A Blog About Clogs in Oklahoma City
Clogged drains are a common Oklahoma City home plumbing issue, occurring when hair, waste, or food products-depending on the use of the drain-get stuck in the pipe, stopping water or waste from draining. You can deal with some clogs on your own, but for serious issues, you may need to call in a professional Oklahoma City plumber.
One day, your shower, toilet, or kitchen sink is working just fine. The next, you take a shower, use the restroom, or wash the dishes and you’re left with dirty water that just won’t drain - or worse, is overflowing from the basin. What happened? Most likely, the drain is clogged with solid material-hair in the shower, waste and paper in the toilet, or food in the kitchen sink. Clogs start small but can get nasty fast, especially if you don’t deal with them in a timely fashion. There are a number of DIY fixes for minor drain clogs, but if you’ve exhausted your options or the problem is severe, you’ll need to call a professional Oklahoma City plumber.
DIY Fixes
You can attack a clogged drain head-on using a standard plunger. Fill the basin with enough water to cover the plunger head, and then place the plunger over the affected drain so that it creates a seal. Pump the plunger up and down rapidly, forcing water in and out of the drain, and then pop it off to break the seal. Repeat, if necessary. This should loosen and flush away minor clogs. If plunging several times fails to loosen the blockage, purchase a chemical drain opener and use it as directed on the package. Be aware, however, that the caustic agents in chemical drain openers can actually harm some fixtures. If a plunger and a full container of drain opener don’t do the trick, it might be time to bring in an expert.
What the Pros Do
Professional Oklahoma City plumbers have an array of tools in their arsenal to fight clogs. One of the most basic is the drain snake, also known as a drain auger. Plumbers spiral this long, flexible cable down into the pipe until it reaches the clog, displacing it. A more modern piece of plumbing technology is the hydro-jet, which is designed to blast through and eradicate pipe blockages. While a drain snake is generally effective on basic clogs, hydro-jetting can get rid of years of accumulated sludge inside your pipes.
Preventative Measures
Most Oklahoma City plumbing systems will need occasional maintenance and professional drain cleaning, but you can take steps to decrease the frequency of clogged drains. In the kitchen, avoid pouring cooking grease down the drain, as it can accumulate and harden inside the pipe. If you have a garbage disposal, always flush it with water to keep food from sticking to the pipe. In the bathroom sink and shower, use drain stoppers or strainers to keep hair and other materials from going down the drain. Only flush items down the toilet that are labeled “flushable.” Anything else may clog the plumbing. And finally, always address minor clogs before they become complete blockages. When you notice your water draining more slowly than usual, especially if it gets a little worse each day, it’s time to take action.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Penny_Q_Jones
If you are looking for a professional Oklahoma City plumbing company, then please call us today at 405-802-7769 or complete our online request form.
Beware the FOG
Families these days are eating healthier diets with less fried foods and fatty meats.
Yet many people don’t realize we must remain diligent in preventing fats, oils and grease discharges down our drains.
Cooking fats, oil and grease (FOG) are leading causes of clogged drains, back-ups, and sewage spills.
Keeping FOG out of your drains will keep the plumber away, save you money, prevent embarrassing backups, and inconvenient messy cleanups.
So where’s the grease? How can we trim the fat from our sewers and keep our pipes running smoothly?
Below is a list of many typical pipe-clogging foods to avoid washing down Oklahoma City drains:
• Oil and butter
• Mayonnaise and sour cream
• Cheese
• Sauces and dips
• Salad dressing
• Cake frosting
• Pie dough
• Gravy
• Turkey and chicken pan drippings
• Fat remaining on plates from BBQ steak
Eating a healthy diet, low in fat is great for our bodies.
By also placing our drains on fat-free diets, we help protect the environment and do our part to keep city costs down. Now that’s got to make you feel good all over!
Tips for fat-free drains:
Scrape food and grease from plates into the trash – garbage disposals don’t remove grease.
