One of the most common plumbing problems homeowners experience are clogged and slow drains. This may not seem like much of a problem when it is only occurring from time to time, but if it is something which has happened to you more than once, it can be a sign of problems. Maybe not with the plumbing itself, but with your own habits which could lead to expensive plumbing issues in the future.
Blocked drains typically happen when people are allowing something down the drain which should not be there. In the kitchen this is typically grease, food and coffee grounds. These may seem to fit down the drain at first, but further down the line they could be stuck, waiting for more items to join them.
Grease is a particularly nasty problem because it will easily run down the drain while it is hot, but will coat the pipes as it cools off again. Beans and rice swell as they absorb moisture, so even if they seem to be no big deal when they are initially washed down the drain, they can become trouble as they sit.
In the bathroom, the tub and sink are often at risk from hair washing into the drain. Installing a hair catcher in the tub drain will help. Brushing your hair before you get in the shower to reduce the amount of loose hair being washed away will also reduce the risk of a clog. Do not rinse hair down the sink drain, any loose strands should be wiped out instead. Soap can be an issue as well. Liquid soap, both in the bathroom and as laundry detergent will leave less residue than powdered detergents or bar soap.
As for the toilet, never flush any paper except toilet paper. Baby wipes, paper towels and feminine hygiene products are a plumbing bill waiting to happen. They do not disintegrate at the same speed as toilet paper and they can clog a pipe almost instantly. Even if the pipes stay clear, septic tanks can become overfilled quickly if these materials are routinely flushed.
Bowers Plumbing Company are professional Drain Cleaners in Wichita KS who can help homeowners who are frequently experiencing problems with slow and clogged drains. If you are tired of plunging, waiting and pouring boiling water down your drains, contact them for a real solution.
