Drain Cleaning tips and advice from local area plumbers, learn the leading cause of household drain issue and how to solve them.

The most commonly asked question in Plumbing

The most commonly asked question in Plumbing

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The number one question people ask about plumbing is: How do I fix a clogged drain?

Having clogged drains is one of the most common plumbing issues homeowners face, ranging from minor to severe problems. Fortunately, several ways exist to identify and resolve the issue without calling a professional.

First, it’s essential to determine if the clog is in your main line or a branch line. This can be done by pouring water slowly into both lines (if possible). If the water takes a long time to flow down the pipe, you likely have a clog in that line. Once you’ve identified the problem, it’s time to take action!

The traditional plunger is one of the most common methods to unclog a drain. To use it, you’ll need to plug the adjacent sink or tub so that air pressure can build up in the pipe and push out the clog. However, if this doesn’t work after several attempts, it’s time to move on to other solutions.

A drill (a snake) is another great option for clearing clogs from any drain pipe. The drill has a long wire-like attachment that can be fed through narrow pipes and bends to remove debris blocking the water flow. This should help eliminate your clogged pipes correctly without calling a professional plumber.

Lastly, consider using a chemical drain cleaner if all else fails. Chemical drain cleaners are sold in most hardware stores and can quickly dissolve clogs with corrosive chemicals. However, it’s essential to use caution when handling these products since they can cause irritation or even burns to the skin. Furthermore, chemical cleaners should not be combined with other solutions such as plungers or augers – use one method at a time!

Clogged drains are an unfortunately common plumbing issue that homeowners have to deal with occasionally. So with the proper knowledge and tools, you can care for almost any clog without calling a professional plumber. Understanding what causes clogging and how to address it correctly can save you time, energy, and money in the long run.

Another common plumbing issue that many homeowners face and ask about is a running toilet.

How do I stop my toilet from running?

clogged drain

So, a running toilet can be caused by a few issues, such as an improperly configured flapper, an old or worn float ball, or a broken fill valve. In most cases, the problem can be resolved with basic troubleshooting and DIY repair:

  1. Inspect the flapper to ensure it is positioned correctly over the drain hole at the tank’s bottom. If not, adjust its position to seal off the tank’s water supply when appropriately flushed.
  2. Check for mineral deposits on the float ball or fill valve; these deposits can sometimes prevent them from sealing off the water supply correctly and cause your toilet to run continuously.
  3. Inspect the fill valve for any visible cracks or other damage and replace it if necessary.

With these steps in mind, you should be able to fix a running toilet successfully!

Good luck! And remember – when in doubt, call a professional plumber! They have all of the right equipment and knowledge needed to get your plumbing back up and running like new quickly.

www.poolesplumbing.com

Unclog a Shower Drain

Unclog a Shower Drain

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If you’ve never had to unclog a shower drain you’re lucky. Many issues can arise that almost immediately tell you there is a plumbing problem. The unmistakable sound of a dripping faucet. The noticeable wetness from a leaky toilet. More so than any “telltale” sign, regardless of the issue, though, is that undeniably funky odor coming from your shower drain. This, combined with you noticing the water level higher as you take that morning rinse, means you have probably got a drainage issue. Luckily, your friends here at Poole’s Plumbing have you covered, as below we will instruct you on how to Unclog a Shower Drain.

Now, this is not the most complicated of plumbing issues, nor is it an impossible fix. However, there are a few ways that depending on the blockage; you might need to approach to Unclog a Shower Drain. No worries, though, as we assure you above, we will run through each of these ways. In the end, one way or another, we will get rid of that smell and, most importantly, open up that blockage.

10 Things You Should Never Rinse Down Your Sink

Unclog a Shower Drain Manually

Ideally, this will be the way you Unclog a Shower Drain. Finding and removing whatever obstructs the water from passing through your drain would end the issue. These obstructions can be anything from gobs of hair, oils, soaps, or other debris. But, just removing the cover and Unclogging a Shower Drain by removal will make for a fast solution in many cases. If you can use pliers or even a gloved hand to do this, perfect, case closed, and problem solved. However, if you can see the clog but can not get at it, follow the instructions below and use a simple wire coat hanger to Unclog a Shower Drain.

