How can I prevent clogged drains?
Do not rinse fats or cooking oils down the kitchen sink. Liquid fats solidify in the cold pipes and create clogs.
To help prevent clogs, fit all your tubs and shower drains with a strainer that catches hair and soap chips, and clean the strainer regularly.
What causes my kitchen sink and washing machine drains to clog?
In most homes, the kitchen and laundry drains are connected. When the lint from the laundry drains meets the grease buildup from soap and food products, a nearly solid substance is formed, causing blockage.
Using filters and strainers will help, but you’ll also need to get the drains snaked periodically as well.
Tips to Unclog your sink or tub
Most clogs in sinks and tubs are due to a combination of hair and soaps and tepid water. If you have metal pipes, then boiling hot water, is the first thing you can try to get rid of the clog. Hot tap water will do nothing to dissolve the clog.
NOTE: Don’t use boiling water if you have plastic PVC pipes as water over 175 degrees Fahrenheit can soften some types of PVC pipe possibly loosening joints.
If the hot water trick does not work, try using a plunger.
First, if this is a lavatory sink, seal the sink overflow outlet found at the top of the sink bowl. Use duct tape or a wet rag to block the holes.
- If a kitchen sink or similar, remove the basket strainer.
- If a lavatory sink, remove the drain stopper from the sink. Try lifting it out or turning and lifting.
- Fill the sink bowl halfway with water.
- Place the cup plunger over the drain hole and make sure it has a good seal against the sink surface.
- Using quick, sharp plunges, attempt to clear the obstruction with the plunger and check for drainage.
If the clog remain, Call Us at 218-847-7542
