The Unclog Blog - HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric

Even More Items You Shouldn't Flush!

HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 10:02:00 -0400

The list could on and on, but other items that can also cause clogged drains and backups include paper products, hair, food particles, soap and dirt.

You also never want to put hazardous household wastes in your drains like:

Gasoline
Motor Oil
Antifreeze
Pesticides or Fertilizers
Paint

Unless your treatment system is designed to handle certain wastes, they can result in the release of pollutants into the environment. They can also interfere with the water treatment process.

When in doubt, ask your favorite plumber!

Items You Should Never Flush!

HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:59:53 -0400

There are many items you should never flush down a toilet or pour in a drain.

Large family or small family, one thing that wastes time and patience is a clogged toilet. There are many reasons that a drain in your home will clog up. It could be the drain itself, a three-year old throwing toilet paper in the toilet, or mineral build-up from hard water.

One way to prevent a clogged drain is by remembering – whether you have a septic system or your wastewater goes to a local sewage treatment plant – to NEVER flush these common cloggers down a toilet or pour them down a drain:

Disposable Diapers
Feminine hygiene products
Coffee Grounds
Hot Wax
Toothpaste
Grease
Cooking Oil

Of course, younger children may cause some problems with the fascination of see how many toys and other items they can flush down the toilet. Many toy cars and building blocks have ultimately resulted in clogging problems.

Clogged Drains In Winter May Indicate Frozen Pipes

HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 16:54:00 -0400

In areas where temperatures typically dip below the freezing mark, there is always a possibility a home’s drain pipes may become frozen. If drain lines are exposed to the outdoors, located in exterior walls or are not adequately protected from the cold, the resulting frozen pipes can play havoc with a home’s plumbing system.

A home’s drain lines carry used water, or “wastewater,” away from the house. This can consist of water from sinks, bathtubs, washing machines, dishwashers and sewer lines. A typical drain clog will usually only affect that particular apparatus. But when most or all of a home’s drains are backing up, this often indicates that drain pipes may very well be frozen.

Addressing Frozen Drain Lines

The homeowner should first make sure that pipes are frozen and not just clogged. This can be done by feeding a plumbing auger or “snake” through the drain and into the pipeline. If after pulling the auger from the drain there is no indication of debris of any kind the pipes are probably frozen.

There are a number of approaches to thawing frozen pipes and drain lines, such as turning faucets on very low and running hot water into the drain. Boiling several gallons of water and dumping it into the drain may help to weaken the ice within the pipes as well.

Homeowners can also run a blow dryer or heat lamp over the frozen portion of pipe to melt and eventually break up the ice. Towels soaked in hot water can also be placed around frozen sections of pipe. While a space heater can be situated close to the pipe, do not use electric heaters if there is any moisture in the area at all. Additionally, it is advisable to turn the home’s thermostat up a few notches to help the pipe-thawing process along.

After frozen drainage pipes have been cleared of ice and are working, homeowners can take preventive measures to try to ensure that their pipes don’t freeze again. These measures include adding insulation to at-risk sections of piping and using UL-approved heating tape or cabling for pipes. Of course, homeowners should always contact a professional plumber if they uncomfortable with do-it-yourself plumbing jobs around their dwellings.

(Photo by eliduke)

All About Augers

HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 16:48:00 -0400

Many drain problems northern Kentucky residents encounter – including clogged drains and toilets – can be addressed with a simple device called a plumbing auger. However, before you start using an auger, it’s important to know the different types of augers and how they work. We at Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Cincinnati have put together the following information for you on plumbing augers.

Types of augers

There are three main types of augers: closet augers, drain augers, and drum augers.

Closet augers are for use in toilets (the name comes from “water closet,” another term for bathroom). These augers are about three feet long with a bent tip to clear the toilet trap. These augers are mostly metal, though they may have plastic piece to protect the porcelain while the auger is in use.

Drain augers are devices with a coiled rod or flat metal tape and a length of about 25 feet. Manual versions are operated by turning a crank to extend the coil into the drain, though electric-powered versions also exist. As you might guess from the name, these augers are used to clear drains, such as sink and shower drains. These are also commonly called “plumber’s snakes.”

Drum augers are heavy-duty augers used to clear larger pipes and main drain lines. They are usually electrically powered and should be operated by a professional plumber to avoid damaging pipe walls. Individuals experiencing drain problems (northern Kentucky or Cincinnati area) requiring a drum auger should contact Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Cincinnati or another certified plumber to have this work done.

How to operate an auger

While heavy-duty auger jobs typically require a professional to complete, many individuals are able to use smaller, handheld closet and drain augers to resolve minor clogs in drains and toilets, such as hair and toilet paper clogs.

To use an auger, feed the cable into the drain or toilet until you feel it hit the blockage. Rotate and push the auger until the snake hooks onto the clog, and then push it back and forth until the debris is freed, being careful not to use too much force. The loosened debris can then be removed with a plunger and water.

Sometimes, you may not be able to remove all of the blockage with an auger, and some of it may even be pushed further down into the pipe. For this and other drain problems northern Kentucky residents commonly experience, we recommend calling Thompson Heating and Cooling Cincinnati right away so that we can help you fix the problem before it gets worse.