  1. Use a pair of wire cutters to cut your hanger to the right of the hook
  2. Bend the wire until it is one long, straight wire, and the hook at the top can be used as a handle
  3. Use a pair of needle-nosed pliers to pinch a small hook on the end of your long wire
  4. Lower and guide your hooked wire into the shower drain until you feel some type of resistance. That resistance is your clog.
  5. When you feel this mass, to Unclog a Shower Drain, rotate and poke the wire until you can feel it grasp the clog. Then pull it up and out of the drain. You may need to repeat this a few times to remove all debris fully.

If for some reason the hanger wire does not reach or is not strong enough to pull a clog, follow \the basic same method to Unclog a Shower Drain, but use a hand snake in the place of the wire.

Kitchen Ingredients to Combat the Clog

Now, as we said, the first way would be ideal to Unclog a Shower Drain. But we also said we know some clogs are worse than others. Likewise, people develop and have their own methods that they grow to trust. Other ways to safely Unclog a Shower Drain that have been used over the years include the use of some basic kitchen ingredients.

This way of unclogging a Shower Drain will keep your hands clean and usually are effective. Below we have three different “potions” for your shower drain that will get things flowing right again.

  • Liquid Dish Soap- Yep. That is exactly what it states. Pour between a half and a full cup of liquid dish soap directly into the shower drain. Wait 20-30 minutes, then flush through with extremely hot or even boiling water.
  • Baking Soda and Vinegar Combo- A safe alternative to harsh chemicals when looking to Unclog a Shower Drain. This involves first pouring one cup of baking soda into your drain. Immediately following that, pour one cup of distilled white vinegar into the same drain. Then cover the drain and again wait 20-30 minutes. At that point, flush with boiling water, and you should be successful in this attempt to Unclog a Shower Drain.
  • The “Fizzy Cola” Method- It is what it sounds like. No surprises here; just looking to Unclog a Shower Drain simply. To use this method, pour a liter of cola (or fizzy, carbonated soda) down the drain. Follow this with our trusty boiling water, which is said sometimes to do the trick.

What About When Already Dealing with Standing Water?

This is a valid question with a not-so-difficult-to-accomplish answer. If your clogged drain already has you with water standing as you shower, we simply start by grabbing the plunger. Placing its head over the drain, plunge up and down quickly between five and ten times. Pull away from the drain and repeat this simple process if needed. You will begin to see the standing water recede, and to Unclog a Shower Drain completely, refer to the above methods once the standing water has been cleared.

What if None of These Helps to Unclog a Shower Drain

These may seem obvious and easy ways to unclog. But the truth is, these methods are proven to work. If you try these, though, and they do not work, you may need some professional help. The most reliable name in Raleigh area plumbers, Poole’s Plumbing, is here and waiting to assist you with this or any other of your plumbing needs.

To contact the most trusted name in Raleigh plumbing for over two decades, visit poolesplumbing.com.

How to prevent build-ups that clog drains

How to prevent build-ups that clog drains

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Buildup, buildup, buildup. Do you see your clogged drain as the bane of your shower-taking existence? You can do certain things to make sure that doesn’t happen again. So, here may be some common reasons, and we’ll give you some tips on how to prevent build-ups that clog drains, without breaking a sweat.

 

A Clogged Drain Can Be a Pain to Fix

With busy lives, we may not be paying attention to the hair that drops into your shower drain every day, but it tends to pile up rather quickly-especially if you have long hair or live with a variety of people who also tend to shed their hair. This excess hair can clog up your drain, and clogs are relatively tricky to cleanout. Sometimes you have to call a plumber to pry it free, but here are some ideas for clogged drains that might save you the trouble of getting someone else involved if you can do it yourself.

clogged-drainImportant Tips

  1. Make sure you squeeze the excess water from your hair before you go clogging up your shower drain.
  2. If you have a clog, try using a plunger on the clogged drain first – this will probably do the trick most of the time!
  3. Make sure you’re not overloading your washing machine with too much soap or fabric softener. This can cause residue to clog up your drains. If you’re using a lot of soap, try switching to a liquid version instead.
  4. Try boiling water down the clogged drain – pouring a pot or two of boiling water into a clogged shower sink might help melt any clogs sitting on top of the drain without getting too far inside.
  5. Make sure you’re not clogging your drains with food scraps, especially grease or oil, which can solidify and clog up pipes like cement!
  1. If all else fails, make sure to call a professional to take care of your clogged shower drain for you! It might be frustrating to pay someone else to clear the clog when you know how to do it yourself, but they’ve got the equipment necessary to get clogs out that you don’t have.

