Drain Cleaning

A clogged drain can be extremely frustrating – especially for a homeowner. When the shower, bathtub or kitchen sink clogs, essential activities in the home may come to a complete stop. Dinner can’t be prepared. The kids can’t take their baths. Water backs up into the basement. The shower and laundry are out of commission.

At The Plumber, we know that all plumbing fixtures run the risk of clogging. We’ve seen tubs, sinks, shower stalls, toilets, kitchen sinks, and floor drains become clogged with little more than simple day-to-day usage. It’s a problem that afflicts new homes and older homes alike.

Most clogged drains – especially in the bathroom – are the result of a build-up of hair and other particulate matter that gets washed down the drain. An additional build-up of soap scum, shampoo residue and some types of detergents only exacerbate the issue. Soon enough, you have a nasty clog that needs clearing.

The primary concern with these types of clogs is that, left untreated, clogs and slow drains may become more impacted and troublesome. Clogged drains in the bathroom and kitchen – even those that are just slow to drain – may also be a sign of a much larger and more costly plumbing concern.

If you have a drain that is clogged or slow to empty, it’s always advisable to call in professional help that will ensure the clog is quickly cleared and that no growing concern exists elsewhere in the home or business. Rest assured: as a long-time Kansas City plumber, we’ve never met a clogged drain that we couldn’t clear. We’re here to help.

What NOT to do with a clogged drain

• Never use chemical drain cleaners. If your pipes or traps are made from brass, steel, or cast-iron, the chemicals found in liquid drain cleaners may corrode or eat away at your pipes. Over time, this will certainly cause larger plumbing problems and, perhaps, pipe leakage in your plumbing system.
• Do NOT pour grease, liquid fats or cooking oil down your sink drain. Nothing will clog pipes faster.
• Do NOT pour coffee grounds or rice down the drain, as they tend to clump up easily and become impacted.

Some preventive measures you can take to avoid clogs

• Place drain baskets (also known as basket strainers) over your drains. This will eliminate debris in your pipe system and prevent clogging. Clean the baskets regularly.
• You can pour a cup of baking soda, followed by a cup of plain white vinegar down your drain every couple of months. The concoction will create a foaming, bubbly reaction that loosens potential clogs.
• You may also utilize a non-chemical drain enzyme like Bio-Clean to loosen clogs. Bio-Clean is available from The Plumber.
• For those stubborn bathroom shower and sinks drains, you can also pour a pot of boiling water down the drain once a month. This will help clear out hair, soap scum and greasy particulate matter.

If your drain is clogged:

• Try a plunger first (for tubs and sinks, make sure the overflow is plugged with your hand or a wet rag). If the plunger doesn’t unclog the drain, give The Plumber a call.

For all your Kansas City plumber needs, you can count on The Plumber. The family-friendly plumbing help you need – without the hassle. Call The Plumber (816) 229-0000 for FREE estimates on your next plumbing job. We’re ready to hear from you!