
Everyone has to deal with a clogged drain at one point or another. It’s a common if not annoying problem that can happen anywhere within your plumbing. Depending on where, you might not know how bad a clog is. It can make it tougher to know when it’s time to get a plumber in Omaha.
You may be able to learn for yourself how bad the clog is. Check your drains or listen for unusual sounds coming from your pipes. These might be signs pointing to where the clog started. When you find it, you’ll have to figure out if you want to call a plumber or not. The following info may help you make a decision.
Does a Clogged Drain Always Need a Pro Plumber?
There are a number of things that affect the seriousness of a clog in the plumbing. The info you have about a potential clog could lead a Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning plumber to its source sooner.
- Where is it? One of the most important aspects of a clog is where in your plumbing it appeared. Most of your home’s pipes are in tough-to-reach places like behind walls and under floors. Some clogs may need professional equipment to reach in the first place.
- Can water flow? If the pipes are still draining, you may be able to remove the clog on your own. But if a fixture or appliance is totally backed up, it’s usually safer for a professional plumber to take a look.
- What started the clog? Some substances can have a larger effect on your plumbing. Simple organic waste like coffee or hair is unpleasant but typically easy to clean out on your own. Other materials like sewage can be much more complicated (and maybe even risky). Removing these clogs will need more steps and the experience of a pro.
How Do I Stop Clogs Forming in My Home’s Plumbing?
Unfortunately, there aren’t many places in your plumbing clogs can’t form. We depend on our plumbing for so many things like cleaning, cooking and laundry. A clog can start near the appliances and fixtures we use or within the pipes themselves.
- Bathroom Clogs: Your toilet, sink and shower can all clog. If your bathroom drain is clogged, the culprit is often hair. Taking care of a clogged sink drain, clogged tub drain or clogged shower drain can be as straightforward as pulling the extra hair out. It’s fast, if a little gross. Other times, a hair-clogged drain can turn into a clogged drain deep in the pipe. In this instance, you may require professional help.
- Kitchen Clogs: Your kitchen sink and dishwasher are the most common places for a clog to start. Is your kitchen drain clogged? Use the garbage disposal properly to ensure food waste doesn’t collect. But if the disposal itself is clogged, don’t reach into it! The blades can be responsible for injury.
- Laundry and Clogs. Plumbing around the washing machine can clog, particularly if lint traps aren’t working like they’re supposed to. Other washing machine clogs can be caused by laundry soap and grease stains on clothes.
Steps to Clear Out a Drain Clog
If it’s a small clog, you may be able to fix the problem without professional help. Unclogging doesn’t always need special equipment. In fact, sometimes it’s as straightforward as getting the plunger. Here are a few tips for DIY drain maintenance!
- Mesh or mindfulness goes a long way. Using mesh filters or other traps for sink drains can keep foreign materials out of your plumbing. Keep an eye on what you’re bringing to your kitchen or bathroom sink. If it’s something that can clog, try to safely break it down.
- Know what shouldn’t be flushed. Things like baby wipes, cooking grease and potato peels aren’t supposed to be in the drain. Dispose of them properly to keep your plumbing in the best possible condition.
- Always try your trusty plunger. Even if a leak appears bad, your plunger is a simple and efficient tool. Give your plunger a go before you get professional help.
- Other home remedies can help. Did you know there’s a clogged drain home remedy? You can try to flush your drain with baking soda and vinegar. We don’t advise using store-bought liquid drain openers, since these toxic chemicals can harm your pipes.
Tried these tips but still have a problem? Call us at 402-581-9641 for fast and affordable drain cleaning in Omaha.
Call Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning for Expert Local Plumbers in Omaha
Keeping your home’s plumbing in good condition is important to everyone at Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning. Our plumbers are devoted to providing you with the best plumbing service in Omaha. If you need quality drain cleaning services, we’ve got you covered.
We have the tools and training to get the job done right. For pro plumbing services, call Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning today. Get in touch to request more info or to schedule an appointment. Call us today at 402-581-9641!
