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, it’s 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 their way down. This can restrict water flow, and result in unpleasant backups.
To troubleshoot, you can try plunging. While its not the most enjoyable activity, its 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 amount 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 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 goes 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 reference, such as:
- Cooking fats, oils, and grease
- Paper products
- Egg shells
- 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, they can 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 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 Plumbing 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) 470-4726 ! We’re ready to help!
If you are experiencing drain problems, call 3 Mountains Plumbing today!
