Simple solutions include:
- Installing a Hair Stopper in the Shower: Installing a drain cover or hair stopper is an inexpensive way to fish hair out before it’s washed down into your pipes.
- Add a Lint Trap to Your Washer’s Drain Line: Install a lint trap where your washing machine drain and the sewer line meet. This can prevent lint and fabric debris from clogging up your main sewer line.
- Add a Food Stopper: A food stopper is a must-have if you don’t have a garbage disposal. This is placed over your drain to stop anything but water from flowing through.
- Regularly Rinse Your Drains: Once a month, create a mixture of warm water and vinegar and pour this down your drains. Turn on the hot water and wash the bubbling liquid throughout your plumbing system. This will help dislodge any debris.
Liquid Drain Cleaners
You may be tempted to handle the clog yourself and pick up a bottle of chemical drain cleaner. Though they are promoted as safe, these toxic liquids are not safe for you or your pipes. When used regularly, these can eat away at your pipes, leading to a more expensive problem.
Please, keep the following in mind:
- Liquid Cleaners and Toilets Don’t Mix: Many chemical cleaners use heat to dissolve clogs. This reaction won’t work on most toilet clogs, and the drain cleaner will settle on the bottom of the bowl. The increased temperature can crack the porcelain of your toilet.
- Drain Cleaners Aren’t Eco-Friendly: Most drain cleaners are harmful to health and the environment. They are dangerous to breathe. It’s best not to use them in homes with pets or children.
- Not a Guaranteed Fix: Most cleaners only work on certain types of clogs. Hiring a professional plumber ensures that the clog will be removed and the fix is permanent and not merely a band-aid in a bottle.
If your drain is clogged, don’t wage chemical warfare. Just call the Fredericksburg TX plumbing experts!
