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Plumbing Tips — Drains

clogged drains
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  • Place a strainer over kitchen and bathroom drains if they do not already have one; this will prevent hair, pieces of soap, and other debris from clogging drains. Clean the strainer as needed.

  • Unclog a drain mechanically rather than chemically when possible.

    • Use chemical drain cleaners sparingly, especially if your pipes or traps are brass, steel, or cast-iron; some chemicals may corrode metal pipes. Try this instead: pour a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar down your drain every month.

    • The drains in showers and in bathroom sinks typically need extra care; pour two or three gallons of boiling water down each bathroom drain about once a month to clear out hair and greasy particles.

  • Every week or two remove sink and tub pop-up stoppers and rinse them off.

  • Every three or four months remove the overflow plate on the tub.

    • Then pull up the pop-up assembly to reach the spring or rocker arm.

    • Remove accumulated hair and rinse thoroughly.

  • If your shower drain is plugged up:

    • Try a plunger first.

    • If the plunger doesn't unplug the drain, insert a plumber's helper ("snake") down the drain.

  • Prevent drain clogs by putting a lint trap on your washing machine discharge hose.

  • When you are ready to find a plumber in your own neighborhood, simply enter your zip code to begin your search:

     

    When you are ready to find a plumber in your neighborhood, simply enter your zip code to begin your search:

     

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