The number one tool for clogged drains and toilets for the homeowner is the old stand-by, the plunger. Buy a good one and keep it handy. But a word of caution, make sure pipes are in good shape before plunging.
Kitchen drain lines are normally the longest drain lines in the home, therefore frequently clogging.
- Do not put discarded leftovers in the garbage disposal, but in the trash. Table scraps are okay.
- Do not put grease in the kitchen drain. If you accidentally do, flush with a lot of hot water.
- Chemical drain cleaners are not recommended. They may provide some relief for clogs in the P-trap, but will not travel further down the line. Plus, they could be corrosive to pipes. Caution; do not plunge after using chemical drain cleaners.
Bathroom drains (sinks, tubs and showers) clog because of hair and oils. The oils come from soap, shampoo and conditioner. Bathroom drain lines are normally shorter in length due to their proximity to the main sewer line.
- Remove hair from sink/tub pop-ups and drain grates.
- Flush periodically with hot water.
Toilets clog more often than drains due to the purpose of the fixture. They clog for several reasons; 1) too much paper, 2) inappropriate item is flushed, 3) fixture needs repair.
- Put only toilet paper in the toilet, no other bathroom supplies.
- If excess paper is needed, use an intermediate flush.
- For clogs, use a plunger.
If multiple drains and/or toilets are clogged, it is possible the main sewer line is clogged. A common side effect of this would be a toilet flush backing up in a tub or shower. Many times roots are the culprit and rootering is needed.
