Even though we know the risk of a clog, we still tend to cause one every now and then. We often get distracted and multi-task, and before you know it we’ve overloaded a drain. Since drains lead to pipes and pipes lead to your septic system, let’s talk about how clogged drains can turn into big problems.
Septic Safety Week is celebrated every third week of September, and septic safety starts with our everyday habits! Read more about septic safety in our recent blog here. Alongside our drain clearing methods explained below, we’ve also included some additional tips from the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Avoiding clogged pipes can help keep your septic system safe!
How to Clear a Clogged Sink
Option 1: Carefully pour hot water into the drain. Don’t use boiling water (it’s never a good thing to pour boiling water down any drain in your home). Let it be for a few minutes, and then try again.
Option 2: This option also includes using hot water. Pour hot water down the drain followed by a cup of baking soda and then a cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Rinse the drain with hot water again.
If the clog was not cleared by these at-home remedies, we don’t encourage trying method after method to get your drain cleared. At this point, you should call the professionals. The clog may be too big for at home methods to handle.
Homeowner Tip!
Homeowner Tip!Think At The Sink
Educate the members in your household about what can and can’t be poured down the sink! Lessen the risk of clogged pipes by following these tips.
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- Don’t let grease or fat make its way down the drain. Instead, pour the grease or fat into an airtight container.
- Limit food waste even if you have a garbage disposal. Just because you have a disposal, doesn’t mean your pipes can handle that food waste!
- Avoid disposing harsh chemicals down the sink
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You don’t need to wait for a clog to occur to call a professional. Have your plumbing assessed and cleaned by calling the professionals at Lion Home Service.
How to Clear a Clogged Toilet
Option 1: Using a plunger is the first recommended method for unclogging a toilet. Be sure to sanitize your plunger afterwards!
Option 2: With the help of some common household products, you can tackle a toilet clog. Gather a cup of baking soda and carefully pour it into the toilet bowl. Wait about five minutes, and then follow that with two cups of vinegar. Some bubbles will form, and it should sit for a few minutes. After some time has passed, give it a flush. It may need a second flush to clear the clog.
Option 3: Add some liquid dish soap into your toilet bowl, and let it sit for about 15 minutes. The soap can help lubricate the clog. Then grab a bucket and fill it with hot water (remember, never pour boiling water down any drain). Carefully pour the hot water into the toilet bowl. After letting it sit for about five minutes, try to flush.
When should you call a professional? Well, if these methods don’t do the trick, your clog could be indicative of a larger issue. Don’t keep trying method upon method as it could be damaging to your pipes.
Homeowner Tip!
Homeowner Tip!Think Before You Flush
Certain items such as paper towels, plastics, cotton swabs or balls, floss, wipes (even if they say they are flushable), feminine hygiene products, cat litter (even the flushable kind) and toxic substances should NOT be disposed of down the toilet! Items other than toilet paper do not break down adequately enough and will end up causing clogs and further septic and drain issues.
If you experience any of these telltale signs, be sure to call Lion Home Service at (970) 551-6987:
- If you have multiple drains clogging in your house
- If you have multiple drains backing up in your house
- If you smell sewage
Schedule your drain cleaning today to avoid frequent clogs and to maintain the health of your home’s pipes. Contact Lion Home Service for all your plumbing needs.
