Clogged and slow-running drains are a common nuisance that most of us would rather not deal with. Having said that, there are steps you can take to keep your drains running freely.
If your drain has clogged to the point of no return, there are safe alternatives to the caustic products that are not so great for our environment.
One of the best ways to prevent a slow drain is to use discretion. Be careful about what goes into the drain. Cooking grease, coffee grounds, hair and soap scum are four of a drain’s worst enemies.
Save cooking grease in an old coffee can or cardboard milk container. Coffee grounds are a welcome addition to a mulch pile, and most hair and soap scum can be caught with a screen or grate that covers the drain’s opening.
Other methods to keep your drain running freely and fresh smelling include:
Throw a handful of baking soda into the drain, followed by hot water.
Pour a cup of vinegar into the drain and chase it with very hot water after the vinegar has been allowed to stand for about a half-hour.
It helps to know a little about drain anatomy. The P-trap is that strangely shaped system of pipes, which resides beneath the sink. There is a P-trap beneath or within every plumbing fixture in your home. It acts as a water door, preventing unpleasant sewer gases from backing up into the home. Because of its shape, it also happens to be where most drainage clogs occur.
Before you tearing apart the P-trap try these remedies:
Pour 1/2 cup of salt, 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of vinegar into the drain. Add the vinegar last or it won’t work. Follow this concoction with at least 2 quarts of boiling water.
If that doesn’t do the trick, try a plunger. Place the plunger completely over the mouth of the drain and rapidly pump it up and down a dozen times or so, abruptly lifting it up and out of the water on the last stroke. If the water rushes out you’ve unclogged the drain.
If that doesn’t work, try something a bit more forceful. Use an expansion plug. An expansion plug is a flexible rubber nozzle that attaches to a garden hose. Insert the EP nozzle into the drain and turn on the water. The rubber nozzle will expand causing a tight fit in the drain while concentrated water pressure attempts to dislodge the clog.
If all else fails, it’s time to revisit the P-trap. You’ll need a small plastic bucket, a rag, a large pair of pliers or channel locks, and a portable light.
Once removed, inspect and clean the interior of the trap with a straightened wire coat hanger or large nylon bottle brush.
Finally, reassemble the trap, being certain that the washers aren’t twisted while tightening the coupling nuts hand-tight. If the drain leaks it will usually be a coupling nut. Use a wrench or large pliers to ever-so-slightly tighten the coupling nut that leaks.
If the trap is found to be reasonably clean and does not seem to be the cause of the clog, try using a small retractable drain snake. When the trap has been removed it is easy to snake the drain line via the outlet in the wall where you can easily access the drainage system. Work the snake in and out while rotating the handle clockwise.
It also is wise to snake the vent pipe on the roof while the snake is out of the tool box. A clogged roof vent can cause a slow drain.
If you’ve tried everything and remain unsuccessful, the next tool you’ll need will be the telephone. Use it to call a plumber or sewer and drain specialist who will have the tools and expertise to get things flowing freely.
For tips from James and Morris Carey, go to www.onthehouse.com or call the listener hot line, 800-737-2474, ext. 59. The Careys are also on KRKO (1380-AM) from 6 to 10 a.m. every Saturday.
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