Your home’s plumbing system is used heavily from the moment you wake up to the moment you go to sleep. From brushing teeth to washing dishes to taking a shower, few everyday tasks can be completed without a plumbing system in good working order.
While you likely don’t think twice about your home’s plumbing components, it’s best to be informed about the system itself, the most common issues that may pop up, and the proper steps to follow afterward.
How Are Clogs Formed?
Almost every homeowner has experienced the frustrations that come with a clogged drain. Clogged drains often occur in the kitchen sink and shower, as these are heavily used areas in the home. Clogs can be formed from a variety of substances, but these are the most common clog culprits:
Grease & Oils
After frying up some bacon or cooking some steak for dinner, make sure to keep all fats, oils, and grease far away from the kitchen drain.
Even if they slip down the drain as a liquid, oils will eventually solidify as a waxy substance, adhering to the drainpipe walls. Over time, this buildup will turn into a clog, resulting in slow drains.
Hair
Stray hairs that sneak their way into the drain can cause a nasty clog! This is the most common clog for bathroom drains, including the sink and shower. Although one or two strands may not seem like a recipe for a clog, eventually, hairs will accumulate, potentially creating a blockage in the pipe.
Soap Scum
After you scrub-a-dub in the tub, don’t forget that the soap that slips down the drain can lead to a blockage. Not to worry, you can help prevent soap scum clogs by installing a drain cover in your shower, tub, or sink.
Should I Use Chemical Drain Cleaners?
When you notice a clogged drain, you may be tempted to head to the grocery store for a quick drain cleaning solution. These products can come in a powder, foam, gel, or liquid form and claim to effectively clean drains for a low price. However, we urge you to avoid these harsh products when you experience your next drain clog.
Store-bought chemical drain cleaners can cause more harm than good to your home’s plumbing system. Their harsh chemicals can cause extreme damage to pipes, eating away at both the clog and drainpipe walls. It’s best to avoid these chemical solutions altogether to preserve your home’s plumbing.
What is a Vent Pipe For?
Your home’s vent pipe is an essential component of the plumbing system. The vent pipe works alongside the drain pipes; however, it doesn’t carry water. Instead, it is responsible for regulating the air in your home’s plumbing.
The vent pipe regulates air flow throughout the system to ensure both waste and water flow through the pipes that drain outside the house. This prevents a vacuum that could result in slow drainage.
In addition to managing air flow, the vent pipe is also responsible for removing sewer gases from the plumbing system. These gases can have an unpleasant odor and can also be dangerous if subjected to the household.
Plumbing Services in Dayton
We understand how stressful it can be to experience plumbing issues in your home. Our experts are highly trained to spot and diagnose plumbing problems and provide a lasting solution for your property. From fixture repair to drain cleaning, you can trust that our reliable team will have your home’s plumbing system working like new in no time. We’ll stop at nothing to ensure the job is completed to your highest standards. Schedule your plumbing service today by contacting Korrect Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. at (937) 837-2333 or complete our online contact form.
