A-Affordable Sanitation Advises: Don’t Over-Stress About the Clog
Do you know what to do if you have a clogged drain? While they are a nuisance and an inconvenience, they are usually not as serious as you may think. If you use brute force, unnecessary tools, or other products, more damage and bigger messes can result. Instead, make a mental note of the drain not working and attempt to use it less. You can do this until you can call us to make an appointment. A-Affordable Sanitation has served the residents, businesses, and municipalities of Western PA since 1991. We stand ready to serve you, too.
Let’s Take a Trip Down the Drains of History
Since the invention of indoor plumbing, societies around the world have seen drastic increases to public health. This scenario is because of fully functioning waste water removal and treatment practices. In 1775, Scottish inventor Alexander Cumming received the first patent for a flush toilet. His invention was the S-shaped pipe below the bowl that uses water to create a seal. This pipe stops sewer gas from coming up, called “the trap.” Most clogs occur from this location. Using too much toilet paper, flushing items not intended for flushing, and more can create clogs resulting in big problems.
Understand What NOT to Flush
You’re taking a risk whenever you flush anything like tissues, cotton balls, cotton swabs, or dental floss. Even though it may seem like an easy way to dispose of these items, it can cause immense damage. Between our electric eel and drain camera, our team of plumbers will find the clog source and quickly fix it.
Did You Check the Roof?
Yes, your clog might be on the roof! No, it’s not paper. It’s most likely leaves or other debris. Your plumbing system has a vent on the roof of your home usually above each bathroom. It is most often a small, black tube about 8 inches tall standing upward. This vent allows fresh air into the plumbing system, where it replaces the vacuum of air created when water drains. Think about when you put your straw in your glass of iced tea. If you put your finger over the end, the tea will stay in the straw. Remove your finger, and watch the tea drain out.
When the vent is clogged or blocked, it can cause slow, gurgling or stopped drains, even in the toilet. If you think the source of the clog is on the roof or in the drain pipe, let us handle it. A fully functioning plumbing vent is key to a fully functioning toilet and bathroom.
For more information on clogged drain and drain cleaning, give A-Affordable Sanitation a call at (724) 763-1449. Like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date with the latest news and information. We are happy to discuss more about what to do if you have a clogged drain.
