Category: Home Services

Drain Cleaning – How to Get Rid of Clogged Drains

Chanel Rowland

Keeping drains free of clogs and debris prevents overflowing toilets, slow-draining sinks, or the intrusion of foul-smelling gases. Regular drain cleaning also saves money on more costly repair services.

FMD spoke to manufacturers specializing in drain cleaning equipment about common mistakes technicians can make and how to avoid them. Contact Drain Cleaning Perth now!

Chemical drain cleaners come in liquid, flakes, or powder form and are widely available at stores. These cleaners are designed to work on clogs by creating a reaction that either heats or oxidizes the materials in the clogged pipe. These cleaners are generally easy to use and clear the most common impediments such as hair, grease, and food. However, they can harm the environment and human health if not used properly. They also can cause damage to pipes if they are used too often or on older, plastic pipes.

There are many different types of chemical drain cleaners on the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Caustic drain cleaners, for example, contain substances like lye or caustic potash that give off hydroxide ions that create a reaction that melts and dissolves grease. These chemicals are generally heavier than water, so they can sink through standing water and reach the clog within the pipe. Oxidizing drain cleaners, on the other hand, are composed of household bleaches, peroxides and nitrates that generate heat and oxidize organic material in the clog to break it down.

Both types of chemical drain cleaners are generally safe if used according to the instructions on the label. However, they can be harmful to eyes and skin if splashed, and they can also corrode or warp pipes. If you choose to use a chemical drain cleaner, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and wear rubber gloves. If you are unsure whether or not a specific chemical cleaner is safe for your pipes, consult a plumber.

Another problem with chemical drain cleaners is that they may not be effective on severe clogs. If the clog is caused by a damaged pipe or an overgrowing tree root, it may take more than a chemical cleaner to resolve it. If you have a stubborn clog, try using a plunger or auger before resorting to chemical cleaners.

Oxidizing Drain Cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners work through a series of powerful chemical reactions to donate or withdraw electrons from the substances that make up a clog. This process generates heat, which melts grease and soap scum or allows water to flow more easily through the pipe. However, this type of drain cleaner can damage pipes over time if used frequently or if the wrong product is selected for the job.

Many chemical cleaners are easy to use, simply pouring the solution down a drain and waiting for it to do its work. However, this simplicity hides the potential risks of these products to your pipes and your health. Most chemical drain cleaners require careful handling to avoid spills and vapors, and they can be toxic if not properly used or disposed of. The directions for usage of these products are typically found on the back or pack, and it is recommended that safety gear like goggles and masks be used if possible to protect your skin, eyes and lungs.

Some chemical drain cleaners are formulated to be safe for residential pipes, while others are designed for commercial or industrial use. There are also natural drain cleaners available that don’t rely on chemical reactions to break down a clog.

All drain cleaners have their own specific way of working to clear a blocked drain. Oxidizing drain cleaners, for example, contain household bleach or peroxides that react with the organic materials in a clog to break them down and release gas and heat to remove the obstruction. Other types of chemical drain cleaners may include acids or caustic soda to dissolve rust, metal debris and other hard-to-break down material.

Biological drain cleaners use bacteria and enzymes to decompose organic waste, making them safer for residential pipes than traditional chemical cleaners. These drain cleaners usually have a liquid or gel consistency and can be purchased at most hardware stores or big box retailers. They come with directions for usage similar to other drain cleaners: pour down the drain while holding the bottle upside down and flush with plenty of hot water. Some biological drain cleaners even come with a pre-mixed strain of bacteria that is designed to specifically target and digest hair, food particles, grease and other common causes of a blocked drain.

Plumber’s Snake

If you have a serious drain clog that’s not responding to any other type of drain cleaner, try a plumber’s snake. Also known as a drain auger, this tool is basically a long, flexible metal cable with an auger (like an uncoiled spring, corkscrew or drill bit) at one end and a handle on the other. When you push the snake into your sink’s drain opening, it begins to uncoil and travel down the pipes until it encounters the clog. You’ll need to apply some pressure to get the snake to bend around the tight curve in the trap under your sink, and it may be helpful to have a pair of needle-nose pliers nearby to help you if needed.

If your clog is especially stubborn, you may want to remove the snake from the drain and try again later. If you can’t locate the clog, or if it appears that the clog has moved to a different part of the pipe, you may want to try pushing the snake up and down or side to side. Sometimes, moving the snake up and down or side to side causes the clog to break up or dislodge. You’ll know if you’re successful because the water should begin flowing freely again.

