Plumbing systems in every home develop clogs, and there is no way to steer clear of them. Without the proper knowledge, cleaning a drain in your home can be an aggravating experience. Clogs can be expensive, time-consuming and harmful to your family’s health. Depending on the extent of the clog, and the damage that may have occurred from prolonged backup, a clogged drain can be tricky.
Most of the time, there are some symptoms that a drain is becoming restricted. Water will begin to drain more slowly in your kitchen sink. You also might hear gurgling in the drain or see air bubbles come up.
There are simple steps you can take to rid your home of these clogs. A clog in the kitchen sink is usually caused by grease, food, overworked garbage disposal, soap scum, or hair. These clogs can be removed in minutes with a few simple tools.
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Here are a few things you can try for a clogged kitchen sink before calling the plumber:
- Before getting started, it is best to empty the water out of the sink with a sponge, towels or wet-dry shop vacuum into a bucket.
- When the water in your kitchen sink won’t drain or drains slowly, try a bent coat hanger or a drain snake to push the clog on through your pipes. With a coat hanger wire, the trick is to bend a hook on the end to dislodge the clog.
- If the coat hanger doesn’t work, purchase a drain snake that includes the cable enclosed in a drum, as these types are easier to use.
- If the first two methods fail, then it’s time to remove the trap of the sink and find out where the clog is located. You may still have to use the drain snake to take care of the clog.
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If you notice multiple drains backing up at once, the problem usually is related to the main drain either inside or outside the house. Here are some key points:
- Once a drain is clogged, it’s tough to get it flowing again without a drain-cleaning machine.
- The key is to take action when you notice the water not draining as fast as it has in the past.
- The first sign of a “slow drain” is the best time to call the plumber – before it turns into a mess!
- Call in a professional if the drain is completely stopped up.
To avoid future clogs, don’t use your garbage disposal like a trash can. Scrape all the big stuff into the garbage can and only use the disposal for the small stuff. Never pour grease down the drain. Korrect offers an environmentally friendly product that you can put down your smaller drains on a monthly basis to help prevent sludge and scum buildup.
RELATED: 7 things you should NOT put down your garbage disposal
Don’t let a clogged drain ruin your day! Korrect can make sure all your drains and pipes are clean and functioning correctly. Give us a call at (937) 837-2333.
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