How to Unclog a Drain

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    It always seems to happen at the worst possible time. Maybe you are getting ready for Thanksgiving dinner with family, friends, and loved ones. Maybe you are putting the kids to bed and notice the tub isn’t draining. Maybe you come home from vacation to discover floors covered in water. Whatever the case may be, a clogged drain can be, at best, a nuisance and in some cases, much worse. Pickett Plumbing has a few tips for how to help your drains function properly.

    Avoiding Clogs

    The best way to unclog a drain is to do your best to avoid them getting clogged in the first place. Instead of using your garbage disposal, put food, especially coffee grounds and grease, in the trash. Add in a screen under your tub stopper or drain to help catch hair that is shed during bathing or showering. Don’t put anything in the toilet except for toilet paper, using the trash can for all other products instead. Toilet paper is specifically graded for flushing down pipes, and other items, like baby wipes and facial cleansing pads, may clog over time. It can be beneficial to flush your lines from time to time and there are several ways to do this. Regularly running hot water down your drains will help clear out some of the debris and build-up that forms in our pipes. Baking soda paired with hot water can help break down some of the tougher clogs as well.

    A Few Quick Fixes

    There are a few things you can do as a homeowner to unclog your drain once you suspect one. While many use the plunger exclusively on the toilet, it can also be used on your other drains. Use a towel or rag to plug the overflow opening and make sure you have a tight seal as you move the plunger up and down. You can also clear some clogs fairly easily by checking the pop-up stopper for hair and debris. By clearing this, your water will flow better. 

    Calling in Pickett Plumbing

    If cleaning your lines, plunging, and checking stoppers doesn’t help, you can call our experienced team for additional help. Even if your drains are only running slower, you may have a clog that is getting worse and worse each day. Also, if your pressure is lower than expected, you may have a leak that needs our attention. A line may need additional inspection with snaking or your pipes may be welded on by the builder which will mean more work to cut the pipe and put everything back together. You want to make sure these seals are perfect, which our Pickett Plumbing team can ensure.

    Affordable Solutions

    The last thing you want as a homeowner is to sink money into a broken pipe or to retrieve something from a clogged drain. However, it has to be done to keep your home in good repair. Pickett Plumbing can quickly and affordably help you take care of every issue you may experience. Because we know that emergencies happen on weekends and holidays too, our VIP Club members have the added protection of our team being available any time of the day or week to help with potential backups.

    Pickett Plumbing knows you want a quick fix to anything broken in your home and we are committed to fast and reliable service. Our experienced professionals have the licensing and training needed to clear your drain, repair your pipes, and make sure you are back to your regular schedule as soon as possible. To learn more, contact us today.

    July 4, 2021