If your drains aren’t working correctly, they can cause many problems throughout your house—schedule routine drain cleaning to keep your home plumbing functioning as it should.

You can remove minor clogs using a plunger or a DIY method like baking soda and vinegar. However, more severe clogs require professional help. Visit https://www.draincleaningphiladelphia.com/ to learn more.

A clogged drain is more than just inconvenient, it can also make water or waste back up into your home. Many things can cause drain clogs, including hair, food, soap scum and grease. It’s important to clean your drains regularly to avoid clogs and keep them working properly. Fortunately, there are several DIY drain cleaning methods you can try before calling in a professional.

A simple, natural solution to a blocked drain is baking soda and vinegar. Pour one cup of distilled white vinegar down the drain, then follow with one cup of baking soda. The fizzing action from this mixture is often enough to dislodge a clog and get your drain flowing again. Once the fizzing stops, wait a few minutes and then flush the drain with boiling water to clear away any remaining baking soda and vinegar. This is a good routine to do weekly, or as soon as you notice your drain running slower than usual.

You can also unclog a drain with hydrogen peroxide, which dissolves and loosens natural matter like skin cells that have accumulated in your pipes. You can use it alone, or mix it with hot water and baking soda as described above. It’s safe for most plumbing materials, but be careful with copper pipe—it can react with diluted hydrogen peroxide to form toxic fumes.

If DIY unclogging methods don’t work, it’s time to break out the big guns: a wire snake or electric drain cleaner. Always choose a product that is specifically designed for your drain type and pipe material (e.g., plastic, galvanized metal or PVC). Also be careful when using a snake on a clogged toilet; it can push the clog further down the pipe and into your sewer system.

If you’re still struggling with a blocked drain after trying these tips, turn off your home’s water supply and call a plumber or drain specialist. These professionals have the equipment, including motorized drain augers, to quickly and efficiently clear even the most stubborn drain clogs. They can even help prevent future clogs by teaching you how to maintain your drains properly.

Drain Smells

Drain smells are a result of food/soap particles, grease, and other gunk that has become trapped in your pipes. A foul-smelling odor is released whenever these materials decompose, and the smell can be quite intense. If left untreated, these smelly drains will get worse and may cause health issues for you and your family.

Keeping your kitchen and bathroom drains clean will help prevent this issue. A simple rinse of the drains once a week with hot water and dishwashing liquid will keep your drains fresh. It’s also a good idea to use a drain strainer to catch food particles, soap scum, and hair before they enter your pipes.

You can also try using bleach to deodorize your drains. Be sure to wear rubber gloves when handling bleach, and always work in a well-ventilated area. Pour a cup of bleach down your drain and allow it to sit for an hour to disinfect and deodorize.

Another common home remedy for stinky drains is vinegar. Vinegar contains acid that neutralizes odors, cuts through grease, and helps disinfect your pipes. To use this home remedy, heat four cups of vinegar until it simmers and then pour half down your drain. Wait a few minutes and then pour the remaining vinegar down your drain. This solution can also help clear minor clogs.

A clogged venting pipe can also cause smelly drains. These pipes are designed to bring fresh air in while pushing bad odors out of your house, but if they’re blocked by leaves, bird’s nests, or other debris, the odors will be trapped inside your home.

If you’ve tried the above DIY solutions and the odors persist, it might be time to call Reimer for professional drain cleaning services. A thorough cleaning will eliminate odors, eliminate blockages, and ensure your drain line is functioning properly. Our drain cleaning service uses environmentally friendly products that won’t damage your pipes or the environment. Call us today to schedule an appointment! Our expert plumbers will be happy to assist you.

Clogged Pipes

A clogged drain can lead to a variety of issues for your home. Often, serious clogs require professional help to resolve. It’s a good idea to keep an eye out for early warning signs so you can call in a specialist before the problem gets worse.

A Bad Odor: Foul odors coming from your sink, tub or toilet are one of the most obvious signs of a drain blockage. This is caused by the accumulation of hair, food and other debris that can’t drain because of the clog. The smell is usually strongest near the blocked area, but it may spread throughout your home.

Changes in Water Pressure or Flow: If you notice that your sink, tub or toilet is taking longer to fill or that the water pressure has dropped, this is a sign of a developing clog. When the clog is left untreated, it can damage your pipes and cause costly water and sewage backups.

Water on the Lawn: If you see water pooling outside your house, this is another sign of a clog. This could be from a broken pipe or a severe clog that’s causing a back up in your toilet, bathtub, or sink.

You May See Flies or Other Insects: Pests like flies and fruit flies love wet areas with stagnant water and bacteria, which is why a clogged drain is the perfect place for them to breed. If you see a lot of these insects in your home, this is a sure sign that it’s time to call a plumber for drain cleaning.

Even if you take care of your plumbing regularly, it’s likely that you will encounter at least one clogged drain in your lifetime. The key to preventing these clogs is to pay attention to what goes down your drains, and only use products recommended by your plumber. It’s also a good idea to invest in a plumbing auger or snake to prevent clogs before they happen. By using these tools on a regular basis, you can reduce the risk of clogs and save yourself money in the long run.

Clogged Toilets

While it’s fairly common to have a toilet clog from time to time, if your family has a history of frequent clogged toilets it may be a sign that your home plumbing system needs a professional drain cleaning. Constant clogs can lead to serious issues with your sewer line and your entire home’s drainage system, so it’s important to fix the root of the problem as soon as possible.

Non-flushable items are a leading cause of clogged toilets in homes. If your household members are not careful, they can flush items down the toilet that are not meant to be there, like paper towels, facial tissue, cotton swabs, ear rings, and even baby wipes. While many of these items will break down once they enter the sewer system, others, such as ear rings and cotton swabs, can actually become trapped in the S-trap and create a permanent clog. Keep a trashcan available in each bathroom for these items and teach your family members to keep them out of the toilet to prevent constant clogs.

Another common cause of clogged toilets is tree roots that have grown into the home’s drainage pipes. This is a huge issue that requires the attention of a plumber immediately, as it will likely result in an expensive sewer line replacement.

If your home has older pipes made from cast iron, they can rust and collapse, which can also cause clogs. It’s best to have a plumber evaluate your pipes to determine the best solution for your household, which may include replacing them with newer PVC or PEX piping.

Air vents are an important part of your plumbing system, as they help move water through the drains and toilets when they are flushed or drained. If the vents are blocked by leaves or other debris, this will prevent the proper flow of water, which can lead to clogs and poor water pressure. It’s a good idea to have your air vents cleaned on a regular basis to avoid these problems.

If you’re tired of dealing with constant clogs in your home, call us today for a professional drain cleaning. We can use powerful tools to clean your drains and get them back up and running quickly!