How to Avoid Calling a Plumber for Plugged Drains

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We don't often think about our drains, do we? They are there when we need them, but when something goes wrong, it's all we can think about! Fortunately there are good, honest plumbing companies that do quality work at a fair price that you can call in an emergency.

However before you call for help, there are simple things you can do yourself that might rectify the problem. Be careful not to abuse your plumbing system, check your pipes and drains every now and then, and anticipate problems before they begin.

Whether you live in an older house or a newly constructed one, your pipes need maintenance just like the rest of your home. One thing that drain cleaning companies recommend is that you check the pipes you have access to at least every few weeks. If you have a basement that has pipes exposed, inspect them and look for wet spots on the floor or condensation around the joints of the pipes.

You should also look under your sinks and behind your toilets to be sure that you don't have drips or leaks. If you can catch a leak before it gets big enough to soak the floor, you can prevent needless damage and avoid an emergency call.

You can also take the initiative to eliminate clogged drains before they happen by doing a bit of simple maintenance every couple of weeks. For example, your kitchen sink gets used every day and just about every sink drain will develop a potential clog of grease and food. You can keep these elements from clogging your pipes by pouring about two tablespoons of ordinary liquid dish soap into the drain.

As the liquid detergent drips down, bring a large pot of water to a boil and pour it down the drain. This will do a great job of cleaning the insides of your pipes, and will eliminate the possibility of grease clinging to the sides of the drain pipe. Be sure to use oven mitts to protect your hands from the steam as you pour the water into the drain. Doing this regularly will prevent slow running or clogged drains.

Another thing drain cleaning professionals recommend, especially if you have older plumbing, is keeping a small bucket or tub under the pipes beneath your kitchen sink. If your pipes do happen to spring a leak, this will catch the water and prevent damage to your wood or tile flooring.

But what if you already have a clog? Before you call a plumber, try pouring a cup of baking soda into your drain followed by a cup of vinegar. Wait a few minutes then follow with some very hot or boiling water. This mixture will break up most ordinary clogs very quickly and won't harm your pipes like harsh chemical treatments.

It's always best to know who you're going to call in an emergency rather than depend on the first plumber available. Call around and investigate a few drain cleaning companies before you have an emergency and choose an honest plumber you can trust. Keep their number handy, perhaps on your refrigerator or taped under the sink where you can see it in the event of a leak. That way you will know exactly who to call if you should have an emergency.

Article Source: http://depositarticles.com/

Nick Messe is president of Lead Frog LLC. In the Atlanta area look for Atlanta plumbers on the web. The Honest Plumber provides a full range of plumbing services for homes and businesses in Atlanta and across Cobb County - www.thehonestplumber.com

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