Keeping drains clean can prevent clogs and promote a functional plumbing system that contributes to a safer, healthier, and more sanitary living environment. It can also extend the lifespan of your piping system.
Various tools and methods can be used to clean drains. Some are mechanical like plungers, while others use chemical, enzymatic or biological solutions. Contact Drain Cleaning Los Angeles for specialized services.
Clogged drains are a homeowner’s worst nightmare. We use our drains constantly throughout the day, so when one starts to slow down or stop working altogether, it can be a real pain in the neck. The good news is that a few simple DIY tips and tricks may be enough to get things moving again.
Most drain clogs occur when waste from food, hair, soap scum, and more sticks to the inside of pipes. Over time, these substances build up until they cause a complete blockage. If you notice that your drain is smelling foul, or water is flowing slowly, it may be time to call a professional for professional drain cleaning services.
The first step to clearing a drain is always to try using a plunger. It might seem like an obvious solution, but sometimes all it takes is a little force to dislodge the clog and allow water to flow freely once again.
If a plunger isn’t effective, or the clog is located deeper in your plumbing system, you may need to use a wire drain snake. This requires removing the pop-up assembly in your sink, and feeding the snake into the pipe while cranking the handle. As the snake breaks up and removes the clog, it will push the debris out of your pipe system through the clean-out fitting at the bottom of your house.
Another common clog culprit is kitchen grease and oil. Many people pour small amounts of these substances down their kitchen drains, but they can harden and solidify inside your pipes over time, causing tough, sticky clogs that our drain cleaning services can easily clear up.
When these methods aren’t enough to unclog your drain, try a few homemade solutions that won’t require specialized tools or chemicals. A few cups of hot boiling water are a good start, but you can also try a baking soda-and-vinegar mixture. This produces a fizzing reaction that can help to break up and remove even the most stubborn clogs.
For toilet clogs, make sure to only ever flush waste and toilet paper. Any other items, including those labeled as “flushable,” should be thrown in the garbage instead of flushed down your toilet.
Foul Odors
Smelly drains aren’t just unpleasant – they can be a sign that something is wrong with your entire plumbing system. This is especially true if you can smell the odor in multiple rooms of your house. If this is the case, you’ll likely need professional help to restore your home’s drain lines to their full function.
The most common reason for a stinky drain is a build-up of organic materials. This includes food, hair, grease and soap scum. Over time, these materials can get stuck in your drain and lead to a clog. In addition, they can promote the growth of fungus that produces foul odors.
For this reason, it’s important to clean your sink drain regularly to keep these materials away from the drain line. One way to do this is by pouring a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain. This mixture will bubble and foam, breaking up the accumulated gunk and eliminating the odor.
Another great method for cleaning your drain and killing bad odors is to use hot water and bleach. The heat from the boiling water kills bacteria and other germs that are causing the smell, while the bleach disinfects the drain line and surrounding area.
You can also try dumping a half cup of borax down your sink drain. This will create a bubbling reaction that will deodorize the area and remove mold growth. Finally, if you don’t have any borax, try a combination of three full spoons of baking soda with two to three ice cubes and half a lemon. The ice cubes and lemon will cause a bubbling reaction that breaks up odors and removes lingering debris from your sink drain.
When your smelly drains are due to a clog, it’s important not to try to clear the clog on your own by using store-bought chemical cleaners. These chemicals can damage your pipes over time, and they don’t always remove all of the clog-causing material. If you have a particularly stubborn clog, you can try using an enzyme-based drain cleaner that breaks down clog-causing materials without damaging your pipes and drain lines.
Sewer Line Issues
Most homeowners don’t think about their sewer lines unless they start to get clogged. Clogged drains are annoying and inconvenient, but they’re easy to take care of using a plunger or plumber’s snake. However, if your toilet keeps getting clogged or you’re noticing foul odors in your home, it could be a sign that there are issues further down the line. These problems can be costly to fix, so it’s important to know the warning signs and how to prevent them.
Debris buildup can create blockages in your sewer system. Grease, sand, grit and tree roots can all cause problems with your plumbing over time. The best way to protect your sewer line from debris is to have it professionally cleaned on a regular basis. This process sucks up any large pieces of debris and disposes of them safely.
Keeping your sewer line clear of debris can prevent severe clogs, overflows and unpleasant odors. In addition to cleaning drains, it’s also important to have your sewer line inspected on a regular basis.
A professional inspection can identify problems with your plumbing before they become major issues. An experienced plumber can check for things like a collapsed or broken pipe, which may require a replacement. They can also check for sludge buildup and root infiltration, which can both lead to serious problems.
While you can do some basic maintenance to your sewer drain line, such as flushing it with water, it’s always best to hire a professional for the big jobs. A professional can help you choose the right drain cleaner for your needs and provide you with tips on how to avoid clogs in the future.
It’s also a good idea to locate your sewer cleanouts, which are located at each drain opening or just below the ground. These fittings give plumbers access to your plumbing without having to remove any fixtures. This can be a lot less expensive than repairing or replacing damaged pipes. If you’re looking for a plumber to clean your sewer line, enter your zip code below and get matched with top-rated pros near you.
Plumbing Repairs
Some common plumbing repairs include fixing clogged drains, water leaks, and more. Plumbers often handle these issues on a regular basis, so they know when to give the homeowner advice and when to recommend more intensive fixes.
For example, if you have a persistently smelly drain, it could indicate a deeper issue that home remedies won’t address. A professional could use tools like a plumbing snake to break up and remove the clog and smell.
One way to prevent clogs is by being careful what goes down your drains. Avoid flushing paper products like tissues and diapers, and don’t pour grease down the sink. Cooking oil should always be poured into a heat-resistant container and disposed of appropriately.
A recurring problem with slow-draining sinks could indicate a damaged or worn-out washer or valve. A plumber can inspect the drain and install a new washer or valve if needed.
Other signs of a serious problem include high water bills, discolored or tainted water, and an unusually low water pressure. These can all signal a broken pipe or water leak. Plumbers can usually find the source of the issue and make the necessary repairs quickly.
Many people try to save money by using store-bought chemical drain cleaners, but these can be damaging to pipes over time. In addition, they are often ineffective for removing stubborn clogs. A plumber will have the right tools and experience to safely and effectively clear even the most stubborn clogs. They can also identify the root cause of the clog and fix it to prevent future problems.
