As a homeowner, there's nothing more irritating than a clogged drain. And when the toilet, sink, or shower drain gets backed up, many look to chemical plumbing products in order to clear the pipes. However, these chemicals typically provide only temporary solutions, and leave drains filled with unwanted chemicals that can fill your pipes with toxins. Instead, we've provided some safer and more sustainable solutions to your plumbing emergency issues.
Try to Keep it Natural
You shouldn't be flushing anything down the toilet that isn't natural or won't dissolve, like fats, chemicals, and certain materials. Similarly, try to approach your clogged drain with a more natural solution. Try combining one cup of baking soda and three cups of boiling water; then pour that down the drain.
If the Toilet Won't Flush
When it comes to a clogged toilet, it's usually due to toilet paper that has built up in the pipes. But sometimes, the clog can be attributed to more foreign of objects. For example, out of curiosity, children are prone to flush toys down the toilet, as well as other foreign objects.To clear a clogged toilet, first use a bucket to scoop out any excess water from the bowl, making sure to leave a few inches of water remaining. Next, use a quality plunger and plunge multiple times. Repeat until the blockage it abated. If a plunger doesn't work, invest in a snake or closet auger. If these tactics do not work either, it might be time to call upon residential plumbing services for assistance.
For Other Clogs
For showers, sinks, and other clogged drains, clogs typically transpire due to a combination of hair and soap scum. Because of this, a simple coat hanger fed into the pipe can do the trick a good deal of the time.
Still Need Help?
If none of these tactics work, it may be time to call upon residential plumbing services. For some of the biggest sewage systems, 30% of the pipes may be 40 to 80 years old. Meanwhile, sewers that are more than 40 years old should be replaced. A serious clog could be indicative of an even larger problem.