Place a strainer in your sink drains.
Pour off cooking grease from pans and bake ware into a resealable can. Let it cool before placing it in the trash.
Collect turkey frying oil and take it to a Oklahoma City household collection facility for free. The tallow company picks it up and recycles it.
Of course, we are all human - and being such may forget or overlook some of the offenders and wind up with a clogged drain. If that’s the case, rest assured that your Oklahoma City plumber can have your drains cleared in no time.
Article Source: http://www.elocalplumbers.com/blog/clog-prevention-tip-5461#more-5461
If you are looking for a professional Oklahoma City drain cleaning contractor, then please call us today at 405-802-7769 or complete our online request form.
Repeat After Me: Drain, Waste, Vent
Drainage Systems
Whether your Oklahoma City home is on a sewer or septic system, the systems within your home are essentially the same. Drainage systems do not depend on pressure, as supply systems do. Instead, waste matter leaves your house because the drainage pipes all pitch, or angle, downward. Gravity pulls the waste along. The sewer line continues this downward flow to a sewage treatment facility or a septic tank.
While the system sounds simple, there’s more to it, including vents, traps, and clean outs. The vents sticking up from the roof of your Oklahoma City home allow air to enter the drainpipes. If there were no air supply coming from the vents, wastewater would not flow out properly and the water in the traps would need to be siphoned away.
Traps are vital components of the drainage system. You can see a trap under every sink. It is the curved or S-shape section of pipe under a drain. Water flows from the basin with enough force to go through the trap and out through the drainpipe, but enough water stays in the trap afterward to form a seal that prevents sewer gas from backing up into your Oklahoma City home. Every fixture must have a trap. Toilets are self-trapped and don’t require an additional trap at the drain. Bathtubs frequently have drum traps, not only to form a seal against sewer gas but also to collect hair and dirt in order to prevent clogged drains. Some kitchen sinks have grease traps to collect grease that might otherwise cause clogging. Because grease and hair are generally the causes of drain clogs, traps often have clean-out plugs that give you easier access to remove or break up any blockage.
Since a drainage system involves all of these components, it is usually referred to as the DWV: the drain-waste-vent system. If water is to flow out freely and waste is to exit properly, all components of the DWV must be present and in good working order. Examine the pipes in the basement or crawl space under your Oklahoma City home to help you understand the system better.
Supply and Drainage Subsystems
The supply and drainage subsystems are two distinct operations, with no overlapping between them. There are bridges between the two, however, and the bridges are what make the plumbing system worth having. In plumbing jargon, any bridge between the supply and drainage systems is a fixture.
Toilets, sinks, and tubs are fixtures. In addition, an outside faucet is a fixture and so is a washing machine. All devices that draw freshwater and discharge wastewater are fixtures, and all are designed to keep the supply and drainage systems strictly segregated.
Some fixtures have individual supply shutoff valves so you don’t need to close the main shutoff to repair them. It’s a good idea to make sure everyone in the family knows the location of the main shutoff valve in your house as well as how to use it. You may want to tag the main shutoff valve so anyone can easily find it.
Before you embark on any plumbing repairs, always turn off the water supply to the fixture or the main shutoff. In addition, check with your Oklahoma City plumbing code official before you add or change any pipe in your house. You will learn what is allowed and what is prohibited and whether or not a homeowner is allowed to do his or her own work. Call on your Oklahoma City plumber for any repairs that your plumbing code official does not green light.
Article Source: http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/plumbing/plumbing-basics-ga2.htm
Take the Plunge
There are several different types of plungers available to clear partially or completely clogged drains, but all use basically the same principal. A plunger is used to create a positive or negative pressure inside the pipe to loosen the blockage and allow it to flow down the drain. As a first line of defense against any clog, a plunger is a safe bet. However, if you’re clog proves to be too much for this simple tool, your Oklahoma City plumber can handle any clog you’ve got.
