The Do's and Don'ts of Clogged Drains

Do you hate dealing with those nagging cloggedcan be harmful to eyes and skin. Use them in well
drains? Well there is usually a simple answer to fixventilated area.
the problem. Some clogged drain only need to haveDon'ts
the drain trap removed and cleaned of soap and hair.* Don't wait until the clog has completely stopped
Others are going to require different measuresthe drain up.
stronger than just cleaning. Often times an item can* Don't empty food or coffee grounds down a drain.
be found at your local hardware store that will assist* Don't pour grease or any greasy type substance
you in fighting even the toughest of clogged drain.down the drain.
Commercial drain cleaners are sold in stores in many* Don't mix household cleansers with drain cleaners.
different forms. You can find them in liquid, granular,* Don't allow any chemical cleaner to remain on
or pressurized. Granular relies on lye to dissolve theporcelain. Allowing it to remain will cause damage to
clog, liquid uses lye and other chemicals andthe finish.
pressurized cleaners uses chlorofluorocarbon* Never mix two types of drain cleaners together.
propellant and pressure to remove the clog.* Make sure any previous cleaners in completely
Do'swash away by flushing with plenty of water before
* Clean the drain traps regularly.using another drain cleaner.
* Treating the drain as soon as it starts to slow drain.* Once you have used a chemical cleaner do not use
* Pour boiling water down drain that may be runninga plunder or pressurized drain cleaner. Using these can
slow due to grease build-up. Followed up by pouringcause a splash back which can contain chemicals.
some baking soda in the drain and flushing it with* If you do need to call a plumber tell him of any
more hot water.chemical cleaner you may have previously used.
* Have a plunger handy for a quick need.For drain that are just moderately clogged you can
* Place a plug or cover over the overflow whenpour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain followed
using the plunger for maximum pressure and suctionthen by 1/2 cup of vinegar. This will cause a reaction
effect.of foaming and fumes so if you replace the drain
* When the simple steps have not proven tocover leave it loose. Wait about three hours then
remove the clog you may want to try a commercialflush the drain.
drain cleaner.Drain that may be slow running because of grease
* When you use the granular drain cleaner removecan usually be cleared by using 1/2 cup of baking
any standing water. It is not necessary to removesoda and 1/2 cup of salt. Pour it down the drain with
water when using liquid drain cleaners.a pot of boiling hot water after them. Let it sit
* Use commercial drain cleaners with caution theyovernight.