14 Jul Do It Yourself Sewer Cleaning Tips

It often starts out slowly.  Your shower takes more time to drain; water in your sink is a bit sluggish, and suddenly the weekend that your friends are all coming over for a BBQ, the toilet backs up.

Plumbing problems certainly can be frustrating, whether it’s a leak under the sink, a constantly running toilet or you require an emergency sewer cleaning.

Honestly, when we’re called out for sewer cleaning, it’s because something went down the drain that shouldn’t have.  Here are some common reasons for clogged drains and toilets:

• Solid food and other materials
• Paints or other chemicals
• Kitchen or other solid grease or oils
• Hair clogs in sinks, bathtubs and showers
• Sanitary napkins, tampons, cotton swabs and wipes flushed down the toilet

Despite your best efforts, often your drains might get clogged.  Before you panic, here are three things to try:

• Using a plunger.  The most common plunger is the plain “cup” (generally red) type.  Although this can be used for clearing sinks and drains, for a clogged toilet, we recommend a flange plunger.  It creates a better seal and more suction.
• Clean your drains regularly with an environmentally friendly solution.  Vinegar and baking soda is a safe, effective solution and a great alternative to the caustic drain cleaners on the market today.  Simply pour about 1 cup of dry baking soda down the drain, followed by 1 cup vinegar.  Place a rag to contain the “back up” over the drain and about 1/2 hour later, run hot water down the pipe to clear the drain.
• Be pro-active.  Instead of waiting for your drains to clog up and then calling a plumber for sewer cleaning, a quick trip to the hardware store for drain filters can save time, energy and money.  Just place a filter over your drains to catch hair, food and other debris that belong in your trash instead of your sink.

Occasionally “home-style” remedies simply won’t work and that’s when you’re going to have to call a professional.  If you are experiencing sluggish or clogged toilets or drains, the best thing you can do is contact a plumber before it becomes an emergency.  For more information about our professional sewer cleaning and other services, call All American Plumbing Services and let’s discuss your plumbing needs.