(Photo by Wonderlane)

What is Clogging my Bathroom Sink?

HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 11:13:00 -0500

It’s easy to understand why a kitchen sink could get clogged, from food particles or grease, but if you’ve often had trouble with a slow or backed up bathroom sink, it’s time to figure out what’s causing the problem so you can prevent it in the future.

The number one cause of clogs for bathroom sinks remains to be hair and soap. In most causes, soap gets rinsed down the drain, it gets sticky, and hair attaches to it, and the clog gets bigger, causing the draining to slow down, or maybe even stop.

If things get really bad, your bathroom drain could become clogged from biofilm, a black or gray mold, that’s often tough to get rid of.

Before you get under the sink with a pair of pliers, try clearing the sink with a good amount of boiling water. You can also pour baking soda and vinegar down the drain (baking soda first, then rinse it down with vinegar). If neither of these solutions work, you should call a professional.

If you’re able to get the drain clear, your next step is to put some preventative measures in place so this happens less often. Start by paying attention to what you’re rinsing down the drain. If it’s long pieces of hair, start collecting them and putting them in the garbage can.

Next, be sure to thoroughly rinse everything down the sink. Even if it’s face soap or toothpaste, run the water for a few seconds to flush it down. If not, it will dry half way down the drain and could cause buildup.

Finally, make sure you’re not using your sink for things it wasn’t meant for. Don’t use it as a trashcan or a storage unit. You never know what might find its way down the drain and cause problems in the future.

***

Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

Unclogging a Rain Gutter

HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 16:49:13 -0500

The rain gutters surrounding the roof of your home are important for draining rainwater away from the home and preventing this water from seeping into your foundation and causing damage. However, these gutters often become clogged with debris, such as leaves, disrupting the drainage process. Learn how to clear this gutter and unclog the downspouts that bring the water down to the drain.

Things you’ll need:

A ladder
Leather gloves
Garden trowel
Garden hose with pressure nozzle
Salad tongs
Sink auger

Steps

Put on leather gloves and set up your ladder securely. Remove debris and mud from the gutter using your hands and a garden trowel.
Find the clogged downspout and use a pair of salad tongs to remove any stuck debris.
Flush the downspout using a garden hose fitted with a pressure nozzle. If this does not remove all of the debris, proceed to the next step.
Tap the downspout from the top to bottom, listening for a deeper sound: this is where the clog is located. Tapping this area repeatedly should break up the clog. Use the garden hose afterward to see if water will flush through the spout; if it does, you’ll know it worked. If it does not, continue to the next step.
Push one end of a sink auger down into the spout and rotate it to clear out the debris. Test again with the hose.
If you are still unable to get the downspout to drain, call a plumber to help you.
Prevent future clogs by purchasing and installing a gutter guard for the top of the rain gutter and leaf strainers for the tops of the downspouts.

You may also wish to call a plumber to do the entire job if you are unable to safely complete any of these steps yourself.

***

Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

The Basics of Plumbing Safety

HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 16:38:17 -0500

When attempting do-it-yourself plumbing projects, it is essential to follow the proper safety precautions in order to prevent injury. Before embarking on a plumbing project – even something relatively simple, like unclogging a drain – review the following plumbing safety basics.

Use a spotter

A spotter or helper will allow you to complete a plumbing project faster and more safely. In addition to a spotter providing the benefit of a spare hand as needed, some jobs, such as running a drain machine, are nearly impossible to complete without a second person to help.

Follow the directions

The importance of this safety essential cannot be overstated. Read and follow the directions for all tools, equipment, machines, chemicals, and other plumbing products. Misuse of tools and other plumbing equipment can cause injury or damage to your home. Also, make sure to maintain and check tools as specified in the user manual.

Wear protective equipment

Personal protective equipment is a must when working with plumbing. This includes wearing protective eyewear, gloves, and a facemask to protect your lungs. Eyewear is especially important when snaking a drain, hammering, using a drill, using a sawzall, or working on your back under a sink. Depending on the type of job, latex or leather gloves may be preferred. When sawing or sanding, a facemask is an important precaution.

Only work when alert

Do not work when you are sick, tired, or impaired by drugs or alcohol. These states can impair your reflexes or judgment, resulting in injury or property damage.

Use a tool belt, caddy, or box

Carrying tools in your pocket poses a risk of injury.

Follow the proper codes

These include all applicable building and plumbing safety codes and laws. Make sure you know these rules and have obtained the necessary permits before you start working.

If you’re not sure you can complete a plumbing job safely by yourself, consider calling a licensed plumber to complete the job.

***

Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

Drain Cleaning: Unclogging the Overflow Drain in a Bathroom Sink

HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 09:33:41 -0500

It often goes unnoticed, but it can save you from having to clean up a mess. It’s that small opening near the top of your bathroom sink, usually located beneath the faucet or at the front of the sink.