Sink Plunger
This is the standard plunger that we all recognize and has probably been around as long as indoor plumbing. Consisting of a pliable rubber cup and handle, this plunger is capable of creating both a positive pressure (by forcing the cup down) and a negative pressure (vacuum) when pulled away from the fixture. Variations on the design are typically limited to the size of the cup and length of the handle.
The sink plunger; as it name suggests, is best used on sinks or relatively flat fixtures to which it can create a suction seal. When using the sink plunger:
- Cover the overflow hole of the sink or tub;
- Keep the fixture partially full of water, because water is not easily compressed it will place a stronger force on the blockage;
- Plunge forcefully in both directions for several minutes until the drain clears.
Toilet Plunger
The toilet plunger is very similar to the sink plunger but has a larger cup and a fold out flap that will fit into the trap of the toilet. The flap can also be left folded in for use on sinks, floor drains and other fixtures. If used correctly, this plunger will clear nearly all toilet clogs and should be your first line of defense before calling your Oklahoma City plumber. To use a toilet plunger follow these steps:
- Fold out the flap on the plunger;
- Keep the toilet about half full of water;
- Insert the plunger so that the folded out cup goes into the drain opening and try to form a suction seal with the toilet bowl;
- Being careful not to splash yourself, forcefully plunge up and down several times and remove the plunger. Repeat adding more water if necessary.
You want to test and see if the toilet will drain once you think you’ve cleared the clog, but don’t do this by flushing the toilet again until you’re sure the clog is removed. To test for drainage you have to add water. This can be done one of two ways.
The first way is to slowly pour water into the toilet as from a bucket.
The second way is to open the toilet tank lid and SLOWLY lift the flapper seal at the bottom of the tank until water begins to enter the bowl. Do not lift the flapper all the way up or else the toilet will flush.
If water goes down the toilet easily, the clog is cleared. If not, then try again by repeating the previous step and this step a time or two more.
Article Source: http://www.plumbinghelp.ca/articles_types_of_plungers.php
If you are looking for a professional Oklahoma City drain cleaning contractor, then please call us today at 405-802-7769 or complete our online request form.
Chemical Drain Cleaners, Electrons And More.
Why do drains clog? The short answer is because of the way we use them. Obviously, even though it’s not supposed to happen, water isn’t the only thing going down most drains. In fact, knowing what has clogged your drain can be an important step in knowing how to clear the clog. At the kitchen sink, grease and small particles of food can make their way into the drain. In the bathroom, hair and soap scum are the biggest offenders. Over time, these substances can build up and begin to line the drain, and then one day, another piece of food or another clump of hair is all it takes to block the drain [source: Goodway].
Foreign objects, such as jewelry, bottle tops or toys, can also fall into a drain and clog it. If that’s the case, drain cleaners won’t help unblock the drain. You’ll need to remove the object or call your Oklahoma City plumber to do it for you.
Assuming your problem isn’t a foreign object, first try to locate the clog. Start by removing, checking and cleaning the stopper or strainer at the entrance to the drain. Some strainers are easily removed by hand, but others may require a screwdriver or pliers. Remove anything you can reach and then try pouring hot water down the drain.
The next step is to try using a plunger on the drain, and if that doesn’t work, try removing and cleaning the sink’s trap. After that, you may want to try a sewer snake, or auger. If none of these efforts works, it’s time to use a drain-cleaning product [source: Harrison].
Chemical Drain Cleaners
Be they liquid, gel or powder form, most of the drain cleaners you’ll find on store shelves use strong chemicals, and they come in liquid, gel and powder forms. All chemical reactions involve moving electrons, and drain cleaners work by either taking or giving electrons to the clogging substance, generating heat in the process. There are three main types of drain cleaners:
- Caustic drain cleaners contain substances such as lye and caustic potash. They’re bases, so they give electrons to the clogging substance, and their hydroxide ions create the reaction that clears the clog. Their alkaline, or basic, chemicals release heat and turn grease into a soap-like substance that’s more easily dissolved. These drain cleaners are typically heavier than water, which enables them to reach the clog through standing water.
