Dont Let Your Drain Clog Up Your Day

The bathroom is one of the most frequently used rooms in your home. And when your sink, shower or toilet gets backed up, it creates not only a mess, but a major inconvenience. So if you see water draining or flushing slowly, you need to take immediate steps to eradicate clogs.

HOW TO FIX BATHROOM CLOGS

The steps you take to fix bathroom clogs will vary depending on which drain is backed up. Below, you’ll find some different types of clogs and ways to fix them. Additionally, we’ve got a list of items that can clog your drains, so you can try to prevent the problem in the first place.

A clogged sink will drain slowly, or not at all. Below, you’ll find some tips to help clear out those pipes.

1. Clean the stopper: Soap scum, gunk and hair can collect on your sink stopper. Remove yours and soak it in hot water. Afterwards, you can clean the stopper using distilled white vinegar.

2. Plunge: Plungers aren’t just for toilets; they can also unstop sinks and showers. Just make sure you’re using one of the good ball-shaped models that you buy at a hardware store.

3. Remove the drain trap: If you or someone in the house is fairly handy, you can try cleaning out the p-trap, which is the bendy pipe you can see under the sink. You’ll want to turn off the water first.

4. Make a drain volcano: Pour 1 cup of distilled white vinegar into the clogged drain. Then, gently sprinkle ½ cup baking soda into the drain. Plug that up immediately, and let it sit for about 15 to 30 minutes. Afterwards, remove the plug and flush the drain with very hot water. Note: If you use this method and your sink is still clogged, do not follow up with a commercial drain cleaner. The resulting chemical reaction can be extremely hazardous to your health

If you notice the toilet seems to be flushing slower than usual, there’s a good chance you have a clog. Here’s how to get that forceful flush back:

1. Try a plunger: As with the sink, we mean a solid plunger like you’d find at a home repair shop. Only flush once after plunging. Otherwise, you risk overflowing the toilet. If it’s still flushing slowly, move on to the next step.

2. Break out the snake: Snakes can help you remove clogs that a plunger can’t extract. You can pick one up at the hardware store, and find instructions on how to snake a drain online.

3. Call a plumber: You probably don’t want to try to remove the toilet yourself to see what’s clogging the drain. If plunging and snaking didn’t render any results, it’s time to call in the professionals.

Every time you brush your teeth or wash your hands, you’re sending things down your sink that form into soap scum and have the potential to cause a clog one day. These items include:

Emollients and moisturizers

Floss

Hair

Skin flakes

Soap

Toothpaste

Things That Will Clog Your Toilet

Can You Flush Cigarette Butts Down The Toilet?

Many people mistakenly believe that there is no harm in flushing cigarette butts down the toilet. Not only can cigarette butts potentially clog your pipes, but they are also filled with dangerous chemicals that can leach into and contaminate the water supply. You should never flush your cigarette butts down the toilet!

Bathroom Wipes

These have become an increasingly popular alternative to normal toilet paper, but even “flushable” wipes can create clogs and back up sewer systems. These types of wipes may go down the toilet, but sanitation officials say they don’t degrade after they flush and cost city sanitary systems thousands, if not millions, of dollars to repair city pipes and septic tanks.

Hair

Just because hair is a natural part of your body doesn’t mean it’s safe to flush. Hair can clog up any drain, including that in your shower, sink, and toilet. When hair goes down the toilet, it clumps together and forms blockages in your plumbing system.

Fats, Oils, and Grease

You may have flushed fats, oils, or grease down your toilet, but this practice can cause serious plumbing issues. While these fatty substances generally flush as liquids, they eventually cool and create buildup on the sides of pipes. These buildups eventually form blockages.

Disposable Diapers

Even though they contain human waste, diapers are not made to go in the toilet. In fact, disposable diapers are made with toxic plastic that expands when exposed to water. If you do manage to get the diaper down the toilet, you may soon find it stuck in your pipes, leaving a dirty mess on your hands

Never Flush These Things Down the Toilet

Too Much Toilet Paper

Yes, toilet paper belongs in the toilet—but to a point. Use a reasonable amount of TP and your plumbing will be fine. But if you start tossing excessive amounts into the bowl, chances are you’re going to not only wind up with a quick-fix clog but, over time, some serious issues.

Paper Towels

These are one of the most common sources of clogs. Many people consider them to be in the same category as toilet paper—but they aren’t. Unlike toilet paper, paper towels are not designed to break down when they get wet. In fact, most are designed for the exact opposite purpose—to stay strong when mopping up liquid messes. While that’s great for cleaning, it also makes paper towels a nightmare for your plumbing.

