Consider Your Drains and Pipes Regularly
How often do you think about the drains or pipes in your home? Probably not very regularly. In fact, you may not think of them unless one of them is having a problem or, worse yet, when a plumbing emergency catches you off guard. Instead of ignoring these important fixtures until it’s too late and there’s a real problem on hand, let’s take a look at all of the different drains your home could have.
Floor Drains
Most people have floor drains in the bottom of the shower. They are meant to keep debris away from the pipes and keep water flowing freely. However, floor drains take a lot of wear and tear over the years. Hair, for example, is rather small and can easily slip down the drain during a shower. If enough of it builds up and gets tangled in the pipes, there could be a clog that will back things up. When you notice water draining too slowly or not at all, it’s time to get the floor drain inspected and the clog cleared out.
Sink Drains
Sink drains are used on a daily basis, especially in the kitchen. The kitchen sink is known for having foul smells since all kinds of food gets rinsed into the sink each and every day. If those smells persist or if the sink starts to drain slowly and even back up, it’s best to get things cleaned out and flowing again as fast as possible. You can try vinegar and water to rinse the clog away with hot water, but if that doesn’t work, a plumber can help get things going.
Bathtub Drain
The bathtub drain sees a lot of soap and water, but even hair and pet fur can clog up the drain. A tub strainer can help keep unwanted items out of the pipes, but the strainer won’t catch everything. You can try a plunger first to get clogs free, but if that doesn’t work, the issue could be too deep and you will need professional help.
Patio Drains
You may also have a drain outside of your house around the patio area to get dirt and mud as well as rain water off the patio. You want to use the right methods to clear those drains or you could even damage the pipes. If a clog occurs, it could be from anything, and it’s best to have a professional take over the job so things are done correctly.
Calling for Drain and Pipe Help
You will want the professionals at Stephens Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning to stop by for a visit when you have a clogged drain, but even if things are just starting to run slowly, you can have them take a look to get ahead of the issue. Drain and pipe inspections are also a good idea so you are able to keep things in operational order before they become a bigger problem in your household. Drains and pipes are important to the everyday flow of your home.