If you are like most homeowners, you have probably faced a blocked drain line situation. And without a doubt, it’s gross. The smell, plus having dirty water that won’t go down the drain, is not a situation anyone would enjoy having in their home.
But is it possible to keep your drain lines clear despite all activities going on in the household?
It is hard to clean dishes without having some food particles and grease finding their way to the drain opening, or take a shower without some hair strands straying into the drain opening. The two and other gunk are notorious for clogged drain pipelines.
Here are a few tips to help you avoid a drain line repair due to clogged pipes.
Watch What Goes Down Your Drain
Most people tend to be careless about their drain lines. They assume that the drain is designed to wash away all dirt and debris. But it couldn’t be any further from the truth.
While preventing hair, soap, grease, and food particles from getting to the drain line is impossible, you can reduce the quantity. Brush your hair before taking a shower, wash your pets outside, and scrape off all leftover food from the dishes before cleaning them in the sink.
Use a Drain Grate
Cover the drain opening with a drain grate. It acts as a filter that prevents hair strands, soap scum, and other items from getting into the drain line.
You don’t need a plumber to install one. Visit a San Diego plumbing-supply store with a picture of your drain opening, and you are sure to get the right fit. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when laying it in place.
Clean Your Drain Line Regularly
Despite your efforts to use a drain grate, food particles and grease may still go down the drain. They then build up in the interior of the drain pipe, causing a blockage. To prevent the buildup, pour baking soda or vinegar into the drain, followed by hot water. If you use vinegar, let it sit for half an hour before pouring the boiling water.
Using these home remedies is better than using acid cleaners and store-bought drain cleaners. When used in large quantities, they could corrode the pipes leading to major repair issues.
Know When to Get a Plumbing Company for a Drain Line Repair
If you regularly have a clogged drain line, cleaning it up could act as a short term solution, but it does not address the underlying problem. It could lead to a more complicated repair issue. In this case, contact a San Diego plumbing company.
The plumber will inspect the drain line using a remote camera that can help in detecting any repair issue in the pipes. Based on the problem at hand, they can carry out a drain line repair.
Upgrade Your Drain Pipes
For old houses or homes built on a low budget, the drain pipes could be old or of poor quality. Weak piping could lead to multiple drain line repair issues that could cause more damage in the entire plumbing system and it is costly in the long run.
In such a case, a drain line replacement is the most viable option. Replacing your drain pipes with galvanized steel piping, for instance, could reduce the repair problems. Galvanized steel piping is known to last 30 to 50 years.
In Conclusion
There is nothing fun about having clogged drain pipes in the home. The bad odor it causes could be irritating, especially to people with airborne allergies and asthma. The stagnant water, on the hand, could be a health hazard to members of the home.
You can prevent these problems by keeping your drain pipes clean using vinegar, baking soda, and hot water. Try as much as possible only to have dirty water going down the drain. Research the best plumbing companies in San Diego CA, and have any drain line repair issues addressed.