This little opening in a bathroom sink bowl does have a name. In fact, it is referred to by a number of different names, including the “emergency drain,” “overflow protection device” and the “overflow drain.” Its purpose is to prevent rising water in a clogged sink from overflowing. Instead of pouring out onto the sinktop and the bathroom floor, the rising water will seep into the overflow drain and be directed back into the sink’s drain pipe.

Cleaning a Clogged Overflow Drain

It is a relatively rare occurrence that an overflow hole will become clogged. However, if a clog should develop within an overflow drain, it shouldn’t require the assistance of a plumbing professional.

A clog in a sink drain or overflow hole will typically be caused by the buildup of soap scum, hair and other debris that can often be cleared up by the homeowner without too much trouble. But unlike the drain at the bottom of a sink bowl, overflow drain clogs usually cannot be addressed with a plunger due to their location.

Therefore, the best approach is to use an auger or “plumbing snake” to clear debris from the overflow drain assembly. Simply insert the auger into the overflow hole and twist, push and pull, moving it around within the assembly to dislodge any debris. Once you are confident the drain is clear, use a funnel to flush it with hot water. You may also want to use the funnel to insert the auger to prevent damage to the perimeter of the overflow drain.

It is wise to regularly clean sink drains and overflow drains so clogs and plumbing problems can be avoided. Use a drain brush to clean around the insides of these drains. Then flush the drains with boiling water or a baking soda and vinegar mixture. This should keep the drains in your bathroom sink healthy. It will also help you avoid potentially serious drain problems that may require expensive plumbing repairs.

***

Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

Checking the Plumbing Before Buying a Home

HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 14:24:15 -0500

When shopping for a home, people often fall in love with a property before the inspection -- and are later disappointed to find out that many costly repairs are needed. One of the main things you should check when deciding whether to buy a new home is the plumbing. For example, a plumbing system with low water pressure can cause frequent toilet clogs and other issues. Fortunately, there are some simple checks that you can do yourself to determine if the house has low water pressure, as well as other problems, like leaks and venting issues.

Check all faucets for leaks, including all sinks and the shower. While checking the bathroom faucets, you shouldn’t smell any foul odors; this may indicate improper venting or a drain without a P-trap. Also note the water temperature and pressure, and listen for noisy or banging pipes when the water is turned on.

Flush the toilet in every bathroom. If the water level drops or takes a long time to refill, this could indicate a partial blockage or low water pressure.

Look around the house for wet spots that could indicate a leak.

Check the water pressure at the farthest point from the main valve, and verify that pressure here is just as strong as at the closest point.

Inspect the hot water heater. Check to see if there are signs of corrosion on the water heater’s elements; if there are, the appliance needs to be replaced. Also make sure the water heater is of an adequate size for your family and find out how old it is.

Go to the main water shut off valve and make sure it is in working order. When the valve is shut off, no water should come out of any of the taps.

Ask about the type of sewage system – septic tanks can have problems requiring expensive repairs, and they also need regular maintenance.

Inquire about the material of the pipes in the home. Copper pipes are the most desirable, followed by brass, and then galvanized steel. As you may know, lead pipes are a safety hazard.

Ask to see utility bills showing the monthly water usage and costs, or get this information from the utility/billing company if possible. See if the bill fits your budget and if there is any exorbitant usage that could indicate a leak. A good realtor should have this information on-hand.

Don’t be afraid to “nose around” and ask questions; an owner or realtor with nothing to hide will encourage this. Even though you will probably get an official inspection later, it is good to get a picture of what you’re dealing with before then so you can start thinking about negotiating a lower price. If you decide to purchase a home requiring plumbing repairs as-is, be sure to hire a reputable plumber to do the necessary repairs.

***

Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

(Photo via Flickr)

What is Hydro Jetting?

HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 09:16:01 -0500

You may have heard of hydro jetting or hydro scrubbing as a way to unclog sewer lines, but what are the details of this process and how does it work? Is it the solution to your sewer problems? Check out the answers to these questions below to see the benefits of hydro jetting.

Hydro jetting, sometimes called hydro scrubbing, is a way to remove debris or clogs from sewer lines by shooting streams of high pressure water out of a hose and into the sewer lines.

The water speed can reach up to 3,500 pounds per square inch during this process. The water moves from a tank into a hose and a nozzle, where it is pressurized from a machine at a rate of 18 gallons per minute. An average hydro jetting process can clear clogs or debris in a sewer line more than several hundreds of feet long.

The water for hydro jetting goes in through an opening in the sewer line that's a standard for every sewer system. The nozzle is placed in the downstream part of the sewer line and pushes its way upstream, and any debris cleared by the highly pressurized water moves naturally back downstream and out of the system by way of the drain.

Is hydro jetting the solution for your clogged sewer line? Usually, hydro jetting is suggested when a plumber's snake isn't enough to solve the problem. When roots have made their way into the sewer line, hydro jetting is often an appropriate solution. However, if the roots have cracked the pipes, there will need to be extra measures taken.

It is also a good fix when mineral deposits have built up inside the drainage line.

Depending on the kinds of problems you are having with your sewer line, a plumber can recommend the best solution to clear the line and get things working again.

***

Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.