Clogged Drains | Plumber Fort Worth

Prevention is the best approach for avoiding clogged drains. The first steps of prevention begin in the home and are simply a matter of precaution in what is washed down the drain. The second step is to provide periodic drain cleaning by a licensed plumber in Fort Worth. Regardless of how cautious you are about what goes down the drain, clogging will eventually occur as small particulates pass through drain screens, and grease residue left on the plates and pans are washed down the drain.

While it may be almost impossible to keep these materials out of the drain, it is possible to prevent clogged drains from occurring by utilizing the two steps of prevention. Let’s look at what should not go down the drain.

At Home Prevention

Proper disposal of grease, fats and oils: Almost everyone knows to keep these materials out of the drain. So how does it end up forming clogs anyway? You may scrape plates clean, but grease residue from fried and fatty foods will remain on the plates and pans. Using a paper towel to wipe clean after scraping can help but small amounts will remain. Over time these build up in drains, solidifying in the cold environment and growing larger.

Furthermore, grease build-up occurs, it traps food particulates, hair and soap scum forming a solid matrix of a clog. Once a clog develops sufficient mass to partially clog a drain, slow drains occur, and eventually no drainage at all. Once slow drains or no drainage occurs, the only option to clear a clogged pipe of grease build-up is to hire a plumber in Fort Worth. In addition, homeowners should aware of the fact that water jetting is the only means of completely and properly clearing a grease clog.

Drain screens are helpful in preventing clogs catching debris that is too large to pass through. Use drain screens in kitchen and bathroom sinks, showers and the tub where possible. Drain screens will catch hair, food and other drain clogging debris. This will assist in preventing a matrix that will form a stubborn clog and can damage field lines for homes with septic tanks. Use a drain screen and empty the screen in the trash.

Use Kitchen Disposals Properly

Each disposal comes with an owner’s manual and general use instructions. For the most part, the guidelines are the same and include:

• Do not use the kitchen disposal for hard items that may damage the blades and clog the drain. Bone; pits from foods such as peach or cherries; stringy or fibrous foods such as poultry skin, celery, greens, corn husks, banana peels, potatoe skins or onion skins; or starchy foods that can swell and clog the disposal or drain such as rice or pasta. Don’t place paper, styrofoam, plastic or metal into the disposal.
• To ensure ground up food waste is flushed out of the disposal and through the pipes turn the water on before operating. Insert small amounts of cut up food waste until complete. Allow the water to continue running for 20 seconds or longer after you are through using the disposal to flush the drain of debris. Don’t use hot water while the garbage disposal is operating, but it may be used at any other time.
• To help clean the disposal blades use a few ice cubes or frozen vinegar cubes in the disposal once a month. Vinegar frozen in an ice tray cleans and deodorizes the disposal helping to keep odors down.

Preventing Stopped Up Toilets

Examples of common items that lead to a stopped up toilet are cotton swabs, feminine hygiene products, baby wipes and other wipes, diapers, paper towels, rubber or plastic products. Toilets are designed to flush bath tissue and human waste and nothing else. An excess of bath tissue can lead to a clogged toilet, know your toilets limit and flush more often if necessary.

In addition, the brand of bath tissue used may affect flushing and especially septic tank systems. There is a simple test to see if you’re using a bath tissue that is safe for septic systems. Simply place a few sheets of your favorite bath tissue in a clear glass and fill with water. The ideal outcome is toilet paper that breaks up into small pieces very quickly. If the paper is still mostly intact and bulky, it is probably best to select a different brand to avoid septic tank problems and the need for a plumber in Fort Worth to unclog a toilet.

Clogged Drain or Sewer Line

If all drains and toilets are experiencing a drainage problem it is likely an issue in the sewer line. A problem in a single location is more likely to be a clogged drain in that location only. A Ben Franklin plumber in Fort Worth can safely clear your drain or clogged sewer pipe, restoring free flow to your home’s drainage system.

Using a Plunger

A plunger can be your best tool for a minor clog. If clogs continue to be a problem, it likely indicates an ongoing problem requiring the services of a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Fort Worth.

Drain and Sewer Services

Slow drains, no drainage and/or back-up drains or sewer lines require a plumber in Fort Worth. Scheduling periodic professional drain cleaning by a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Fort Worth is the best means of preventing drain or sewer clogs. Your home’s drainage system will benefit from a professional drain cleaning every year or two, preventing clogs, backed-up and even burst drains. A clean drainage system will provide efficient drains, and help to prevent odors.

When drain and/or sewer issues occur a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Fort Worth will provide a video pipe inspection to identify and precisely locate the issue. Once the clog or other issue is addressed, our plumbersprovide a free post video inspection to ensure the pipe is clean and no other problems remain.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing provides professional plumbing services in Fort Worth, Arlington and the surrounding areas. A Benjamin Franklin plumber in Fort Worth strives to exceed standard industry practices and to exceed your expectations.

Our plumbers have the expertise and the latest state-of-the-art equipment to safely clear your clogged drains and keep your home’s plumbing functioning efficiently. For a plumber in Fort Worth considered to be among the best in the industry, schedule service with a Benjamin Franklin Plumber. We are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.