Category Archives: DIY Plumbing

Prepping Your Home Before Vacation

July 29, 2017DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Energy Efficiency, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Save Money, Water Heatersmatt

Planning and packing for vacation is fun and hectic. In the hustle and bustle, make sure to take care of a few things in and around the house to maintain safety and cleanliness. Unplugging appliances, adjusting the furnace and water heater thermostats, and setting alarms are important, and so are the useful tips that follow.

Shutting Down Any Water Source

Before leaving your home for an extended period of time for a vacation, for example, there are a few extremely crucial steps to take so you aren’t returning home to a mess or a costly disaster. When you are home, having the main water valve on is an obvious must so water can go where it needs to go throughout your home. However, when you are gone you will want to shut off your main water valve in the case of a leaking or broken pipe, since you won’t be there to react to an issue that arises. Failure to shut off the main valve could leave you with a flooded house or worse when you return if something were to go wrong. Another good preparation tip to act on is making sure that no outdoor water is left on such as a sprinkler system for example. A drip all day for several weeks adds up to a large amount of wasted water. The first step is to always be sure that all the water is turned off.

Tending To Indoor And Outdoor Pumps

The next step for ensuring the efficiency of your home inside and out while you are away is checking on any pumps such as sump pumps and pool pumps as a couple examples. Ensuring that your sump pump in the basement works is very important for guaranteeing that your basement won’t flood. If the gutters fail and allow water to come in the basement, a sump pump will save you from a lot of water damage. To check the sump pump simply dump some water in the pump pit so it raises the water level, then see if it ejects the water correctly. If it fails then you could try to solve the issue or contact a professional for help before leaving. Another pump that should be left on is the swimming pool pump. By turning it off for long periods of time, algae build-up can occur so always set it at the optimal operating setting for long term efficiency.

Preventing The Build Up Of Mold And Bacteria

Lastly on the list of preparation steps for a lengthy vacation is eliminating the chance for the buildup of mold, bacteria, and other unsanitary substances. Always clean dirty dishes and unload the dishwasher so bacteria can’t develop on food covered dirty dishes. Next, you should check the refrigerator and freezer for foods that have a short expiration date and either consume before leaving or properly dispose of them before departure so they can’t rot and form mold. Rotting foods for a period of time will become unsanitary and leave very unpleasant long lasting odors. Properly following these three tips will greatly improve the condition of your home when you return and also decrease the chance of a catastrophe happening that could cost you a fortune. If you have any further questions or concerns on preparation actions or simply general plumbing issues, contact a professional that offers plumbing upgrades in DC.

3 Step Grease Trap Preparation

July 26, 2017Commercial Plumbing, DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Sewer Issuesmatt

High amounts of oil, grease, and fats from cooking can interrupt the natural breakdown of said oils in septic tanks & sewer facilities, so it is a good idea to install a grease trap at your home or business if you do a lot of food preparation.

Determine The Necessary Grease Trap Size

The very first step in grease trap preparation for your home or business is understanding your needs and which model will suit those needs. Traps come in several different sizes and models to best fit each circumstance and specific purpose. Whether you have a home or business, the size of grease trap necessary will be determined by the amount of water that goes through your drainage pipes. As a general rule, restaurants and other businesses that dispose of large amounts of grease down the drain on a regular basis should pick a grease trap with a capacity of at least 40 KG. Even if you don’t own a business, you may still consider getting a larger capacity trap if you don’t plan on cleaning it often. For homes, smaller buildings, and general use, a smaller regular capacity grease trap should be able to handle the work load with little to no trouble. Upgrading your plumbing system to include a grease trap is a good way to help protect the environment, while protecting you from blockages, clogs, and plumbing problems.

Location Of Installation

The next step in the process of installing and getting the most out of your grease trap is determining the best place to put it for maximum efficiency and effectiveness. In most cases, the best place to install a trap is right under the kitchen sink for convenience, however, in other circumstances, a different location may be more appropriate. For houses or small buildings with several sinks, outdoor setup is better suited for all of the drainage pipes that can be connected to one pipe outside connected to the grease trap. Figure out first if having it inside or outside is better and then determine the exact location to meet the drainage pipe/pipes from there.