How to prevent build-ups that clog drains

When the weather starts to get cooler, drains can become clogged. A few steps can be taken to prevent this and save money in the long run. Follow these steps to avoid clogged drains this season.

Keep Drains Clear

Drains are more likely to become clogged in the fall, so it’s essential to keep them clear this season. To keep drains clear of grease and other buildups, run hot water with a cup of baking soda and vinegar, and if there is still standing water in the drain, use boiling water. Like this, you can prevent your drains from becoming clogged with grease or dirt debris.

Get Rid of Excess Hair

Before it gets cold, be sure to get rid of excess hair in the shower. This means cleaning out drains and disposing of hair that won’t come free promptly.

Run the Heat and Air

The heater and air conditioner can be used to prevent clogged drains. Running these appliances will help dry out the drain and remove excess moisture that could cause a clog.

If these steps are taken, you can prevent your drain from becoming clogged and save money in the long run.

A clogged drain is a bummer, but there are plenty of different things that can cause clogs in your shower. You have to find the right solution for your clog and keep your drains unclogged so you can keep taking relaxing showers without all of the clogs.

Common winter plumbing issues in north Carolina

Common Winter Plumbing Issues in North Carolina

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Do pipes clog more in winter?

We’ll cover some of the more common winter plumbing issues in North Carolina. When it comes time to do some winterizing around the house, many people focus on their yard and outdoor activities. But what many homeowners don’t realize is that the winter months can cause severe damage to the inside of your home as well.

In particular, those who live in areas that experience freezing temperatures will need to be careful about how they approach their plumbing.

So, one of the most common issues in the winter months is damage to sewer lines, mainly due to the ice build-up around them. As it turns out, when water is exposed to freezing temperatures for an extended period, it forms crystals that expand over time. However, this usually doesn’t cause too much trouble when they’re too small to see.

But if they’re large enough and form near a sewage line, these crystals can grow big enough to cause serious damage. They eventually puncture the sides of sewer lines, creating cracks that allow water – and all the icky stuff it carries with it – to flow back into your home, causing significant problems in the process.

So, we find that one of the best ways to prevent this is by heating your plumbing. If you’ve got a crawlspace, make sure the temperature of the ground in it stays above freezing during the winter months. If you’ve got any exposed pipes or outdoor faucets, make sure they are appropriately insulated against the cold weather as well.

Cracks

If low temperatures have caused issues in the past, you might also consider using insulation designed to reduce this kind of damage.

Of course, if your plumbing is already damaged, you’re not out of luck. So, if the crack is smaller than an eighth of an inch, it can be fixed with epoxy resin. This fix has been around for more than a decade and is typically very successful.

However, if the crack is too large, the only real fix is to replace the entire sewer line – which can cost thousands of dollars – or have it repaired with a sleeve. This process involves removing the damaged portion of the pipe and inserting a new one in its place.

Frozen Pipes

Another common plumbing issue in the winter months is frozen pipes. This means the water is turned off throughout your home, but it can also lead to severe problems that your insurance probably won’t cover.

Burst Pipes

The most severe of these is burst pipes. If water freezes and expands inside a line beyond its capacity, it will crack and break. The problem is that water can continue to drip out of this crack for several hours before you notice the damage.

By then, the pipe has already split in half, and much of your home’s interior has likely been flooded with ice-cold water. You should call a trusted plumber right away to assess this situation’s situation.

In most situations, the plumber will be able to fix the pipe and restore your home’s plumbing to normal functionality in a short amount of time. But if it’s genuinely damaged beyond repair, you’ll need to call a restoration company and get ready for some significant work.

 

Depending on the extent of the damage, it can take 24 hours or more to dry out most flooded areas completely. And in some cases, you may need to replace floorboards, counters, and cabinets throughout your home before getting everything back in working order.

All told, this type of issue can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars in repairs, which is why it’s so important to look for signs of trouble before it gets out of hand.

Most often, this may come in the form of condensation on windows and walls near where your home’s plumbing system is located, so if you notice any of these signs, make sure to turn off water valves throughout your home (or known areas with exposed pipes) right away.

With everything turned off, go around and take a look at the ceilings and walls in your home for any signs of water damage. If you see any noticeable moisture on these surfaces, there’s likely something wrong with your plumbing system that needs to be fixed right away.

Of course, frozen pipes are only one of several problems winter brings. If you’ve got drain clogs in your kitchen or bathroom, for instance, chances are they’ll only get worse during colder months of the year.

