As you’re checking things off your home fall preparations list, pay specific attention to your drains.
Fall is drain cleaning season for many reasons, but most notably, to ensure your drains are ready for the holidays and all the subsequent meal preparations and entertaining you will be doing. But, of course, saying that no one wants to call a plumber during the holidays would be a vast understatement.
Here is everything you need to know about keeping your drains running smoothly this fall:
How to Properly Clean Your Drains
Many homeowners turn to chemical drain cleaners to clean their drains whenever needed. These chemicals often use lye as an active ingredient, which eats away at clogs and blockages, making your drains run faster.
Chemical cleaners may seem like a great value since you can purchase them at almost any hardware store. Still, the truth is that they cause an even bigger problem that can lead to an expensive repairs.
Chemical drain cleaners corrode your inner pipe walls and create weak spots in the pipe. These weak spots are prone to rupture and burst, which is every homeowner’s nightmare.
The best and safest way to clean your drains is with high-pressure water. This will carefully blast through clogs, removing them and flushing them out while also smoothing the surface of the inner pipe wall and preventing future clogs. This is best left to professionals because the amount of pressure needed is exceptionally delicate.
For example, if the pressure is too low, the clogs won’t get dislodged, but if the pressure is too high, it can damage the pipe or cause it to shift.
A trained professional will know the exact amount of pressure to get the job done.
What Causes Blockages?
Blockages and clogs in your drains are commonly caused by materials that collect in the drain pipe.
The most common materials include hair, food, skin flakes, oil, grease, and naturally occurring minerals such as calcium and magnesium. When these materials combine in the drain, they stick to the side and harden, creating a clog that is sometimes difficult to remove.
How can I deal with clogs myself?
Aside from using a chemical drain cleaner, homeowners can solve their clogged drain issues by using a plunger to plunge the drain.
The suction often does the trick to loosen the clog and allow it to wash out through the system. However, suppose you attempt to plunge the drain, and the clog persists. In that case, you should call a professional plumber for fast and easy clog removal services.
To schedule your annual drain cleaning services, call Genmor Plumbing, Inc. For assistance in San Jose, CA, call 408-215-4612 today.