Connecting The Grease Trap To The Pipes Or Pipe

The exact hookup procedure will vary depending on what model you are installing so be sure to read the instruction manual over to be sure the process is done correctly. On most models, 3 different connections will need to be made. First off, there should be a connection made to the holding tank vent. Next, a connection to the sink or the source of the water should be made and is usually located on the left side of the unit. Lastly, the connection to the pipe that leads to the sewer system should be established. This is usually located on the bottom right side of the grease trap unit. Never allow any solid waste to go down the sink and enter the grease trap. Instead, ensure that the sink is effective at catching all solid objects preventing them from entering the grease trap. A very useful tip to remember and practice is to run some hot water after disposing of grease down the drain. This will aid in the breakdown of grease in the grease trap so a buildup is less likely to develop. Remember and use these tips so installing a grease trap can be a piece of cake. If you are experiencing difficulty or just have a question don’t hesitate to reach out to a DC sewer and drain expert for professional assistance.

Three Easy Tips To Conserve Water In The Bathroom

July 21, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Energy Efficiency, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Save Moneymatt

Conserving water is an important thing everyone should do, worldwide. “Going green” can be accomplished by doing small, simple things that help the environment. Read on for some useful tips you can employ in your own bathroom to help reduce your water usage, and save yourself a little money while you’re at it.

Ensure You Don’t Have Toilets Leaking Water

The first method in using less water in your home is to make sure you aren’t wasting/leaking water such as a leaking toilet for example. Testing a toilet for leaks is virtually free and can be done quickly and hassle free. Simply remove the tank lid and drop 10 drops of food coloring or dye in the tank. Next, wait 10 to 15 minutes and then check inside the toilet bowl for any sign of the food coloring/dye. If you do see it then your toilet is indeed leaking and wasting water day after day and should be fixed as soon as possible. When fixing the leak or buying a new toilet consider installing a new low flush toilet which uses a lot less water on every flush saving you money on bills and using far less water per year helping to preserve the environment. It is very important to ensure that all of your plumbing and appliances are working correctly free of leaks and problems since they can waste tons of energy, water, and money when not operating up to par.

Use Less Water When Bathing

Second, on the list of useful steps to help save water and money happens every day with your bathing ritual. Many people are completely unaware that taking baths uses far more water on average than that of a normal five-minute shower. Taking fewer baths will add up over time to water conserved and you will most likely notice savings on your water bill as well. Also, you can also change out your old shower head out for a newer modern low-flow shower head. These are designed to spread the water out using a lower psi so it still feels satisfying and does the job while saving a large amount of water over time. These new low-flow shower heads are also built with high quality and often can be mobile in the shower with more options and better features for your convenience.

Use Less Water At The Sink

Lastly, on the list of ways to use less water in the bathroom comes when using the sink in several different manors. One way to use less water at the sink is turning the water off while brushing your teeth and only using it when rinsing. This is an extremely common mistake people continue to make even though a lot of water can be wasted if the water is run for 3 to 5 minutes while brushing your teeth. Another very useful upgrade that can be made is by installing low-flow faucet aerators for the sinks. This will help decrease the steady psi of water that comes out so less water is wasted when washing your hands, shaving, brushing teeth, and much more. Installing a low-flow faucet aerator can cut the water usage in half with every single use. These are three excellent ways to help save a ton of water and money on your water bill day after day. For any further questions regarding plumbing concerns, contact a professional that offers DC clog services for further help and advice.

Preparation Measures For Seasonal Plumbing

July 18, 2017DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advicematt

The changing seasons bring an array of plumbing concerns. It is easy to forget about preparing for upcoming fall & winter. Here are some helpful tips to keep ahead of the weather.

Anticipating Seasonal Temperature Changes

The first step in preparing the plumbing in and around your home is understanding the weather patterns in your area that you live. It is crucial to know when temperatures have a chance of dropping below freezing so you can eliminate the chance of a pipe freezing or even busting. Places that experience multiple seasons and temperatures per year create a larger amount of upkeep and observation to ensure nothing freezes or ruins. As the months roll by, it is imperative to keep up with the temperature/weather forecast as a new season approaches. This will help you avoid waking up one morning to a massive problem like a completely frozen solid outdoor line or worse. Always be sure to stay ahead of the weather so you aren’t surprised by any huge temperature drops as the weather patterns begin to transition.