Before using your snake, make sure to turn off the water supply valve. This will prevent you from accidentally flooding your home if the drain snake gets stuck in the pipe. It’s also a good idea to wear rubber gloves and safety goggles, as this job can be messy and dangerous.

Start by removing the P-trap (the bent piece of pipe that sits right below your sink) to give yourself the best access to the drainpipe. Next, manually thread the snake’s head into either the drain itself or an access point on your wall if you didn’t remove the trap. It’s important not to push the snake too hard into the pipe, as this could damage the drain entrance or the pipe itself. Once you’ve pushed the snake into the clog, start rotating it to chop up and dislodge it.

Enviro-Master’s Drain Treatment

Drain clogs are inevitable, but you can minimize the problem by detecting and attending to them early. Observing the water flow of all your drains regularly is the best way to detect any signs of trouble. Look for a slow drainage, or one that suddenly stops flowing entirely. This is a sign that there is a blockage in the line. The clog may be caused by hair, food, soap scum, or tree roots. If the clog is left unattended, it could lead to major plumbing issues that require expensive repairs or replacements.

Using the wrong chemical drain cleaner can also be harmful to your health. The caustic substances in most store-bought drain cleaners are incredibly toxic and can cause severe burns, allergic skin reactions, and loss of vision. Many of these chemicals are also corrosive and can damage your pipes. If you use these products, be sure to wear gloves and eye protection.

The best drain cleaner is a biological or enzymatic solution. This is safer for your drain lines, the environment, and your pipes. It also eliminates odors and breaks down organic material like grease and garbage disposal waste. Regularly pouring a septic-safe drain cleaner into your drains is a good preventative measure to keep them healthy.

Choosing the right drain cleaner is crucial for your business. A clogged drain can cause unpleasant customer experiences and lost revenue. It can also lead to a health code violation. Investing in a professional drain cleaning service can ensure that your drains remain clear and operational, so you can avoid costly repair or replacement costs.

For more information about the best drain cleaners, contact the team at Enviro-Master. They offer a variety of sanitation and disinfecting services including commercial restroom cleaning, drain treatment, paper management, and the hospital-grade Virus Vaporizer. Their services protect businesses and their guests, and they have a proven track record of success. Founded in 2009, they serve a range of industries including schools and daycares, gyms, healthcare facilities, manufacturing sites, and offices. They are headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Sink Drain Replacement – How to Do It Yourself

Verity Cantrell

Sink Drain Replacement Olmsted Falls is common as part of a kitchen remodel or sink upgrade project. Pop-up drains are easy to replace with a little effort and a few tools.

First, ensure your work area is clear and position a bucket underneath to catch any residual water that may drip from the pipework during removal. Then, gather your tools and prepare to loosen the connections that hold the drain in place.

A faulty sink drain can create a pool of water beneath the sink and can lead to mold, mildew and unpleasant odors. Luckily, replacing a sink drain is a simple DIY plumbing project that any homeowner can do with the right tools and supplies. To start, turn off the water supply to the sink and clear out a space beneath the sink for working. Next, use a pipe wrench to loosen the coupling that connects the sink drain assembly to the drain line and waste pipe underneath the sink. After removing the old drain, measure the length and diameter of the drain line and the sink hole to help you select a replacement. If your old drain pipe is made of cast iron, it’s a good idea to have a home drain maintenance specialist replace it with plastic piping.

In addition to standard tools found in every tool box, there are some specialty plumbing tools you should have on hand for sink drain replacement projects. These include a basin wrench and a pair of adjustable pliers. A basin wrench has a long handle that can reach up behind the sink, where the faucet mounting nut is located. A unique set of jaws on the wrench grips the nut and a bar at the bottom turns it. This nifty tool is perfect for tightening and removing sink and bathtub drains, showerheads, bar strainers and some lavatory drains.

Plumber’s putty is another essential tool for sink drain replacement. This type of pliable sealant forms water-resistant bonds that can hold up to low-pressure environments, like a sink drain. The putty can be purchased in a variety of colors to match your new bathroom fixtures, and it can be applied with a finger or a plastic putty knife. A syringe may also be used to apply the putty in hard-to-reach areas.

A pair of long-nosed pliers can be helpful in gaining a firm grasp on the sink strainer grate and holding it steady while you loosen the locknut. If the grate moves while you’re trying to loosen it, place a screwdriver between the plier handles and insert them into the sink strainer grate from above to keep it stationary. Once the grate is removed, you can remove the sink drain. Next, use a Pipe Wrench to loosen the Slip Nut that keeps the Tailpiece tightened to the Drain.