The reason is simple: Drain cleaners lose their effectiveness when temperatures drop below freezing. Thus, if you want to keep them functional throughout winter, make sure you only use them on drains that are completely thawed and free of ice or snow.

Clogs, and clogged pipes

However, if you’ve got clogs in your sump pump, don’t wait until they get worse – fix them right away. Left unrepaired, these clogs can cause the water around the outside of your home to freeze and expand. If enough pressure builds up behind this “frost heave,” it can eventually cause the foundation to crack and leave your house needing significant repairs.

Many homeowners take this winter threat for granted, but it’s a genuine possibility that can easily be avoided by simply clearing any debris from your sump pump’s drainage system.

Another option for keeping clogs at bay is to connect a sump pump to a sewer line, which will give it a secondary way of getting rid of excess water. Of course, this is only necessary if you have an abnormally high level of moisture in your basement or crawlspace throughout the winter months.

Prevention

For most homeowners, the best thing is to keep drains and sewers relatively straightforward. This will ensure the water has a clear path down and out of your home, which may help protect both you and your home from the financial consequences that excess moisture brings.

In most cases, this means having a reliable schedule for getting rid of standing water in places where basements or crawlspaces tend to collect it. In some cases, this may involve bringing in a professional to give things a thorough cleaning.

For instance, most home restoration companies recommend cleaning basements and crawlspaces once every three months over the winter months. By ensuring your foundation stays relatively free of excess moisture, you can significantly reduce the risk of any problems that come with excessive water damage in these areas. If you’re not sure where to begin when cleaning your crawlspace or basement, however, don’t hesitate to check with a professional restoration company in your area. They’ll be more than happy to inspect your space and give you advice on how best to keep things in good condition throughout the winter.

And remember: If you notice any signs of water damage, immediately shut off your plumbing system at the beginning of winter. This will prevent any problems from growing worse as you switch to using things like fireplaces and alternative heating systems during colder months of the year.

For far too many homeowners, winter means a lot more work – but that doesn’t have to be the case. If you take the proper precautions now, you can save yourself a lot of trouble down the road. For more information, call Poole’s Plumbing Services, the best plumbing service in Raleigh and the Triangle!

To contact the most trusted name in Raleigh plumbers, visit poolesplumbing.com.

common-dishwasher-clogs-pooles-plumbing

Knowing Where to Look for Common Dishwasher Clogs

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There are many appliances in today’s technologically advanced world, especially when it comes to the plumbing system. One appliance that has been around for quite a while but once upon a time helped lessen our cleaning load in the kitchen drastically is the dishwasher. It continues to make our everyday life a bit easier, but, getting used to its convenience, we sometimes panic if the machine has some type of issue. Normally, this is not something that we can’t identify, so no need to worry. Below, we will discuss the three more than likely spots to check for Common Dishwasher Clogs.

There are many ways that you can run into Common Dishwasher Clogs, actually. Sometimes this can be as simple as a label from some container coming loose and clogging the machine. Regardless of what or how you experience these Common Dishwasher Clogs, they usually can be rectified fairly easily and with some basic tools. Thus, when you notice a dishwasher problem, below are the three common areas it most likely will be found.

Where are the Three Most Common Dishwasher Clogs Located?

The three main areas in which you will find Common Dishwasher Clogs are the air gap, the drain hose, and the filtration system. Below, we will detail each of these areas as well as how and where to look for each. Likewise, we will explain how to fix the problem in each area.

1- Air Gap

If your dishwasher uses an air gap, it could be the location of your Common Dishwasher Clogs. It is located on top of your sink near the faucet. The purpose of an air gap is to allow the dishwasher to drain without waste or dirty water from the sink backing up into the machine. Obviously, from that description, you can tell that a clogged air gap could lead to problems.

To clean out Common Dishwasher Clogs in the air gap:

  • Take off the cover and plastic cap on the sink to access the drain hose from the dishwasher
  • Use either an air gap brush or bottle brush to clean around your drain hose
  • Push the brush through the line that runs to the sink until you can see it when looking into the drain.

2- Dishwasher Drain Hose

The drain hose attaches either to the air gap or directly to your sink and garbage disposal. If the Common Dishwasher Clogs are through the drain hose, below are steps to take to stop the problem.