Removing And Turning Off Outdoor Water

Next on the list of necessary steps to take to keep plumbing safe from freezing weather is the removal and elimination of water to outdoor lines, pipes, hoses, and faucets. Turn off all water lines that run outside as well as letting hoses and things that trap water drain out completely before storing and winterizing. If you have pipes that run inside your home but are also exposed to cold are such as the garage, for example, you may need to cover exposed pipes so the temperature drops won’t freeze the water in the pipe. Keeping the garage warmer is a good way to help combat pipes from freezing. Be sure to know where all indoor/outdoor pipes could potentially be exposed to freezing temperatures even if it’s just a small amount of plumbing. Also, be sure the walls have sufficient insulation to keep pipes above freezing temperatures as they run through the walls all throughout your home. Lastly, for pipes that could be exposed to freezing air in the attic, crawlspace, or garage, you can use inexpensive foam pipe insulation. If the weather gets extremely cold then you can also consider temperature controlled heat tape for your exposed pipes.

If A Pipe Does Freeze

Last on the list is how to react if worst comes to worst and you do encounter a nearly or completely frozen pipe/water line. If a pipe freezes that also runs inside to your home, you’ll need to approach the situation with safety and planning in mind. There are several methods in thawing a frozen pipe and some are riskier than others depending on the exact situation. For smaller pipes or a faucet, you can use boiling water with a towel wrapped around the pipe to trap the heat and melt the ice. Another less safe method is using a propane torch which can force steam and pressure to build, resulting in a pipe that bursts if it thaws to quick. If you are unsure or worried don’t hesitate to contact a professional to get the problem solved safely free of injury. For questions or concerns contact an expert that offers DC drain services for professional assistance.

Professional Plumbing Tips And Tricks

July 15, 2017DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Sewer Issuesmatt

Knowing a few “tricks of the trade” can help you in a pinch when a plumbing issue may arise. The following hints can save the day, or at least help prevent a major problem.

Fixing A Leaky Faucet

Leaky faucets are annoying, wasteful, and counterproductive. Luckily, they can be fixed relatively easy the majority of the time. To start you’ll want to turn off the water to the faucet and cover the drain to prevent pieces and parts from falling down in there. Next, determine what kind of faucet you are fixing, maybe it’s a ball or cartridge faucet for example. After that, you need to unscrew each handle and then remove the nut using a wrench. The next stop on the list would be pulling out the stem followed by removing the seat washer. After that, you can replace the seat washer with a new one and reassemble everything back together. If you have a certain type of faucet like a ball faucet then you will most likely need to buy a replacement kit to replace several parts in order to properly resolve the problem.

How A ShopVac Can Save The Day

A shopvac is an inexpensive machine that could help you a huge amount in several situations, especially when it comes to plumbing concerns. Shopvacs are an excellent tool in trying to unclog any type of drain as well as providing a quick way to clean up a large amount water from a basement flood or leaking pipe. Let’s say your ring or an important piece of jewelry just accidentally fell into the kitchen sink, a shopvac provides a good chance of using suction to retrieve the object for you. Shopvacs are even great with cleaning out fish tanks, aquariums, and just hard to reach areas.

Main Water Line Advice

The main water line is the most important aspect when it comes to using water for anything in your home. From washing the clothes to taking a shower, to using the dishwasher, it’s all powered by the main water line. Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever and eventually one day the main line will go bad and need some type of fixing or replacement. Since the water line is almost always below ground and not visible, it can be difficult to detect any type of problem developing before it becomes a full-blown catastrophe leaving you without water for several days or more along with a hefty cost. A good idea is to schedule a professional camera inspection of the main line about every two years. This is an excellent way of staying on top of the condition of the line and allows you to be sure that a massive problem isn’t right around the corner. Over time rust, sediment buildup, and tree roots can pose large threats to the condition of the main water line. Keep large shrubs and trees away from the line, and don’t plant any nearby. If you are experiencing issues and are not sure whether or not to replace the line, it’s usually best to let a professional assess the situation and form a plan to best protect your plumbing from large scale problems now and in the future.

If you experience an issue with your pipes or plumbing on any level, don’t hesitate to give a professional a call that specializes in plumbing, from DC sewer inspection to water heater replacement, to help get everything fixed and working smoothly.

