When you’re taking a hot shower after a long day, you don’t want an inch of water to pool at your feet. Fortunately, there are easy steps you can take to fix a slow drain in your Portland home. Many minor clogs can be fixed by simple DIY methods. If you have a stubborn clog that refuses to go away, you may need to schedule a professional drain cleaning in Portland.
To help you solve your slow drain, we’ll cover the best DIY tips. We’ll also look at the dangers of chemical cleaners and important red flags to watch out for. For extra help, reach out to Central Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing for emergency plumbing repairs.
Safe & Easy DIY Methods to Try First
If you’re struggling with a clogged drain, there are a few basic steps you can use to try to resolve the problem. From a boiling water flush to vinegar, the following tips can help you fix a slow drain.
The Boiling Water Flush
A boiling water flush is exactly what it sounds like. In general, this technique works best in kitchen sinks that have fat and grease buildup. The hot water melts the buildup, allowing it to be flushed out of your system.
Do not use this tip if you have PVC pipes. Boiling water can soften PVC pipes, potentially causing warping or leaks.
Baking Soda & Vinegar
This DIY drain cleaner can help you clear away minor organic buildup in your drains. Start by pouring half a cup of baking soda into the clogged drain. Then, pour a cup of vinegar down the drain. Allow the mixture to fizz for 10 to 30 minutes. Once this time is up, you can pour hot water down the drain. Remember not to use boiling water if your home has PVC pipes.
Removing the Clog Manually
If your Portland home has a clog in your bathroom sink or tub, you can clear it away manually. You can remove the drain stopper by unscrewing it or lifting it by hand.
If this doesn’t work, you can look underneath the sink for the pivot rod. You’ll need to loosen the nut so that you can pull the pivot rod out. Then, you can easily lift the stopper from above. After the drain stopper is removed, you can use a plumbing snake to clear out hair and soap scum that has built up over time.
A Plumber’s Warning: Step Away From Chemical Drain Cleaners
While you can see chemical drain cleaners in the store, you shouldn’t get them for your drains. These harsh chemicals are especially dangerous for older homes in Portland that have aging pipes. We strongly urge against using chemical drain cleaners for a few key reasons.
- They Damage Pipes: These chemicals can corrode metal pipes and degrade plastic pipes like PVC or ABS. Eventually, this causes leaks to form.
- They’re Often Ineffective: These chemicals normally open up a small tunnel through the clog. This makes it seem like they worked, but the tunnel will quickly close up again.
- They Are a Safety Hazard: When you have a shower or kitchen sink clogged, you should never use chemical drain cleaners. Besides potentially damaging your plumbing system, the cleaners have toxic fumes that your loved ones shouldn’t be breathing in. Additionally, there is also a danger of chemical splashes.
5 Signs It’s Time to Call for Professional Drain Cleaning
Whether your shower drain is slow or you have a stubborn clog in your bathroom sink, there are a few common signs you need professional plumbing help.
1. The Clog Keeps Coming Back
A returning clog means that your drains are blocked at a deep level that you won’t be able to reach with basic DIY methods. For clogs that return every few days or weeks, you need a professional plumber.
2. Multiple Drains Are Slow
When your home has multiple slow drains, there is an underlying issue in your main sewer line. This must be repaired by a licensed plumber.
3. You Hear Gurgling Sounds
Any gurgling sounds are cause for alarm. These noises mean that there is a significant blockage in your line that is trapping air. You won’t be able to fix this on your own.
4. There Are Foul, Sewer-Like Odors
Any time you notice foul, sewer-like odors, it means there is trapped waste in your plumbing system. Call one of our plumbers for professional drain cleaning services.
5. Water Backs Up After Heavy Rain
In Portland, it is fairly common to have water back up after a heavy rain. This often occurs when the main sewer line is partially clogged or when excess rainwater overwhelms the city’s sewer system. While it is able to handle normal amounts of wastewater, the influx of rain overwhelms the line and causes the water to back up.
The Professional Solution: How We Clear Drains for Good
If you’re looking for a plumber for clogged drains, we can help. Our team of licensed plumbers has years of experience removing stubborn clogs. We understand the Portland area, so we know what type of plumbing services local homeowners need.
When we come to inspect and fix a slow drain, we’ll typically use two key tools. A professional auger is like an improved version of the over-the-counter drain snakes you can buy at the store. This tool allows us to break up deep, stubborn clogs.
If the auger isn’t an option, we also have a hydro-jetting tool. With hydro-jetting, high-pressure water scours out the inside of your pipes. It’s so powerful that it can remove invasive tree roots from your plumbing system as long as they aren’t excessive. For severe root intrusions, we may need to use mechanical tools to remedy the problem.
Solve Your Drain Problems Today
Although DIY solutions work great for small clogs, there are times when you need a professional plumber to fix a slow drain. Recurring clogs and foul odors are signs of a more serious problem. In addition, having multiple drains affected indicates that there is an underlying issue that needs to be resolved by a professional.
Are you tired of dealing with a slow drain? Protect your drains from harsh drain cleaners by turning to the professionals. At Central Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we have the high-tech tools and experience you need to fix your plumbing systems.
Call today to schedule your drain cleaning services.
