If you’ve tried to unclog a drain recently, you probably had a huge sigh of relief when you finally started to see some movement. While this is great, it can sometimes distract you from the fact that a small clog remains and will continue to bug you until fixed. Even if you change habits and continue to maintain your drains, a partially-blocked pipe will still be a nuisance.
Why Clogs Are So Persistent
When your drain starts to slow down, it means a clog has formed. It may not be in the way of your daily use, but it’s there. And it will continue to build up until you are forced to do something. Try to get ahead of a genuinely stuck drain by taking action when you notice a slowdown.
When you try to treat a clogged drain, many conventional methods are only temporary solutions. Many chemical drain cleaners, if they work at all, take several tries and will only clear a small portion of the clog — enough so you can resume using the drain. Additionally, chemical cleaners will corrode your pipes, causing other damage that will come back to bite you in the future. Likewise, some home methods, like baking soda or vinegar, tend to be ineffective.
What You Can Do
The easiest way to prevent clogs is to watch what you put down the drain. Avoid putting bulky items like food, coffee grinds, and produce stickers down the drain. You can also occasionally dump boiling water down the drain to help clear any slight buildups.
For more serious clogs, the best option is to call in a plumber. They can remove the clog without damaging your pipes or wasting your money on ineffective cleaners. Plumbers can also recommend if hydro jetting may be beneficial. Hydro jetting uses water pressure to clear drains and clean them of any grime and residue. This is an excellent method to ensure your drains are truly clear.
Mr. Rooter Plumbing has been assisting homeowners with their plumbing issues for decades, and our expertise is unmatched! To learn more, give us a call at (415) 906-2456 or fill out our form!