Important Plumbing Tips And Hints

July 11, 2017DIY Plumbing, Energy Efficiency, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advicematt

Keeping a few tips in mind, concerning your plumbing, can be helpful especially when you are in a pinch. Read on for some advice on frozen pipes, clogged shower drains, and appliances.

The Shower Drain And How To Unclog It

The bathtub drain is never a concern as long as the water keeps steadily going down like it’s supposed to. Unfortunately, there are instances where substances and debris can cause the water to get backed up and sometimes even completely clogged. First off, let’s discuss the list of things that should never go down the drain in the first place. Large amounts of dirt, hair, sand, and other semi solid substances that clump together will all pose a potential threat of clogging the drain. Next, if you start to notice that the water is going down slower than normal, you can try some boiling water in the attempt to loosen up the buildup. If you get no results then the next step would be to try a drain cleaner to see if it will dissolve the buildup. If that method also fails to work then you might consider trying a shopvac in the attempt to suck the debris up out. If all of those options fail then the last option to try would be using a plumbers snake to attempt to break up and clear the debris further down. If you have no luck with any of the options listed then you may need professional help to get the problem totally solved.

Preventing Pipes From Freezing

A frozen pipe can become a major problem in the blink in the eye, costing you large amounts of money, damage, and time to fix. Thankfully, there are plenty of prevention methods to save your pipes from freezing and breaking. First, if you live in a climate where the seasons change and you get freezing weather then you must take action before those low temperatures hit. By turning off and winterizing all outdoor faucets and hoses, you are eliminating the possibility of lines freezing and busting since there will be no water in them to freeze. Next, if you have water lines in the basement, garage, or crawl space, then properly insulting the lines with heat-tape or thermostat controlled heat cables will help protect them. Another important thing to do is to make sure the building’s temperature never gets below 55 degrees. If a pipe does happen to freeze it is best to call a professional, since a frozen pipe with high pressure and massive temperature changes can create a dangerous situation.

Understanding Your Appliances

Over time the appliances and units in your home become older and develop a higher chance of breaking or not working correctly. If you have an older model air conditioner and water heater for example, then may be missing out on power output, productivity, efficiency, and money that could be saved over time. If you haven’t made any upgrades on appliances in many years then it might be time to invest in some new modern technology to help you get the most bang for your buck. Newer energy efficient models not only save energy each day, but also help you save on your electric and water bill. They are also reliable and durable while offering new features and settings to fit your exact needs. After you see what upgrades are available and make your choice, contact an experienced professional that offers DC plumbing upgrades. They can run new water lines or gas lines, if need be, and talk to you about plumbing system upgrades, as well.

Plumbing Hacks To Save You Some Money

July 10, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DIY Plumbing, Energy Efficiency, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advice, Save Money, Water Heatersmatt

Everyone wants some ideas to save money. Here are some helpful ways to save some green and maintain your plumbing systems at the same time.

Prepping Your Plumbing For A Long Trip Away

When you are planning on leaving your home for an extended period of time there are some very important preparation measures to take to avoid coming home to a catastrophe and ruined appliances. First off, check for any visible leaks throughout your home to avoid water damage/large water loss. Second, if your water heater has not been flushed in a while then it is wise to flush it before leaving to prevent sediment build up. A couple good tips to use regarding the freezer/refrigerator are turning off the automatic ice maker to prevent malfunction and throwing food away to prevent it from spoiling and creating moldy unsanitary conditions. Also, cleaning your gutters before you leave is an excellent practice to direct water away from your roof and home, decreasing chances of build-up, mold, and water damage. Next, be sure to check and turn off all outdoor sprinklers and faucets so you don’t return to an overly high water bill caused by excess water and energy usage. Lastly, if possible, turn off the main water supply to your home to prevent a giant water leak destroying everything inside.

The Major Problems With A Leaking Toilet

Toilets are certainly an important factor in day to day living anywhere you go and should be monitored regularly to decrease the chance of a problem arising. Too often someone can have a leaking toilet for a long period of time and not even know it. However, the amount of water wasted from a leaking toilet in a year could fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool. That could also explain why the bills are higher than they need to be. Luckily, checking a toilet for a leak is relatively simple, quick, and accurate. To check for a leak simply remove the tank lid and drop roughly 10 drops of food coloring in the tank. After waiting 10 to 15 minutes check the bowl to see if the food coloring is in there. If it is then you indeed have a leak and will need to have it professionally fixed. Your next step should be contacting a DC sewer and drain professional as soon as possible to help get the problem resolved and bring the water wasting to a halt.