- Oxidizing drain cleaners contain substances such as household bleach, peroxides and nitrates. These chemicals cause the organic material of the clog to lose electrons and become oxidized. The product is heavier than water, so it can move through standing water, and it releases heat and gas to help clear the blockage.
- Acid drain cleaners aren’t commonly found in stores, and some are sold only to plumbers. These typically contain high concentrations of sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid, substances that increase hydronium ions in a solution and attract electrons from the clog. The hydronium ions react chemically with the material in the clog, and the reaction releases heat, which is necessary to melt congealed grease [source: Sheridan].
Because most of these products generate heat, they may soften the polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, pipes found in most Oklahoma City homes today. However, such damage is rare if you use the drain cleaner as directed — damage is more likely to occur when drain cleaner is used on older, metal pipes.
Aside from their effect on the pipes in your Oklahoma City home, there are other disadvantages to chemical drain cleaners. They’re extremely toxic if swallowed, and they can burn eyes, skin and mucous membranes and eat through clothing. They can release noxious fumes, and if used improperly, they can cause explosions. These products can also harm septic systems by killing beneficial bacteria, and they can mar bathroom and kitchen fixtures.
If you use chemical drain cleaners, read the directions carefully and heed all the warnings. Use the product in a well-ventilated area, wear rubber gloves, and keep children and pets away from the drain. Never mix different drain cleaners, and don’t use a plunger in conjunction with drain cleaners.
Most drain cleaners advise waiting 15 minutes or more after pouring the product into the drain before flushing it with hot water. If your drain is still clogged afterward, you may need to repeat the process. If a few tries yield no results, it may be time to give your Oklahoma City plumber a call.
Article Source: http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/plumbing/drain-cleaner1.htm
If you are looking for a professional Oklahoma City drain cleaning contractor, then please call us today at 405-802-7769 or complete our online request form.
How Often Should You Have Your Oklahoma City Drains Professionally Cleaned?
If you want to keep your drains clean and working, regular drain cleaning is a must. For sewer lines and basement drains and other bigger drains, your Oklahoma City professional plumber recommends regular inspections approximately once every two to three years depending on the proximity of typical clogging culprits like roots and the age of the system. It will greatly help you to ensure the longevity of your drains and drain pipes.
Drains can become clogged for many reasons most often due to an accumulation of things like grease, hair, scale and dirt.
The most common remedy used by Oklahoma City homeowners for attempting to unclog drains is the chemical drain cleaners. Most homeowners see it as the most convenient way to relieve clogged pipes. This method just requires that you pour a solution down the drain and leave it alone for a while. Please be advised this method poses many health risks for anyone who uses it. Chemical drain openers are very corrosive by nature and present the risk of damage to any part of the skin or the body that will come in contact with it. The fumes from these chemicals are very potent and can cause severe damage to the respiratory tract. This damage to the respiratory tract can be permanent and can happen easily without you realizing it.
An emergency drain cleaning situation is a nightmare for most Oklahoma City homeowners. Your main sewer line can also become clogged from debris the other household drains wash into it and also by tree roots that penetrate pipe joints from the surrounding soil. Of course, if there is a recurring issue with one of the smaller drains in the house, like a toilet or a garbage disposal, this could be a sign of a more troublesome blockage in the sewer line that needs immediate professional attention.
Like many other things today, drain cleaning technology has also become state-of-the-art and highly efficient. High pressure water jetting equipment sometimes is needed for your home, but more often for commercial businesses and municipalities and isn’t owned by many drain cleaning businesses. Because the equipment is so expensive and potentially dangerous to use, it’s important to find a professional OklahomaCity plumber that has a good reputation, professional workers, and fair prices.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sybil_Richardson