Medicine

Flushing old or unwanted medication down the toilet can, again, seem like a simple way to safely dispose of potentially dangerous or expired pills, capsules and tablets—but doing this often causes more harm than good. These medications can seep into waterways and enter the systems of fish and other creatures, causing major damage along the way.

Wipes

While many baby wipes and personal hygiene wipes say “flushable” on the package, they’re actually not flushable at all. These wipes don’t break down when wet. The proof? They’re wet inside the package, and they don’t break down, even after months or years—same when you flush them. These are one of the most common causes of plumbing blockages we see.

Cigarettes

Flushing cigarette butts might seem like the safest way to make sure they’re fully out, but those cigarette butts ultimately end up in the water, contaminating rivers and lakes as well as the environment. They can also do damage closer to home, clogging up your toilet in less time than you’d imagine.

THINGS THAT SHOULD NEVER GO DOWN THE DRAIN OR TOILET

Before you put anything down the drain remember, it could end up in your drinking water. As we live increasingly busier lifestyles, looking for shortcuts along the way is natural. But sometimes those shortcuts don’t save us any time at all and ultimately end up costing us hundreds – or thousands – of dollars.

That’s especially true with a delicate plumbing system and why it’s important to be aware of the many household items you should never put in a sink or flush down the toilet. Look, we’ve all been there. We’re trying to prepare dinner for the family and clean up the mess left behind, so we just dump the grease in the sink. Or, someone is coming over to visit and – in a rush – we try to flush the cat litter down the toilet.

Medications and Pharmaceuticals

Any unused or unwanted prescription or over-the-counter medications should never be flushed down the toilet or drain. Studies have established that medicines flushed down the drain can contaminate lakes and streams, which can harm fish and other wildlife, and often end up in our drinking water.

Chunk Waste

Big chunks of waste – such as sand, plastics, toys, animal parts, grass, goldfish, metals and cat litter – should never be flushed or disposed of down the drain. Seems obvious, doesn’t it? You’d be amazed at what we find in clogged drains. That includes whole meals kids have dumped off their plates and flushed down the toilet.

Tampons and Sanitary Napkins

Tampons and pads are meant to absorb moisture and expand. They don’t dissolve in water. They get stuck in plumbing systems all the time and clog toilets and drain pipes. That means more work for us plumbers, but needless expense for homeowners

How to unclog toilets: advice from an expert plumber

It’s every homeowner’s worst nightmare. You’re going about your day conducting your business when suddenly, disaster strikes: your toilet is clogged. You flush, as normal, but this time, the waterline rises. And rises. And keeps on rising

Water approaches the brim – it might even overflow, spilling out onto your bathroom floor! That’s when you start freaking out. Just what are you going to do? While your local plumber is always on-call in case of emergencies, there are ways to provide temporary relief until a professional arrives

Home solutions while you wait for professional diagnosis

You’d be surprised at the things we’ve found clogging up people’s toilets! In many cases, toilets can be clogged by a whole range of everyday items – some of which are even marketed as “flushable”.

Here are some of the usual suspects when it comes to toilet blockages:

Poor-quality tissue paper

Sanitary napkins

Paper towels

Cat litter

Wet wipes

Tissues (believe it or not!)

Cotton buds

Take the plunge(r)!

When it comes to unclogging toilets, plungers can be one of the most effective weapons at your disposal.

HOW TO UNCLOG A TOILET

Of all the clogs out there, toilet clogs are the worst…for obvious reasons. But don’t rush to call a plumber—chances are good you can banish toilet trouble on your own by taking these smart steps!

JUST SAY NO TO OVERFLOW

First, turn off the water. If your toilet is on the verge of overflowing (or has already begun to), this prevents any more water from entering your toilet and making the problem worse. Find the shutoff valve located behind the toilet, near the floor, and turn it clockwise.

PUT SOME MUSCLE (AND A PLUNGER) INTO IT

Funnel-cup plungers, with a flange extending from the bottom, are the best for toilets. First, make sure there’s enough water in the bowl to cover the bottom of the plunger. If there isn’t, pour more into the bowl. As you push the plunger down and up, remember that the upward pull is as important as the downward push, so put some muscle into it! (Just watch out for splashback.)

TRY A TOILET AUGER

OK, it’s time to take it to the next level with a handheld toilet auger. Buy one at the hardware store—just make sure the corkscrew end of the auger you put in the toilet has rubber over it, otherwise it will scratch the porcelain. Put it into the toilet hole and turn the handle clockwise. Once you’ve dislodged the obstruction, pull the auger out, give the toilet a few more plunges, and flush.

