What should I do with a clogged drain?

Clogged drains are the most common problems encountered by Cincinnati plumbers. Many homeowners call for help because of desperation. When they pour water in the sink, the water stays in it longer. Most of the time, the water contained creates foul smell and stingy dirt. Some of the residue in the clog even floats up with the newly poured water. The dilemma of homeowners makes them seek for Cincinnati plumbers.

The causes of the clogged drains depend on the location. If it is the bathroom, they come from the build up of soap scum and hair, whereas if they are from the kitchen, grease and water cause them. Cincinnati plumbers recommend that you use chemical drain cleaners with extreme precaution. The corrosiveness can cause serious damage to your metal and PVC pipes. The strong chemicals can cause accidental contact with the skin of the user and thus cause burns or irritation. If you use them, read the label well and follow the instructions carefully. Use gloves all throughout the procedure to avoid skin contact. Never mix the contents of one cleaner to another since the likelihood of adverse chemical reaction is higher.

Cincinnati plumbers recommend some do-it-yourself steps before getting help. All you need is a plunger preferably with large rubber bells for more force. Take the one with a stout handle so you can deliver more thrust. The item works by the push and pull action. Just make sure that the plunger has enough vacuum to resolve the clogged drain. You can also check for the P-trap for the presence of clog. If it is below this line, use a mechanical snake to clear it. Otherwise, you call the Cincinnati plumbers for assistance.

Prevention is always better than cure. Cincinnati plumbers recommend some tips to avoid clogged drains. If you want to increase the life span of your plumbing system, do not overload your kitchen disposer with meat, food residue, dirt or greasy food in it. The same is true with your bathroom drain. Remove all fallen hair lodging to it. When you follow the simple Cincinnati plumbersÂ’ adviceScience Articles, you can be free from clogged drains.

{bigcontentsearch|100|campaign}{bingnews|100|campaign}{indeed|100|campaign}How to Diagnose Plumbing Drain Problems | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey tracks down the source of a clogged drain using some high tech equipment.

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Cost: $10,000 in tools
Time: 1-2 hours
Skill Level: Advanced

Tools List:
– Gloves [https://amzn.to/31x4uDf]
– Drain Camera [https://amzn.to/2XdB5Pa]
– Drain Locator Tool [https://amzn.to/2Xb9Btz]

Steps:
1. Use a drain camera to look for possible obstructions in the main drain line of the house. Ensure the distance meter is reset before entering the drain to give an accurate measurement of where in the pipe a clog may be located.
2. Use a line locator to confirm the location of the camera under the floor.

Richard used a SeeSnake camera system to see inside the drain line and a SR-24 Line Locator with Bluetooth and GPS to locate the pipe under the floor. Both are manufactured by Ridgid [https://www.ridgid.com/].

Plumbing contractors can be hired to help diagnose drain problems. This diagnostic equipment can also be rented from home centers or tool rental shops.

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How to Diagnose Plumbing Drain Problems | Ask This Old House
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