Loosen the Connections

Before you can remove your old drain, you’ll need to loosen the connections beneath it. This may take some wiggling and gentle persuasion, but you should never apply too much pressure or you might damage the fittings or pipes underneath. A set of pipe wrenches or a pair of channel locks should be sufficient for this task.

The first step is to loosen the nut that holds the strainer in place with a pipe wrench. Once this is done, you can pull the bell washer strainer free of its mount and set it aside. Next, you’ll need to loosen the nut that connects the sink drain to the P-trap with a large pair of pliers. Once this nut is loose, you can remove the drain and P-trap from the sink.

Now that you’ve removed the old drain and removed the P-trap, you can start installing the new one. Before you do this, though, it’s important to make sure your new drain is the correct size. If it’s too big, you could end up with a sewage backup problem. The correct size is usually noted on the packaging of your drain kit.

Once you’ve checked the diameter of your new drain, it’s time to install it. Begin by placing the rubber gasket on the underside of the drain flange, then pushing the new drain into place. Next, screw the drain nut on tightly with a wrench.

Before you do this, though, you’ll need to cut the tailpiece from your sink drain assembly kit to the proper length. This piece of straight pipe connects from the sink drain to the drain trap, so you’ll want to ensure it’s long enough to fit inside the drain trap.

Once you’ve finished installing the new drain, you can test its operation by closing and opening the pop-up stopper several times. If the new drain is functioning properly, you’re ready to get your sink back to its normal use. If not, you’ll need to call a plumber or try another fix. It’s important to check the connections often to avoid leaks and other problems.

Remove the Old Drain

When you have a fresh new drain installed, you’ll need to take care of any loose connections and clean the sink opening area. Using the opportunity to do this will help ensure a tight, leak-free fit for the new drain. Once the old drain is out, it’s also a good idea to remove any grime or old plumber’s putty from the drain flange. If the drain stub has any grease or other buildup, it could cause a clog down the line.

Using a flathead screwdriver or a putty knife, scrape away any lingering old plumber’s putty from the tub and drain flange. This step will also give you a chance to inspect the area and make sure everything looks clean and free of any cracks or damage. If the flange has any cracked areas, it’s a good idea to replace it with a new gasket. These are available at any hardware store and are easy to install.

If the flange is still sealed with old plumber’s putty, try heating it up with a hair dryer or heat gun for a few minutes. This can soften the putty and make it easier to remove. If the flange is very stubborn and doesn’t budge, it’s probably time to call a professional.

Once the flange is clean and free of old plumber’s putty, you can start installing the new drain. It’s important to use the right size drain for your tub, so make sure to measure the sink or consult the manufacturer’s instructions. You’ll also want to choose a drain with a style that will match the rest of your bathroom. Some popular options are nickel, bronze, and chrome drains.

Once you’ve chosen a drain, prepare for installation by making sure you have all of the necessary tools at hand. It’s best to work in a well-lit area with plenty of room around you, and it’s a good idea to have a bucket underneath your workspace to catch any water that might spill while you’re working. Finally, don’t forget to wear gloves and safety glasses for protection from debris and rusty tools.

Install the New Drain

The good news is that installing a new drain is a quick and simple DIY project. It doesn’t cost much (typically $20-100 in parts) and only takes 30 minutes or so. However, if you aren’t comfortable working with your home’s plumbing, it may be best to hire an experienced plumber to ensure the job is done correctly.

Before starting to install the new drain, make sure that all of the old components are removed from the sink, including the waste cover and washer installed underneath the waste cover. Also, be sure that the drain gasket is secure and not leaking. Taking these steps will help to prevent problems and ensure that the new installation is watertight and secure.

If you’re replacing a pop-up drain, start by loosening the mounting nut with your hands or a pair of channel-type pliers. Then, remove the drain tailpiece and set it aside. Once the old drain is out, clean the space around the drain opening and the flange with a damp sponge to remove any leftover residue from the old drain. You can use a non-water-based silicone sealant to keep the new drain in place, if you like.

Now that the space is clean, apply a small amount of plumber’s putty to the underside of the new strainer and push it into place on the sink flange. You can also use silicone sealant to create a watertight seal, if you prefer. Wipe off any extra putty that oozes out from the underside of the strainer and set it aside in a container for later use.

If your old drain is still in good condition, it’s best to use it until you need to replace it. However, if you’re experiencing frequent drain clogs, consider installing a new drain in your bathroom or kitchen to prevent future issues.

Keeping your drains clog-free doesn’t take a lot of time or money, but it can help to avoid costly plumbing repairs down the road. Try implementing a routine of regularly pouring a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down your drain to help remove build-up, kill bacteria, and prevent odors.