Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor those who have died while serving the country. Not only is it a time of remembrance, but it’s also a day where families and friends alike gather for activities, cookouts, and other fun things. Nothing puts a damper on a gathering like problems with your plumbing, so if you are experiencing issues this Memorial Day, here are some ways to troubleshoot specific areas in your home:
Bathroom Sink
Your bathroom sink is used very often. Every time you brush your teeth or wash your hands, you’re putting soap and toothpaste down your drain. This area sees its fair share of hair, skin cells, and lotions as well. As soap scum sticks to the walls of your pipes, it attracts other debris on its way down. This can restrict water flow, and result in unpleasant backups.
To troubleshoot, you can try plunging. While it’s not the most enjoyable activity, it’s highly effective in removing small clogs or buildup that’s close to the surface. If that doesn’t work after a few tries, the issue may be located deeper in your system and need professional assistance.
Tubs and Showers
Like your bathroom sink, your shower or tub drain is exposed to a substantial number of substances that can cause buildup. Shampoo, conditioner, soap, hair, dirt – all of these find their way into your drain and sewer system.
To flush out the clog, try pouring boiling water down and plunging. If this doesn’t work, call 3 Mountains Home Services to fix it.
Kitchen Sink
Take a moment to consider all the things you put down your kitchen sink. Food particles, grease, peels; even more go down if you have a garbage disposal. These materials can quickly build up along the sides of your pipes, causing slow drainage and backups.
To try and fix the problem yourself, pour some boiling water, vinegar, and baking soda down your drain. Avoid chemical cleaners, as they can contain harmful substances that damage your pipes. It’s helpful to know what to keep out of your kitchen drains for future references, such as:
- Cooking fats, oils, and grease
- Paper products
- Eggshells
- Bones
- Coffee grounds
- Peels
If your kitchen drain is still acting up, call us to schedule a service.
Toilets
Perhaps the most unpleasant area of the home to experience drain problems is the toilet. Backups are not only a major inconvenience, but they can also lead to costly water damage and potential health hazards in your home. They typically occur when people try to flush items that don’t dissolve in water.
Plunging should be your number-one go-to when it comes to a clogged toilet. If that doesn’t work, give us a call. 3 Mountains Home Services offers a wide range of services to help your drains, like camera inspection and drain snaking.
These are just a few ways to troubleshoot drain issues in your home. We want you to enjoy your time with friends and family as much as possible and knowing when to call 3 Mountains Home Services for repairs can help you do that. Troubleshooting beforehand can help things continue to run smoothly in your home. When you think that you need us, don’t hesitate to call us at 503-715-2829! We’re ready to help!
If you are experiencing drain problems, call 3 Mountains Home Services today!