  • First, go to your breaker box and make sure the power to the dishwasher is shut off. If you have a garbage disposal, be sure that it too is off
  • Shut off the water supply that runs to the dishwasher
  • Place a towel with a shallow pan on top of it under your sink to catch and spilling or splashing water
  • Using the owner’s manual for your dishwasher, locate and then detach both ends of the drain hose
  • Use a flexible brush to clean out any debris in the hose and all hose fittings, too
  • Flush the drain hose with water using either a garden hose or the bathroom sink
  • Reattach both ends of your drain hose
  • Turn your power to these plumbing appliances back on and turn water back on. Finally, run the dishwasher through its drain cycle

3- Filtration System

Our third and final location to look for Common Dishwasher Clogs is the filtration system. If you are not familiar with the filtration system, it is located under the spray arm on the bottom part of your dishwasher. With a filtration system, they can be slightly different depending on the brand or model of your dishwasher. So be sure to consult that owner’s manual (or look it up online) before cleaning it out.

If your filtration system is the issue, there is a more than likely chance that the problem was the cause of a “non-food” item. The reasoning behind assuming this is because the filtration system is good at taking care of chunks of food and the like. Regardless of what is causing the clog, you’ll be happy to know the most advanced piece of equipment you’ll need to get rid of this clog is a screwdriver.

If These Common Dishwasher Clogs Aren’t the Problem

In the case that you walked through all f these areas and still have Common Dishwasher Clogs, they may not be quite so common as initially thought. The problem could be one with your garbage disposal or even the sewer line. If this turns out to be, no need to worry. Just give us a call here at Poole’s Plumbing and we are happy to assist with all your plumbing needs.

To contact the most trusted name in Raleigh plumbers, visit poolesplumbing.com.

Toilet-Paper-Alternatives-Pooles Plumbing

Toilet Paper Alternatives and More: What is Safe to Flush?

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Toilet Paper. Two words that given the recent situation our entire country and the world, for that matter, have been faced with have maybe never received so much attention. For reasons unbeknownst to this writer, the general public upon hearing of the spread of a dangerous and potentially deadly virus sought out toilet paper. That’s actually putting it mildly. Toilet Paper Alternatives. Three words that we’d never think would have as much relativity as they recently have. Basically, our entire country went mad, racing to stores and hoarding as much “bathroom tissue” as they could carry to a cash register. To analyze the psyche and overall rationale of his reaction thankfully is not my job. However, by people stockpiling toilet paper it became and still is next to impossible without planning ahead to find the product in the store. This would create the need for the American public to seek Toilet Paper Alternatives.

What is a “Safe Flush???”

 
(You couldn’t make this stuff up…and you all know that if we weren’t currently living through it, the paragraph above would read as some type of joke or nonsense…but since it is our current reality, I digress… let’s move on…) So, back to our Toilet Paper Alternatives. We know there is a lot of uncertainty and reluctance when it comes to things we flush. In this article, we will take a closer look at whether these Toilet Paper Alternatives are safe to flush. Likewise, we will also take the time to educate you on items that you might possibly feel are a “safe flush.” We will explain some of these items can lead to a clog or blockage. A clog or blockage from Toilet Paper Alternatives could eventually “snowball” into your needing expensive and extensive plumbing repairs.
The Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing But the Truth about Flushable Wipes
 
So, what’s in a name, right? Flushable wipes…seems to be a no-brainer, may as well just overfill the shopping cart with these Toilet Paper Alternatives right now, right? Actually, wrong. While these wipes may come in handy when potty training a child or on a camping trip, it is a bad idea to flush these down your toilet.
 
To be clear on this, again, flushable wipes are useful in many situations as Toilet Paper Alternatives, but you don’t want them in your plumbing system. Yes, eventually these wipes will break down, but nowhere near as fast as regular toilet paper would. More likely than not, the continued and frequent usage of these type wipes will lead to a clog, which in turn will lead to an expensive fix for you.
 

Toilet-Paper-Pooles-Plumbing

Items such as bathroom wipes are not safe to put into your toilet for flushing.

The Garbage Can is for Garbage, a Toilet is Not (Chalk Up Another Headline that This Guy Never Thought Would Need Public Explaining to Functioning Adults )

 
So, we have now established that “flushable wipes” are not safe to flush into your system. “There’s got to be something I can use,” you must be thinking in regard to Toilet Paper Alternatives as images of barren and empty grocery store shelves dance in your head. Unfortunately, in case you skimmed over the sub headline above this paragraph, there are no safe Toilet Paper Alternatives. Neither toilets nor your plumbing system is made to have anything flushed down them with the exception of human waste, water, and the ever-elusive toilet paper.
 
