When most Pasadena, CA, homeowners think of a clogged drain, the sink or bathtub is the first thing to pop into their minds. While these clogs create unwanted home plumbing problems, they are usually pretty quick to eliminate. You’re probably picturing the plunger or a drain cleaning solution right now.
Unfortunately, plumbing problems can be more complex than a backed-up sink, especially if your home has outdated pipes. Sometimes your entire sewer system can be clogged, requiring you to call an experienced plumber in Pasadena.
However, there are things you can do to keep your plumbing system, including the sewer pipes, from clogging.
Follow these five steps to prevent clogged drains and sewer lines.
1. Avoid Dumping Greasy Food Down the Kitchen Drain
Grease is one of the main reasons you may need a professional drain cleaning. Yes, grease is a liquid, but only while it’s hot. It will travel down the pipe and eventually harden, slowing down several drains in your home.
This type of clog will gradually grow because of the continued presence of grease. But it’s not just the grease from the pan that is the problem. Fatty sauces and foods can contribute to the problem if they go into the garbage disposal.
You should never put greasy items like butter, fatty meat trimmings, salad dressing, or creamy sauces into the garbage disposal. If this is something you do regularly, call a plumber in Pasadena to schedule a drain cleaning.
2. Keep Hair from Going Down the Drain
After it travels down the drain, hair turns into tight balls that may not come out with the plunger. You may try to prevent hair from going down the shower drain by picking up loose hairs, but it is impossible to grab them all. The best method to catch hair is to place a fine mesh hair catcher over your shower drain.
3. Stop Soap Scum in Its Tracks
If grease and hair are the number one and number two culprits, soap scum comes in at number three. If you have hard water, the minerals and soap react to form a sticky sludge called soap scum.
You can have a whole-home water softener installed to eliminate this problem, or you can use liquid soap instead of bar soap.
4. Schedule Regular Drain Cleaning Services
Not many people think about the plumber unless there’s a need to call one. However, many plumbers in Pasadena recommend having your drains and sewer lines cleaned every year and a half.
Professional plumbers have special equipment that removes the sludge and debris inside your pipes. A hydro-jetting process sends powerful streams of water through your plumbing. The goal is to knock out partially formed clogs or tree roots that may have infiltrated your sewer lines.
5. Properly Dispose of Trash
You use the toilet as a way to eliminate waste from your home. But these materials are different from the trash. You should not flush items like cotton balls, baby wipes, or feminine hygiene products into your sewer system.
These items create unnecessary stress on the pipes, and there’s no guarantee they will make it to the main sewer. Instead, they may catch on something within the pipes and form a clog. The best solution is to throw trash in the proper receptacle, not the toilet.
Call a Professional Plumber in Pasadena, CA, for Clogged Drains
If you still end up with a clogged drain, you need to get it taken care of before it creates more problems. Your first thought may be to attempt to remove the clog on your own, but this isn’t always the best idea. Instead, hire an experienced professional to ensure the job is done right the first time.
There are two primary reasons you should hire a plumbing contractor to clear your drains.
Plumbers Know How to Remove Any Clog
Thanks to videos found on the internet, it seems like anything can be a DIY project. Yes, these solutions can work for some problems, but it is best to hire someone with years of experience with clogged drains.
Professional plumbers have gone through training to deal with these problems. They will know what should be done to resolve the issue and come prepared with the tools needed to complete the job.
Professional plumbers have access to:
- Various sized plungers for different sized jobs
- Sink augers, also known as a snake
- Cameras to see deep inside the pipes
Their experience paired with these tools will help remove stubborn clogs that have you fed up.
You’ll Save Money in the Long Run
You’re probably asking, “How will paying for a plumber save me money?” Maybe it won’t have upfront costs, but you’ll gain long-term savings.
Your go-to solution will likely be a commercial drain cleaner when you try to remove the clog by yourself. Unfortunately, you are sending harmful chemicals into your drain by using these cleaners. They can eat away at the pipes, causing them to weaken or break. A burst pipe is a significant repair that will cost you more than hiring a plumber to remove the clog.
Do You Need a Professional Drain Cleaning?
If your clogged drain seems hopeless, Make It Drain Plumbing & Rooter in Pasadena is here to provide relief. Whether it’s a clogged shower or a backed-up sewer drain, our team will get it clean. Call us today to schedule your appointment or learn more about our drain cleaning service.