Benefits Of Installing New Energy Efficient Units

Every day people are striving for newer more advanced methods, practices, and technology. In the world of plumbing advancements, there are always newer more efficient appliances and units being installed to save time and money. For example, new energy efficient washers and dryers can save a lot on energy bills each month while also holding their value. Another example would be new low-flow shower heads and toilets to cut way back on water used per flush/shower. By learning what energy efficient units have to offer you may realize just how much money, energy, water, and time you could save by updating your appliances and units. When it comes to any aspect of plumbing, the more you learn the more you can enjoy your home hassle free.

Helpful Plumbing Maintenance Tips

July 7, 2017DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Sewer Issuesmatt

Keeping these helpful tips in mind will help the plumbing in your home maintain functionality and save yourself some major headaches down the road. Putting these useful hints into daily practice should help reduce some plumbing down time.

Caring For Your Septic Tank

Septic tanks are usually not an everyday talked about concern considering they are underground and most of the time doing their job correctly. However, ensuring that your daily practices will not pose a threat to your septic tank’s ability to function is a very important issue. An overflowed septic tank is a very costly, unwanted, and unsanitary outcome for you and your family. Many times the problem could have been avoided with different day to day practices or caught early enough to stop the problem from further progression. A useful tip to remember is to get your septic tank checked twice a year by a professional to ensure everything is okay. Another aspect to always be aware of is what you are allowing to go down the toilets and into the septic tank or your sewer system. Certain materials and substances such as coffee grounds, cigarette butts, diapers, dental floss, and other powerful chemicals should never enter the septic tank since they can interrupt the breakdown process. When these materials enter your sewer lines, they can cause clogs and backups, requiring sewer inspections and possible repair & replacement.

Sinks And Garbage Disposals

Many simple mistakes can be made in the kitchen sink unknowingly or accidentally that can cause you a major headache. First off, always be aware of what liquids are hitting and sitting on the surface of your kitchen sink. Certain types of bleach and cleaners can sometimes do more than you want them to like leaving you with the erosion of the sink bowl’s surface. Lemon juice is a good remedy for scrubbing stains while WD-40 can help rid of rust. Another extremely important everyday factor to remember is what your garbage disposal can and can’t handle. Avoid using the garbage disposal for things like bones, grease, pasta, coffee grounds, egg shells, fruit pits, potato peels, and celery. Also, whenever you do run the garbage disposal be sure to run plenty of water to prevent a clog from happening.

Alternate Choices In Piping

The material of the pipes in your home can have a major impact on efficiency, quality, and durability in the long run. Many people are not aware that plastic piping is superior to metal in just about every way possible. Using plastic pipes for replacement or first-time installation can save you from well known unwanted problems in the near and far future. Plastic pipes are easier to install while also being corrosion free, unlike metal. Plastic is also easier to fix, adjust, and tighten if a problem arises. Lastly, plastic is much more inexpensive than metal so you also save money from the start. In the case of locating a leaking metal drain, it is a great idea to replace it with a new plastic one to prevent a future leak from happening. The benefits of using more modern and up to date pipes and methods are huge and can save you tons of money and hassle year after year. If you stumble across a problem or have a question don’t hesitate to call a DC licensed master plumber to get you all squared away and back on track.

Useful Plumbing Tips For New Homeowners

July 5, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DIY Plumbing, Energy Efficiency, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Save Money, Water Heatersmatt

Being a new homeowner can be a little stressful. Arming yourself with some useful plumbing tips and hints can make life easier and save you some money. It can also make you more prepared if and when an issue does arise.

Water Heater Management

Most of the time doing simple things can save you from big problems and hassles down the road when talking about water heaters. One of the most basic things to be aware of about your water heater is what temperature the thermostat is set at.

Sometimes, they come factory set at a higher temperature than necessary which wastes energy and can also decrease the life of the unit. Setting your heater at a temperature of 115 degrees is usually sufficient for all your normal needs. Most units will last around 10 to 15 years so it is a good idea to start looking for a new one around 7-8 years to be safe. Another excellent tip that will help your water heater last longer and work more efficiently is to drain a quart of water every three months to reduce sediment build up in the tank. Lastly, if you heat using electricity and live in a warm sunny climate you may consider switching to a solar powered water heater to help cut down on energy costs.

