Keeping your drains clean can help improve your living space and minimize the chances of water damage due to overflows or backflow. Drain clearing also facilitate smooth water flow while avoiding unnecessary pressure on the pipes. Here are a few ways to keep your drains free from debris and clogs:
Types of Drains:
Your home has drains in the kitchen and bathroom, floor drains in the laundry room, and outside drains in the gutters or yard. These drains rely on gravity, drain clearing, and water pressure to transport wastewater and materials outside the home and into the main sewer line or septic system.
Many of today’s plumbing systems are built using various materials. Drain pipes are made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastics because they are robust and resistant to corrosion. Copper is commonly used for water supply system pipes, while cast iron is still used in commercial buildings and sewage pipes.
Symptoms of Serious Plumbing Issues:
Clogs that recur shortly after clearing are warning signs that indicate a more serious blockage or pipe problem. If two or more drains are clogged at once and are located on the same floor, there could be a blockage in the main line. Plumbers come in and help you find where the problem is and use their specialized tools to fix it.
Odors coming from drains mean there is a more significant issue with your pipes. Blockages can collect mold and cause other problems if they’re left long enough. The odor could also mean a broken pipe somewhere along the line needs to be repaired before it worsens.
Common Causes of Drain Clogs:
Hair and soap scum collects over time to form blockages in your shower and bathroom sink drains. In kitchen sinks, clogs are caused by food debris like carrot or potato peels, popcorn seeds, and fats. Grease thickens and collects other food. The roots of trees may crack and penetrate through the pipes they are connected to, posing a threat to the plumbing system.
Another common problem is mineral deposits that accumulate when using hard water. The deposits slowly cause pipe openings to become constricted, decreasing water flow. Water softeners can help to prevent this from happening.
Prevention Techniques:
Install drain screens or stoppers in the sink, shower, and tubs where hair and other particles block the drain. Use proper food disposal by throwing away food leftovers into the garbage and collecting used cooking grease instead of pouring it down the drain. If your sink still clogs, flush hot water through the drains or mix baking soda and vinegar to remove blockages. Do not use aggressive chemical products for cleaning since they corrode your pipes, causing breaks or leaks. Pay attention to what goes down each drain, especially in the kitchen and bathroom areas.
Cleaning Methods:
When other attempts to remove the clog don’t work, you can use a plumbing snake, also called an auger. This is a long flexible rod used to snake through the drain and remove or break apart the clogs. For moderate clogs, plungers can be used to generate enough pressure to help remove the clog from the toilet. Enzymatic cleaners use bacteria to dissolve organic material found on clogs.
Hydro-jetting is another technique that involves spraying high-pressure water to remove obstructions and deposits in the pipe. If the other options don’t work, plumbers may have to remove the drain trap or the pipes to break the clog manually. Endoscopic inspections help estimate the position of the problem in question and localize it so that the proper treatment protocol can be administered. In exterior drainage systems, specific interventions may require professional rooter services due to tree root incursions.
Working With a Plumber For Drain Clearing:
Drains must be cleaned regularly so water can flow freely and avoid backup or other issues. A plumber can help diagnose problems in pipes that homeowners may not be able to observe on their own. This can help prevent additional costly repairs in the future. They have specific equipment and knowledge to identify and repair problematic situations quickly and efficiently. They also provide warranties on their work, such as drain clearing. Give a licensed plumber a call today to address any clogged drain issues.
CBD:
Qrius does not provide medical advice.
The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act) outlaws the recreational use of cannabis products in India. CBD oil, manufactured under a license issued by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, can be legally used in India for medicinal purposes only with a prescription, subject to specific conditions. Kindly refer to the legalities here.
The information on this website is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Gambling:
As per the Public Gambling Act of 1867, all Indian states, except Goa, Daman, and Sikkim, prohibit gambling. Land-based casinos are legalized in Goa and Daman under the Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act 1976. In Sikkim, land-based casinos, online gambling, and e-gaming (games of chance) are legalized under the Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Rules 2009. Only some Indian states have legalized online/regular lotteries, subject to state laws. Refer to the legalities here. Horse racing and betting on horse racing, including online betting, is permitted only in licensed premises in select states. Refer to the 1996 Supreme Court judgment for more information.
This article does not endorse or express the views of Qrius and/or its staff.
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