4 Great Ways to Unclog Your Drains

Brownie's Septic & Plumbing has a few simple suggestions to prevent and deal with clogged drains before you resort to calling one of our professional plumbers.

1. Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners

Whether you are looking at clogging in your sinks or toilets, professional plumbers would advise: don't use chemical drain cleaners to fix the problem. First off, harsh chemicals in these products will damage your pipes, potentially leading to bigger problems down the road. Furthermore, some of these products cause a reaction with aluminum in the plumbing and can cause the emission of unhealthy gasses.

2. Kitchen Drains

Another reason not to use chemical drain cleaners is that they can cause damage to your garbage disposal. Instead, first clear excess water and remove as much food waste as possible. Next, run hot water together with grease-dissolving soap down the drain. If the clog still does not clear, use a kitchen plunger and then repeat this process.

3. Bathroom Tub and Sink Drains

Professional plumbers will tell you, the most common cause of clogs in bathroom sinks and tubs is an accumulation of hair. If you have long hair, it would be a good idea to invest in what is known as a "drain saver," which traps the hair so you can remove it by hand before it goes down into your pipes. For a stubborn clog, first, try freeing the clog with a plunger, then run hot water down the drain. You could also use a "snake" (available at your local plumbing supply store) to clear the drain.

4. Toilets

The professionals at Brownie's Septic & Plumbing will tell you - there are only three things that should be flushed down your toilet: #1, #2 and toilet paper (and not too much!). Any other items will likely be too large and won't dissolve/ biodegrade and will likely cause clogging. If faced with a clog, try a plunger first and then a snake if necessary.

If the steps outlined above have not solved the problem, it may be time to call the professionals at Brownie's Septic & Plumbing, and we'll be happy to help!

We have been solving peoples problems for over 70 years and have discovered all of the tips and tricks to make this process as seamless and easy as possible!