KNOW WHEN TO CALL THE PROS

Even the best of us need to know when to ask for help. If a plunger and auger still aren’t doing the trick, it’s time to call a professional.

This is The Right Way to Unclog a Toilet With a Plunger

Clogged toilets are just one of those inescapable, yucky facts of life. Rather than the fear-filled I’ll just flush it again and see what happens technique (that can end in the disaster of disgusting water sloshing all over the bathroom floor) or the simultaneously frantic and hopeful thrusts of a plunger that may or may not work, it helps to know how to unclog a toilet the right way

First, Avoid Overflows

If the toilet is clogged, avoid repeated flushing. Remove the tank lid from the toilet and finding the round rubber flapper at the center of the bottom of the tank. If the water is rising and threatens to spill over, push the flapper down over the hole to keep water from flowing into the toilet bowl. Or turn off the water at the valve (the silver almond-shaped handle, usually located behind the toilet near the floor).

Use the Right Plunger, the Right Way

The most straightforward way to unclog a toilet is to address the issue with a plunger. The first step is making sure you have the right plunger for the job.

Alternate Methods Without a Plunger

What about those times when you’re stuck without a plunger, or are too embarrassed to ask for one? Like those absolutely dreadful situations when you clog a toilet at someone else’s house? Shudder. Luckily, there are some excellent life-hacker ways to unclog a toilet without a plunger

Before You Call A Plumber

If you aren’t able to unclog your toilet with any of the methods listed above, the next step is to try a toilet auger. It’s cheaper than a plumber.

When you need a plumber for a clogged toilet?

It’s difficult to think of anything worse than a clogged toilet. It keeps you from enjoying your bathroom properly and it can cause serious distress for the whole family. There are several reasons for a clogged toilet, ranging from obstructions to build up, to improper plumbing. The reality is, despite the cause, all homeowners want is for it to be cleared and gone. Of course, you still need to figure out the cause and possibly take some steps to relieve the clog quickly and easily.

Step One: Don’t Flush Your Toilet More Than Once

To begin with, if your toilet doesn’t completely flush after your first try, then whatever you do don’t flush it again. All you will do is cause it to overflow onto your bathroom floor and pump more water into the toilet bowl unnecessarily. Start by taking the lid off your toilet tank, and close the flapper at the top to prevent more water from flowing into the bowl. The flapper is a circular rubber piece that stops water from flowing in and out of the toilet

Step Two: Prep Your Environment

After you have prevented the toilet from overflowing onto the floor, it is still a good idea to prep the environment by placing paper towels or newspapers around the bottom of the bowl. Turn on your ventilation system to keep the air fresh and prevent foul odors from filling up the room. This will make it easier to work and unclog the drain. You might also want to grab a pair of rubber gloves, and throw on some old clothes.

Step Three: Avoid Plunging if There’s an Obstruction

The next step is to see if there is an obstruction inside the pipe. You may already be aware of this if your child has thrown a toy down the pipe or something else is obstructing the water from freely flowing. If you can see the obstruction, grab your gloves and pull out the obstruction with your own hands. If you can’t see it and can’t reach it, then use your plunger gently. However, the best bet is to avoid plunging and try something else instead.

Step Four: Use a Plunger

If there is no solid obstruction, then go ahead and use your plunger. If you do, ensure that your plunger is high quality for the best results. Either a ball shaped plunger or a plunger with a fold-out rubber flange on the bottom part which forms a suction seal, is best. If your plunger is not sealing, then it’s not working. It’s also a good idea to put the plunger under hot water for a few minutes to soften it and prep it for the toilet

Why Does My Toilet Keep Clogging?

Low Flow Toilet

One common reason a toilet may frequently be clogging is that you have a first generation low flow toilet, which means your toilet is older.

You Flushed a Non-Flushable Item

Toilets are designed to only dispose of specific materials, such as human waste and toilet paper.

Clogged Trap

There is an S-shaped trap between the drain line and the bowl which can become clogged or backed up with toilet paper.

Blocked Plumbing Vent

Modern toilets use roof vents to funnel fresh air into the plumbing system and boost flushing pressure. Over time, the vents can become blocked or clogged with sticks, leaves, or even a bird’s nest.

Clogged Sewer Line

Your toilet may become clogged on a regular basis if there is a blockage in the sewer line.

Don’t Call The Plumber Just Yet: How To Unclog Your Toilet

A home toilet clog doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to call the plumber right away

Avoid an overflow situation by opening the top of the toilet and closing the “flap.” The flap is usually a round, rubber part that you can temporarily disconnect or lower, and then reconnect or raise when the clog is cleared. Or, you can turn off the water supply at the base of the toilet while you work on eliminating the clog.