Ways To Save Energy In Bathrooms

There are several very effective methods for cutting back on cost and energy used in everyday bathroom rituals. First off, taking a normal length shower in place of a bath uses far less water on average. Second, replacing your old shower head with a new modern low-flow shower head will save a large amount of water on a daily basis. Another excellent tip to remember when creating or remodeling a bathroom is to run wires for lights separately so you can use just the light you need at that time. Lastly, installing/replacing an energy efficient low flow toilet will save water on every single flush which adds up to a huge amount saved per year.

Get Familiar With The Plumbing In Your Home

The best way to fix costly and annoying problems is to stop them from happening in the first place. Just by knowing things like where your main shut off valve is and whether you have any visible leaks can save you from massive problems developing. Also, having a general knowledge of the plumbing order, location, and condition in your home will allow you to start making positive changes to save yourself money and energy expenditure. Being aware of where your pipes are located throughout your home is crucial when doing any type of remodeling or large structural changes like moving a wall for example. It would be very undesirable to knock down a wall and accidentally break a pipe open spilling water out everywhere. It also pays to have occasional inspections done on things if you are unsure or would like to make a change for the better. Fortunately, professional plumbing service is there to help get you back on track in case of an emergency or just a general problem that needs to be fixed. If you are unsure of whether you have a leaking pipe or not, considering hiring a team of professionals that provides DC leak detection.

Five Ways To Prevent Clogs In Your Sewer And Drainage

June 26, 2017Commercial Plumbing, DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Sewer Issuesmatt

The drains and sewer often seem to clog at the most inconvenient time, like when you have a house party or entertaining guests in your home. The best way to avoid frustrating clogs and nasty backups in your plumbing system is through preventive maintenance. It is the easiest way to keep your home’s plumbing system clean, healthy and running freely. Unfortunately, neglected plumbing pipes contain buildups of sediment, hair, grease, rust and other chemicals that cause serious corrosion that leave your pipes damaged. Here are the five ways to prevent clogs in your sewer and drainage.

Catching Hair Before It Reaches The Drain

Some hair and soap often find their way into the sewer pipes, causing severe tub clogs. To prevent this from happening, install a strainer to keep hair and other elements from your plumbing pipes. Ensure that you clean it regularly to allow the water to drain freely from your shower or bathtub. If you experience a clog, remove the strainer and plunge the drain. If the drain does not unclog after several pushes, you may need to call a DC drain and sewer service to assess and address the situation.

Collect Grease

Pouring grease down your kitchen drain is one the worst thing to do. Once you pour hot oil, it will run down the drain until it cools down in the pipe where it congeals to begin forming a clog. With time, more stuff gets stuck in it and this buildup of elements may create a major clog. The best way to prevent these clogs is by avoiding the pouring of oil and grease in your drains. You can place a jar in your kitchen to collect your oil and grease and throw it away in the trash once it becomes full.

Avoid Rinsing Cement Down The Drain

Cement often hardens through a chemical reaction and will settle down even under water forming a rock-hard clog. Sand is also a danger to drains since it is heavy and settles quickly in pipes forming clogs that are difficult to remove. To prevent these clogs, avoid rinsing any setting, joint or cementing compounds down the drains.

Flush Your Drains

Low-flow faucets and toilets are great ways of saving on water usage but not effective in safeguarding your drains. The low pressure of the water does not clear the entire debris but instead leaves it to build up in your pipes. To prevent this, ensure that you flush your pipes regularly with large volumes of water. You can fill a bucket with water as you simultaneously flush the toilet to keep the main drain clear. You can also fill your sinks and tubs with some hot water and release it down the drains.

Collect Your Food Waste

Crushing up food remains in the disposer and flushing it down your drain may be convenient, but it can create clogs in the pipes. The best way is to collect the food waste in a container and throw it in a compost bin.

In conclusion, clogged drains and sewer backups can be such a nuisance. In case you have a drain emergency or backup, locate and shut down all the valves in your home including the main water valve if there is a severe water leak. If you are not familiar with your plumbing system or don’t feel confident making any plumbing decisions, contact a DC drain and sewer service for all your emergency plumbing and drain concerns.