Plumbing and drain problems may be a surprise to you…but we deal with them every day! Over the years, we’ve seen people make some really silly (and sometimes costly) mistakes. While some problems are bound to happen and are out of your control, many problems are avoidable, and some are really easy to fix.
Here are some tips that just might save you a phone call. If you forget to follow ‘em, or you just don’t feel like trying to solve the problem yourself, we’re available any time to come help.
Remember!: All drain problems stem from either (1) a malfunction of the pipe or (2) something you put down there.
Tip #1 – OK for the toilet: Human waste, toilet paper, soap and water.
Dan always tells customers, “The toilet is no trash can…if you’re not sure, don’t flush it!” Even if it says ‘flushable’, it’s safer to throw it in the trash can.
Tip #2 – Let grease cool in the pan and then throw it away. Grease is a notorious drain clogger. Pouring hot water down a drain will only move the problem further out. Hot water will cool in your line and most likely only contribute to a grease clog.
Tip # 3 – Avoid letting hair down the drain. Use a screen over the drain and clean the hair out regularly. If you have long hair, don’t brush it over the sink or in the shower.
Tip #4 – If you have a minor clog in your sink, use a pair of pliers or tweezers to try and extract the blockage, 9 out of 10 times your blockage is easily fixable.
Tip #5 – If you need a contractor, choose wisely. Make sure the company is reputable with a solid track record and carries the proper insurance and licenses. Also, make sure to ask about ALL possible charges upfront. Some companies offer low prices upfront, then add charges once the job is started. The company you choose should be able to give an estimated TOTAL cost, and should be able to justify any additional charges needed to complete the job.