Are you tired of dealing with slow or clogged drains in your Dallas-Fort Worth home? Drain issues can be a significant inconvenience, but understanding the common causes and how to fix them can save you time and stress. At Total Plumbing, we help you keep your drains flowing smoothly. Learn more about what causes drain clogs and how we can help you fix them.
Common Causes of Clogged Drains
- Hair Buildup: Hair is a leading cause of clogs, especially in bathroom sinks, showers, and tubs. Over time, hair can accumulate and combine with soap scum, creating a stubborn blockage. Using a drain guard can help catch hair before it enters your plumbing system.
- Grease and Fat: Pouring grease, fat, or oil down the kitchen sink can lead to serious clogs. These substances solidify as they cool, sticking to the walls of your pipes and trapping other debris. Instead, pour grease into a container and dispose of it in the trash.
- Food Particles: Food scraps, especially starchy and fibrous items like potato peels and celery, can easily clog your kitchen drain. Even if you have a garbage disposal, large or hard-to-grind items can cause blockages. Be mindful of what goes down your sink and consider composting suitable food waste.
- Soap Scum: Traditional soap bars contain fats that can combine with minerals in water to form soap scum. This residue can build up in your pipes over time, restricting water flow. Switching to liquid soap can reduce the buildup of soap scum.
- Foreign Objects: Items like cotton swabs, dental floss, and small toys can accidentally find their way into drains, causing significant blockages. Always ensure these items are properly disposed of in the trash.
- Tree Roots Invasive tree roots can penetrate your sewer lines, causing major drainage issues. This problem is particularly common in older homes with clay pipes. Regular inspections can help detect and address root intrusion early.
DIY Drain Cleaning Solutions
Before calling in the professionals, you might want to try a few DIY methods to clear minor clogs:
- Boiling Water: Pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain can help dissolve soap scum and grease clogs. This method is simple and effective for minor blockages.
- Baking Soda and Vinegar: This natural cleaning duo can break down organic matter causing the clog. Pour half a cup of baking soda followed by half a cup of vinegar down the drain, wait 15 minutes, and then flush with hot water. This method is eco-friendly and safe for most types of pipes.
- Plunger: A plunger can be very effective for clearing clogs in sinks and tubs. Ensure a good seal and plunge vigorously to dislodge the blockage. For best results, use a plunger designed for sinks and tubs, not a toilet plunger.
- Drain Snake: A drain snake, or plumber’s auger, can reach deeper clogs that are out of reach for a plunger. These tools are available at most hardware stores and can be very effective for stubborn blockages.
When to Call Total Plumbing
If DIY methods don’t resolve the issue, it’s time to call in the experts. Total Plumbing offers comprehensive drain cleaning services to tackle even the toughest clogs. Here’s how we can help:
- Thorough Inspections: We use the latest technology, including video camera inspections, to identify and clear blockages effectively. Camera inspections allow us to see inside your pipes without invasive digging, pinpointing the location and nature of the clog. With this information, we can recommend the most efficient and cost-effective solution for your specific needs.
- Expert Technicians: Our experienced plumbers are trained to handle all types of drain issues, ensuring your plumbing system is in top condition. We stay updated on the latest industry techniques and safety standards to provide you with the best service possible.
- Preventive Maintenance: Regular drain cleaning can prevent future clogs. We offer maintenance plans to keep your drains clear and functional year-round. With routine check-ups, we can catch potential problems before they become major issues, saving you time and money in the long run.
- Fast Response For Urgent Needs: We understand that plumbing problems don’t wait for convenient hours. That’s why we have experienced plumbers on call to respond to your urgent needs after normal business hours. We’ll work quickly to diagnose and address the problem, minimizing disruption and getting your plumbing back in working order.
Why Choose Total Plumbing?
Total Plumbing is committed to providing top-notch service to homeowners in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Our customer-first approach means we prioritize your satisfaction and work diligently to solve your plumbing issues. Here are a few reasons to choose us:
- Prompt and Reliable Service: We understand the urgency of plumbing problems and strive to provide same-day service whenever possible.
- Trustworthy, Licensed, and Insured Technicians: Our team is background-checked, drug-tested, fully licensed, and insured, giving you peace of mind that your home is in capable hands.
- Quality Workmanship Guaranteed: At Total Plumbing, we’re committed to providing high-quality plumbing solutions you can trust. That’s why we back our work with a one-year minimum warranty on all labor, so you can be confident your plumbing issues are resolved correctly and durably. *
Don’t let clogged drains disrupt your daily life. Contact Total Plumbing today to schedule your drain cleaning service and keep your plumbing system running smoothly.
*Please note, some exclusions may apply.