Do your best to determine whether the clog is caused by organic matter or by a foreign object (like a plastic toy) before choosing a course of action

If you have one, try a plunger first. Many people mistakenly put the plunger into the hole at the bottom of the bowl instead of over it. Make sure there’s water to cover the rubber top of the plunger to create a seal. Often, people stop plunging too soon. Be patient as it may take a few minutes or more of plunging to completely clear the clog.

For organic matter clogs, try heating a pot or kettle of water on the stove. Boiling water can actually crack a toilet bowl, so make sure the water is below the boiling point. Pour a half a box (or more) of baking soda into the clogged toilet bowl, followed by an equal amount of vinegar. Then, add the hot (but not boiling) water. Let the mixture stand for several hours or overnight before you try to flush again. If you don’t have vinegar and baking soda, you can add some dish soap, shampoo, or liquid soap to the hot (but not boiling) water and let that remain in the bowl for several hours or overnight.

HOW SHOULD I KNOW IF HYDRO JETTING OR SNAKING IS THE BEST CHOICE FOR DRAIN CLEANING?

When you have a clogged drain, you probably are only worried about getting it resolved quickly, regardless of the method used. This is why many homeowners rely on chemical drain cleaners to corrode clogs and quickly get the drains moving smoothly again

homeowners don’t know, however, is that chemical drain cleaners damage your pipes and create weak spots that are prone to burst. This is why professional drain cleaning methods are always preferred. Hydro jetting and snaking procedures are fast, efficient and safe for your drains. They will quickly remove clogs and get your drains clean in no time.

HOW DOES HYDRO JETTING WORK?

Hydro jetting is a popular choice because it’s fast, effective and completely safe for your drains.

WHAT IS SNAKING?

Snaking refers to using a cable with an auger-like blade attachment to chew and digest simple clogs. The technician will insert the cable into the drain and feed it through until they feel resistance. When they feel resistance, that indicates the clog has been reached.

WHEN SHOULD I USE A PLUMBING SNAKE?

Snaking is best reserved for simple or one-off clogs. Emergency clogs are often cleared with snaking because it’s quick and efficient. Snaking is not ideal in situations where the drains are overly dirty or if there is an abundance of hardened clogs in the pipe. These circumstances are best suited for hydro jetting. Hydro jetting is also preferred when there is a recurring clog because the water jet works better at permanently repairing the situation.

Hydro Jetting vs. Snaking: Finding the Best Drain Cleaning Method

If you notice the water in your sink start to rise when it should be draining or if your toilet is taking a long time to fill back up after flushing, don’t panic. You probably just have a clogged drain. These plumbing issues may seem serious, but they are very common and, in most cases, easy to resolve

How Does a Drain Snake Work?

Snaking the drain is a process that involves inserting a cable into the drain. At the end of the cable, there is an auger-like rotating blade. On the opposite end, there is a crank for the technician to operate. As the technician feeds the cable deeper into the drain, they’ll wait until they feel resistance to stop. Once they feel resistance, that means the clog has been located.

What is Hydro Jetting?

You can probably guess by the name that hydro jetting involves a jet of high-pressure water to clear out years of clogs from the drain. This high-pressure method is fast, powerful and effective.

When to Use Snaking over Hydro Jetting?

Snaking is often the first line of defense against an unexpected clog

Are There DIY Versions?

Snaking is relatively easy for a homeowner with a knack for home repair to try on his or her own. Hydro jetting, however, is not. The dangerous water jets are powerful enough to cause harm to your home if they get out of hand or are not operated by someone with experience and training.

Hydro Jetting, Snaking, or Chemicals & How to Know Which is Best for Your Clog

Do you have a clogged drain? Then you are probably wondering how to get it resolved quickly, regardless of the method. This, unfortunately, is why so many home and business owners go to chemical drain cleaners to try to clear clogs. However, these chemical drain cleaners can actually damage your pipes and create weak spots that can become prone to leaks or bursts. That is why professional drain cleaning is preferred over those corrosive chemicals. Professional methods such as hydro jetting are fast, efficient and safe for your drains. They can quickly remove clogs and get your drains clean in no time; and they are easy on pipes! As experts in hydro jetting for Minneapolis, we would like to tell you more about these methods and why you should choose hydro jetting services over chemical drain cleaning.

