Plumbing mishaps such as clogged drains are something every homeowner will have to contend with eventually. You run water in your sink, flush the toilet, or take a shower and the water doesn’t go down the drain–and in some cases it can even overflow. Some plumbing issues can easily be fixed on your own, but other problems are better left to the professionals.
Drain Blockages at a Single Fixture
When a toilet, tub or sink will not drain, your plumbing system is blocked somewhere. When only one fixture is experiencing problems, the blockage is likely in the trap, and a plumber can fix it with an auger or a plunger.
Multiple Clogs
If the blockage persists in more than one location, the problem lies in the pipes between a fixture and the main or branch drain line. After finding the clog, you may be able to clear it yourself, but most of these jobs require a professional’s help. If the problem is in your main waste line, you should hire a plumber to clean the whole system. Tree roots commonly cause problems with main drains.
Fixing the Clogs
Before calling in a plumbing professional in Jacksonville, FL, you should try to see if you could fix the problem on your own. Unclogging a drain is often a simple task, and you do not need caustic and expensive chemicals to get the job done. Vinegar and baking soda, or even boiling water can clear many drain clogs.
If your drain is clogged with hair, there are products specifically designed to work on that type of clog. Do not use different kinds of drain cleaners at the same time, as there is a potential for harmful interaction. Plumbing professionals should handle stubborn clogs, and you can keep your drains clear by using an enzyme cleaner once per month.
You probably do not think about your plumbing in Jacksonville, FL until there is a problem, and a clogged drain can really interfere with your daily routine. It is easy to maintain your home’s drains and keep them clear of clogs, but if a clog happens anyway, you can rely on your local plumber to get them clear.