Are you wondering how to clean the plumbing system while you’re stuck at home? It might seem a difficult task to begin with; however, the benefits are alluring. After all, it could help you save money and spend your time productively.
It is undoubtedly empowering to be able to do repair jobs at your property while you’re at home. However, it is also a little tricky to find out where to start. But if you’re committed to being more productive at home, you will patiently learn how to clean the plumbing system effectively.
How to begin?
Like other appliances and fixtures at our home, plumbing pipes, drains and faucets require maintenance too. Any carelessness towards them will lead to adverse outcomes like water leaks and rusting. Therefore, homeowners should prioritize the cleaning of pipes to prevent plumbing issues.
Over time, the water system of your house gets clogged. It can be a nuisance to deal with if you don’t know what to do. Dislodging the accumulation gathered in the pipes requires efforts on your part.
If you have picked up your toolbox and are headed towards your kitchen drain, do read this blog. We have outlined all the helpful tips for you to de–clog your drains and clean the pipes by yourself.
Clearing up the Drains
You feel helpless and confused when the drain refuses to let water pass!
When grease, grime or debris choke the pipe, a drain clog occurs. Therefore, we recommend you to clean the pipes and drains at your home regularly. You can use everyday household items like white vinegar, baking soda, and hot water.
Once you have gathered all these items, you can proceed with the following steps.
- Measure out half a cup of baking soda and pour it down the drain.
- Measure out a similar quantity of vinegar and pour it down the drain.
- If you complete the first two steps, follow up by covering or plugging the drain and let it rest for about a quarter of an hour.
- Finally, boil some water, uncover the drain, and let the hot water pass through the drain pipe.
After completing the process, your drain will be unclogged. It is recommended to repeat this process every three months to make sure that your drains do not get clogged.
If there are any stains or deposits around the mouth of the drain, don’t worry. Take baking soda and vinegar (in equal parts), mix them up, and use the solution to clean the area.
Sometimes drains don’t clear even after passing baking soda, vinegar, and hot water. Even the use of a plunger is of no avail. In that case, there might be some defect in your drain pipes. If you notice any such complication, contact a professional right away.
You can search on the internet for plumbing services in your area that also offer drain cleaning and repair service. For example, if you live in Chicago Heights, Illinois, you can do a Google search like “Chicago Heights Plumbing services” or “Chicago Heights drain repair services” to find a reputed plumbing service to fix your drainage issue.
Clearing up the P-Traps
If the curved pipe below your sink isn’t functioning correctly, you should be concerned.
The P-trap below your kitchen sink is there to prevent toxic sewer gases from entering your home. It retains the fluid in the curve that blocks the path of these gases.
However, sometimes, the p-trap gets clogged and doesn’t allow the water to pass. If it happens, you can follow these steps to clear it:
- Take a plastic bucket and place it below the P-trap.
- Use pliers to unscrew the coupling nuts that connect the trap and the wall fitting to the sink.
- Use something like a metal wire to unclog the interior of the trap. The idea is to dislodge any buildup that has developed over time.
- If you’re clear that there is no clog, proceed to insert a retractable drain snake into the pipe.
- When you are done, screw back the coupling nuts, and you are good to go.
Clearing up the Showerheads
Showerheads require timely attention from homeowners!
The performance of a showerhead may become compromised over time unless it is properly maintained. Mineral deposits that accumulate around the shower can cause a reduction in the water pressure and hence prolong your bathing time.
A simple technique you can use to clear up the showerheads is ‘rubbing the nozzle.’ All you have to do is massage each rubber nozzle of the shower until the mineral buildup loosens away. If you want, you can even use a toothbrush for this purpose. Eventually, these nozzles clear up.
Another common technique involves the use of vinegar. Soak the showerhead in this acetic solution. The best way is to remove the showerhead and place it in a container filled with vinegar. It will be back in mint condition in no time.
Final word
You can make most of your time at home by paying attention to these repair jobs that arise in your home. If you find minor issues with your plumbing system, you should try to fix them yourself.
You would be surprised at how everyday household items can come in handy! All you have to do is be determined, and the rest gets done by itself.