Due to the nature of day-to-day life, many solid objects, including hair, food, and beauty products, inevitably end up in our drain systems. Over time, these objects will build up, resulting in, at best, a rotting smell coming from your sinks and, at worst, a destructive drainage system backup that could lead to flooding.
Drain clog prevention
To avoid the need for emergency services, we recommend taking preventative measures:
- Add mesh drain covers over all your drains to ensure as little debris as possible ends up in the sewer line.
- Avoid sending grease and oil down the kitchen sink. Cooking grease will solidify on your pipes and septic system, so always pour it into another container to be thrown away in the garbage.
- Schedule yearly cleanings. Clogged drains never arrive at your convenience, but yearly drain cleanings performed by a reputable plumbing service can save you money and headaches later on.
What to do if you have an active clog
As a homeowner dealing with an active or recurring clogged drain, it can be tempting to grab a tub of chemical drain cleaner from the local hardware store and call it a day. However, we discourage our customers from this type of quick fix as it can cause more significant plumbing issues down the road. These products can help to break down the blockage in your drain pipe. But, they can also begin breaking down the drain lines, leading to more significant damage, cost, and inconvenience later.
In many minor cases, there are a couple of short-term fixes we recommend trying to tide you over until you can call a plumbing professional.
- If you have a hair clog in your bathroom sink or bathtub, a hair drain snake can help remove some of the debris and get your sink flowing again.
- If you have minor food buildup in the kitchen sink or a smelly garbage disposal, you can try cleaning the drain with baking soda and vinegar. However, depending on your pipe system, you want to do this sparingly as the acidity can corrode pipes over time.
When is it time to call in a plumber?
It’s important to remember that short-term fixes should be just that: short-term. While it may seem like your system is working as usual and your drain issues are a thing of the past, unseen drain clogs can persist, often leading to additional pipe and septic issues that may affect more areas of your home down the line.
Pristine Plumbing Rooter Services
Whether you’re looking for preventative maintenance, help with a growing clog issue or emergency assistance, Pristine Plumbing covers all your drain service needs. Our licensed professionals provide drain cleaning and plumbing repair services to help you repair and maintain your plumbing system and avoid unnecessary damage to your home.
Pristine Plumbing is your local, reliable plumbing company in Puyallup, Washington. We take care to assess your situation, discern the proper cleaning method for your home’s pipe and septic system, and fix the problem at hand. We pride ourselves on providing excellent service and leaving your space Pristine. Call us at (253) 544-3292 to address your plumbing needs today!
Frequently asked questions
What methods of drain cleaning does Pristine Plumbing use?
Depending on the blockage and pipe system, our licensed team of professionals will identify the best method for your home. Our methods include hydrojetting, snaking, and simple rodding.
Hydrojetting involves the use of water (think high-power pressure washing) to break up clogs and buildup on pipes. Snaking is when we send a coiled wire down the drain to break up and pull out the clog. Simple rodding is when we put a flexible rod through the pipes to remove clogs.
How do I use baking soda and vinegar to clean my sink drain?
If you have a minor food clog or smelly garbage disposal, try cleaning your sink with baking soda and vinegar. Begin by putting one cup of baking soda down the drain, followed immediately by one cup of vinegar. After a few moments, flush the mixture down the drain by pouring hot water into the sink. Make sure to do this cleaning hack sparingly, as the acidity can cause corrosion to your pipes over time.
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