Out of sight and out of mind completely covers how most people look at plumbing drains. As long as the water keeps flowing down the drain, you don’t have a care in the world about where it is going. But as soon as a drain floods your home or starts leaking, you have a keen interest in what makes them tick and how to keep them at their peak, which is very doable, when you know a few essential tips.
Deadly Liquid Drain Cleaners
Few over-the-counter items can wreak as much havoc as liquid drain cleaner. These affordable little clog remedies are actually a chemical concoction that is very caustic and hazardous to your drain lines, skin, and your lungs. And the only thing you need to know about these products is never to use them. They are likely to settle into the drainpipe at the location of the clog and begin to destroy the piping. But the clog often remains unharmed. So when you see the water draining from your sink or tub, you mistakenly think the issue is corrected. However, the dirty water is now leaking somewhere in the walls or floors of your home. But it is not making it to the city sewer system. The intelligent way to eliminate a clog is with a professional drain cleaning.
Gurgling Toilets
We expect a lot from our toilets. And if it takes a few tries to flush thoroughly or makes a few odd noises, we can generally overlook the minor inconvenience. But that is where your mistake begins. Toilets should never be “complaining” about their demanding job. And when they are making noises or appearing a bit grumpy about doing their job, there is a bigger issue. Many times, when you see bubbles or notice a gurgling at a nearby shower drain, the problem is the plumbing standpipe. This pipe allows air into the system to keep the water and waste flowing smoothly.
Picture a soda bottle that is upside down. The soda gurgles out in belches because no air can enter the bottle when the soda is exiting. But if you turn the bottle on its side, the soda flows smoothly. The vent pipe in your drain system provides that necessary air. So for gurgling toilets, check your standpipe to ensure that it is not blocked or damaged. If you are not sure about the location or gaining safe access, call in a licensed plumber to get the inspection taken care of quickly.
A Stinky Kitchen Sink
Most homes have garbage disposals in the kitchen sink. And while these devices can be beneficial, they can also contribute to your sink’s bad breath. A build-up of food particles in the grinder is often to blame for the foul odor. Ice cubes run down the disposal can help clean out the rotting debris and eliminate the odor.
Preventing Clogs
The best way to avoid drain clogs is to keep all foreign objects out of your home’s drains by following these tips:
- Put mesh strainers in all tub, shower, and sink drains to capture debris and hairs
- Avoid putting food into the garbage disposal
- Only flush toilet paper- never use any other paper products as they will not disintegrate like TP
- Schedule regular professional drain cleanings to avoid drain clogs and potential floods of dirty water and sewage in your home
At the first indication of a problem with any of the drains in your home, call (208) 571-4089. The licensed plumbers from Viking Plumbing will use nothing but pure water to blast away clogs and odor-causing residue.