Drain Cleaning- When Should You call a Professional?

There are many reasons a drain can clog, but that doesn't mean you have time to deal with it. A giant wad of toilet paper, a ball of hair, or even a children's toy can be to blame. It's never a fun situation to be in to have your toilet overflow or the sink fill with water that just won't go down. So what do you do?

Here are a few simple tips for unclogging a drain, but remember it's not always easier to "do it yourself".
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Clogged Kitchen Sink:
Left over food can accumulate on the drain pipe wall which can clog a sink. 
You can try:

• Running water hot down the drain to help soften and move the clog. 
• Wait a few minutes and then try using a plunger.
• Repeat with the hot water. 
  • Be sure to be careful with the hot water!

How can you prevent this from happening?
Always make sure to dispose of oil and grease by letting them solidify and throwing in to the garbage.

Clogged Toilet
There are several reasons why the toilet can clog!

• Your first method of attack should be the plunger. Try using it to clear the clog.
• You can also try an inexpensive hand-powered drain auger to help break up or retrieve the item. This can be tricky and can sometimes cause more harm than good. 

How do you prevent it from happening?
Make sure your household is only flushing water and paper that quickly dissolve in water. Items like cotton swabs, dental floss, diaper wipes, and feminine hygiene products do not belong in the toilet. 
Keep your toilets clean to help fresh water flowing freely!

Clogged Drain Pipes
Dirt and gunk can accumulate on the walls of your drain pipes which can reduce water flow.

• You can start by removing and cleaning the drain stopper. Sometimes hair and other items can get stuck causing a blockage.
• Use a plunger! Remember to block the overflow drain in the sink or tub.
• Try removing the drain's elbow joint to clean it out. 

How do you prevent this from happening?
Clean out the drain stoppers regularly to prevent clogs. You can also use a hair strainer/drain cover to prevent items from going down the drain.

These are just a few examples of clogged drains with a few fixes for simple problems. If you find that they  aren't working or it's stressing you out to think about fixing it yourself, give us a call.  After all, that's what we are here for!

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