Hydro jetting is a popular choice among professional plumbers because it is efficient and completely safe on your drains. Using a high-pressure water jet, our technicians at All Ways Drains can quickly clear out years of hardened debris from your drains. The water jet is also powerful enough to smooth the inner texture of the pipe, which gets rid of any porous patches that form clogs. This prevents future clogs before they start and gets your pipes back up and working like they should.

The major benefits to hydro jetting versus chemical, cable or snake cleaning is that water jetting is much more effective on grease clogs and things like sludge, dirt and sand. Where a cable just tends to pass through these items and spread them out, the water-jetter is capable of actually cleaning these materials from the pipe and getting it out of the pipe rather than basically spreading it through the pipe. It is also actually possible to cut roots faster and better with the water-jetter.

Many people might think hydro jetting is only for commercial use. However, it is more than appropriate for residential home plumbing troubles. Hydro jetting is a versatile system and works well for both large and small jobs. Even the toughest clogs can’t stand up to hydro jetting!

Why Choose Hydro-Jetting For Your Commercial Drain Cleaning?

Clogged drains and pipes can be an annoying and expensive problem. There are many different ways to solve a blocked drain, yet they can be time-consuming and burn a hole in your pocket. Continue reading to discover the benefits of hydro jetting, the best solution for commercial drain cleaning!

Hydro jetting: What is it?

Hydro jetting is also known as indirect pressure drain cleaning. It’s a popular blockage clearing option and it’s commonly used when there is considerable sediment to cleanout. Essentially, an experienced plumber will use a pressurized hose to spray water down the pipe. The water comes through a specialized nozzle that is specifically designed to clear away pipe blockages. The strength of the water jet will ensure that all debris and mineral build-up will be cleared away and the pipes will be effectively cleaned.

Natural solution

Hydro jetting is an all-natural solution to unclogging drains and pipes. It’s also quick and effective, so it’s the perfect option for businesses and homeowners alike. Clogged drains usually occur from hair, debris, and sediment gradually getting stuck in the drain. Hydro jetting doesn’t use any harmful chemicals, so it’s eco-friendly. On top of this, hydro-jetting also re-uses the water, so it reduces needless waste. It’s perfectly safe and doesn’t pollute the waterways. This is a great option for homes and commercial buildings that are situated near lakes, rivers, and streams

It’s an inexpensive option

One of the reasons that hydro-jetting is so popular is that it can save you money in the long run. This is because hydro-jetting thoroughly cleans the entire pipe, which prevents long-term issues. It doesn’t take as long as other methods do, so the cost of labor is a lot less than other methods.

It works!

Hydro jetting is one of the most effective and efficient commercial cleaning options when it comes to unclogging drains. A water jet quickly unclogs grease, sand, and sludge as well. Because of the water pressure, it shoots the sediments from the pipe, rather than just spreading it and dispersing it throughout. On top of this, a water jet will give the pipes a thorough clean. It will be good as new once a jet is finished with it. Without using a water jet, the problem will just arise again a couple of weeks following the treatment.

What is Hydro Jetting?

What is Hydro Jetting?

Hydro jetting is an effective method of cleaning drains and main sewer lines. A hydro jetting machine has a water storage tank and hose attachments that will blast water into the drain lines from approximately 1500 PSI for kitchen jetters and 4000 PSI for main sewer line jetters.

When Do You Perform Hydro Jetting?

Typically, hydro jetting of the main sewer line or kitchen line is not the first step to clear a clogged drain line. Heavy clogs that will not clear by routine snaking, area drains overflowing in the rain, in preparation of epoxy relining, or commercial preventative maintenance are ideal problem scenarios to consider hydro jetting.

What is Hydro Jetting Used For?

Hydro jetting is used to completely eliminate scale buildup and heavy root intrusion in main sewer lines, and heavy grease and scale buildup in kitchen lines. It is especially useful in commercial applications for restaurant lines due to excessive grease. When kitchen drain pipes get frequent use and have even minimal amounts of grease poured into them on a regular basis, they can quickly become full and close off the flow of water.

Kitchen Hydro Jetting Process

Hydro jetting for kitchen lines is an effective method of removing heavy grease buildup in kitchen drain pipes that snakes cannot clear. Plumbing contractors or drain specialists will attempt snaking the line with a kitchen snaking machine first to determine the cause of the clog. If the kitchen snake comes back with heavy buildup or hits a hard blockage further down the line, they may recommend a hydro jetter service to remove the buildup.

Main Sewer Lines

Common causes of main sewer line clogs include tree roots, heavy scale buildup, low spots and deteriorating or broken plumbing pipes. Hydro jetting is a great way to expel scale buildup from mineral deposits and root intrusion, but is not effective on broken drain and sewer lines.