Keeping your drains clean prevents foul odors from building up in your home. These odors are caused by bacteria and rotting food that can cause health issues for your family.
It is also important to remember that clogged drains can cost you money and time. Avoid these costly repairs by scheduling Philadelphia Drain Cleaning regularly.
Clogged drains cause a wide variety of problems in bathrooms, kitchens, basements and other parts of the house. When these clogs occur, water and sewage back up through the affected pipes. This can lead to flooding and extensive damage. Fortunately, it is easy to avoid drain clogs by following simple prevention tips.
The most common causes of drain clogs are hair, soap scum, food waste and other foreign objects. These items can be difficult to break down. They can also lead to pipe corrosion, especially if they are left to build up over time.
Several over-the-counter chemical drain cleaners are available at most home improvement stores. These include liquid, gel, foam and powder products. Some are corrosive and can damage pipes, while others contain ingredients that can be toxic to people and pets. Some of these chemical products are poured directly down the drain while others require mixing with hot water. In addition, some may not work on hard or greasy clogs.
A natural alternative to chemical drain cleaners is a bio-based drain cleaner such as Bio-Clean, which contains naturally-occurring bacteria and enzymes that digest organic waste like hair, grease, soap scum, paper, food waste and more. This product is safer for your septic system and pipes than chemical cleaners, but it is slower to unclog drains than other products.
In addition, a drain cover can prevent hair and other debris from entering the pipe. These are available at most hardware stores and are inexpensive. They can also help to eliminate odors that can come from a blocked or slow drain.
Another way to prevent clogs is by properly disposing of sanitary products and other household waste. Educating family members about what can and cannot go down the drains will help keep the pipes clear of clog-causing materials.
Keeping a small supply of liquid drain cleaner on hand can help keep your drains running smoothly. It’s important to recognize the early signs of a clog, such as slow drainage and gurgling sounds. If you suspect a problem, call a professional plumber to prevent the drain from becoming a bigger problem.
Smells
A foul, rotten-eggs smell wafting up from a drain or garbage disposal is not only unwelcome in the kitchen, but it can also indicate that there is a serious problem with your home’s plumbing. The odor is caused by a gas called hydrogen sulfide that forms in the drain when bacteria feed on food scraps and other debris that build up inside of pipes.
Keeping your drains clean is the best way to avoid stinky odors. Scrape food scraps into the trash rather than into your sink, and make sure to wipe down any grease or oil spills on the sides of the sink and in the garbage disposal. Regularly running hot water down your drains will keep them smelling fresh and prevent clogs.
If you do end up with a stinky drain, there are several home remedies that can help. Start by pouring a pot of boiling hot water down your drain, or boil some coffee grounds and pour them into the sink. Baking soda and vinegar can also be an effective odor remover. Add a cup of baking soda and half a cup of vinegar to your sink and run hot water down it. The vinegar’s acetic acid will break down any remaining clog and eliminate the unpleasant odor.
Another option is to use an eco-friendly, bio-enzyme drain cleaner that eats away at any food waste or other components that may be causing the odor. These products can be purchased at most home improvement stores and are safe to use.
Finally, it’s important to check your p-trap to ensure that it is sealed properly. If your p-trap is not installed correctly or is empty, it can allow sewer gasses into your home. This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed immediately by a plumber, as sewer gasses can be dangerous.
If you suspect that your p-trap is not working correctly, call a plumber right away. A plumber can ensure that it is fully installed and sealed. You can also try pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain or using a plunger to dislodge any blockages.
Water Damage
A clogged drain or sewer line is not just inconvenient; it can also put your home at risk of water damage. If left untreated, the resulting build-up can damage pipes and cause flooding, which can be very expensive to repair. Fortunately, regular drain cleaning can help prevent this type of problem and protect your plumbing system.
The most common signs that your drains need to be cleaned are slow-draining sinks, tubs and toilets. In addition, if you smell foul odors coming from your drains or sewer lines, it’s time to call a plumber for professional services.
Another sign is the appearance of mold and mildew around drain openings or in your home’s basement. Mold and mildew are a result of moisture and bacteria seeping into your drainage system, which can be very dangerous for you and your family. Regular drain cleaning can help prevent these issues by removing the buildup that allows water and waste to seep into your home.
It is important to avoid using chemical drain cleaners in your home, as they can be extremely harmful. These cleaners are often too corrosive and can chew through pipes or break them up, causing leaks and floods. Instead, try using a natural drain cleaner such as baking soda or vinegar. These products are safe for your pipes and the environment, and they can be just as effective at unclogging your drains as chemical cleaners.
For stubborn clogs, you can use a plunger or snake, but it’s best to call in a professional plumber for drain cleaning. A professional plumber will have the tools and equipment to get your drains back up and running in no time. They will be able to identify the source of the clog quickly and determine the best course of action.
When you need professional drain cleaning, call the drain experts . We offer a variety of drain cleaning services to keep your home’s drains and sewer lines flowing smoothly. We can also clean your garbage disposal and repair any broken components in your plumbing system.
Safety
A drain cleaning company needs to take a few safety measures to ensure that workers are protected. These include wearing proper clothing, using equipment properly and taking other precautions. These prevent health and safety risks like chemical poisoning, electrical shock, entanglement and infection from bacteria and other pathogens.
Some chemical drain cleaners emit harsh fumes that can irritate the eyes, throat and skin if exposed to them. They also need to be stored in an area that is well ventilated. These chemicals can burn or damage clothing, floors, counters and even the pipes themselves. They can also damage the environment if they spill out of their container. A professional drain cleaner knows how to handle the chemicals safely and correctly, which minimizes environmental harm.
While some DIY online sources suggest homemade chemical mixtures for drain cleaning, it is always best to trust a licensed and insured drain cleaner to do the job. Mixing different chemicals can lead to hazardous reactions that produce toxic fumes or even an explosion.
Physical removal of a clog is another common method for drain cleaning. A plumbing team can use a snake to push larger objects further down into the pipe or hook them and pull them back out of the pipe. Other physical removal methods include hydro jetting, which uses high-powered water to break apart clogs.
When using a power drain snake, it is important for the operator to wear gloves, especially leather ones, and to avoid wearing loose or long-hanging clothing that can snag on the cable’s rotating coils. The operator should also wear a face shield or mask to protect the eyes, and wear long sleeves and work pants to minimize bruises and abrasions.
It is recommended that the operator of a powered drain cleaning machine only plug it into a grounded, GFCI-protected outlet. The operator should also regularly check the equipment for loose connections, cut insulation and dirty contacts to prevent electrical shock, fire or explosion.
A clogged drain is an urgent issue that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. However, preventing a clog in the first place is always better than trying to clear one after it occurs. Regular drain maintenance and careful disposal of food, grease and other items can prevent clogs and help keep the plumbing system running smoothly.
