drain may take some finagling, the time you invest will be worth it. Just remember to never use de-clogging solutions commonly found in stores because they will corrode your pipes.
After you get the snake all the way down your drain, you should be able to free the clog and restore your drains to working condition.
Think About Clog Prevention
In order to reduce the stress that clogged drains can cause, think about what you and the other members of your household can do to prevent them. Doing simple things like not pouring cooking oils down the drain and adding a screen are great ways to reduce common household clogs. Neglecting to take steps to prevent future clogs will only cost more money and stress in the long run.
Persistent Clogs
If you have a persistent clog or backup issue in your home, be sure to call a plumber right away. Often common clogs are a symptom of larger issues. If you’ve taken the proper steps to remove a clog but continue to have problems, you may need professional guidance.
While getting a clogged drain fixed will take a lot of time and energy, it will be well worth the work you invest.
Actionable Steps:
- Get the right tools before you begin this job
- Diagnose the issues you are having to avoid making the wrong repairs
- Snake the drains to remove clogs from deep within your pipes
- Find ways to prevent clogs from happening
- Call Bob Hamilton Plumbing when in need of professional guidance