Due to the emptiness of toilet paper aisles, we want to help so you know what Toilet Paper Alternatives are safe. Thus below is a list of items the should NOT be flushed down your toilet. As tempting as it may seem (?!?!), very clearly stated none of these items should be flushed:
 
  • Facial Tissues
  • Baby Wipes, Disinfectant Wipes, etc.
  • Toilet Bowl Scrub Pads
  • Napkins and Paper Towel
  • Dental Floss
  • Eggshells or Nutshells
  • Coffee Grounds
  • Oils and Greases
  • Hair
  • Sanitary Napkins, Tampons, Condoms, etc.
  • Cotton Balls or Q-Tips
  • Any Plastic at all
  • Diapers
  • Vitamins, Medi, or Pharmaceuticals
So, What Should I Do if I am “All Out”?
 
Basically, you can’t flush anything but toilet paper down your toilet without eventually it leading to a clog. Even the thicker style of toilet paper tends to build up and leads to a clog. This is yet anpother reason to be sure of your choice of Toilet Paper Alternatives.
 
So, if you are without toilet paper, we do have a couple suggestions. First,  inquired you=r grocery store about what time they get deliveries in and then be there that day when the store is restocking. This is one way  to be sure and replenish your supply. One other way around flushing at all would be available to anyone who has clean water. That alternative would be either having a bidet installed or using another alternative cleaning method, the “peri” bottle.
 
To explain, a bidet is a fixture that usually has spigots in which clean water comes through and cleans you. Likewise, a perineal irrigation bottle or peri-bottle can serve that same purpose. The peri-bottle provides and easy thorough cleaning and keeps you from flushing any Toilet Paper Alternatives down the drain.

In the End, If You Aren’t Sure….Don’t Flush Toilet Paper Alternatives

 
Ok, so given the topic, we gave a slightly sarcastic approach here in a few brief spots. However, here at Poole’s Plumbing, we realize that through these uncertain times there really was a big issuefinding toilet paper. This is why we wanted to remind you to not put things down your toilet that will lead to clogging. Consequently,  even Toilet Paper Alternatives appearing to be safe for flushing, can end up being anything but funny. It could even prove quinsy and costly. To conclude, we sincerely wish you all the best in your ongoing pursuit of toilet paper and for any of your home plumbing needs, check us out at poolesplumbing.com.
Clear-a-Clogged-Drain-Pooles-Plumbing

You Can Do It: Identify and Clear a Clogged Drain

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In this, the final entry in our series on clogged drains, we will once again advise on how to identify and Clear a Clogged Drain. Continuing where we left off in our second blog entry, these pointers from Poole’s Plumbing can help achieve early detection and likewise, detect and Clear a Clogged Drain before there is a huge mess.

Removing the drain stopper and any debris is a good start to clearing the drain.

Trust in Poole’s Plumbing and Clear Your Mind…oh, and Your Sink Drain!

Once again, we are aware of the common thoughts when one realizes they have any plumbing issue. However, your trusted friends at Poole’s Plumbing once again can set a worried mind at ease. With some easy to remember pointers, you can locate and Clear a Clogged Drain and feel confident doing so.

We will use the example of a clogged kitchen sink to walk you through several steps. To begin on your path to Clear a Clogged Drain, first, take these simple measures.

  • Remove the Sink’s Drain Stoppers
  • Carefully Remove any Visible Debris

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In the case of a double bowl sink, be sure to use a wet rag to block the second drain.

Keeping it Clean: Dishwasher and Clear Drains

We are confident with some advice from the Raleigh plumbing experts at Poole’s that you can Clear a Clogged Drain. Certainly though, “keeping it clean,” or avoiding a messy situation in doing so is something you want to keep in mind. 

Staying true to our mission to Clear a Clogged Drain in the kitchen sink, there are several areas to secure to keep things as dry as possible. These steps below are two you would want to be sure are done before going further in this process.

  • Clamp the dishwasher hose where it is attached to the drain line or disposal under the sink. This will prevent dirty water from backing up into the dishwasher.
  • In the case of a “double bowl” sink, block off one of the drains with a wet rag.

Clear-a-Clogged-Drain-Poole's

Do not plunge the drain if you have used and chemicals or drain cleaners.

Safety Reminders Before You “Plunge In”

With the hose clamped and second drain blocked, its time to “take a plunge,” literally. Note that there are some precautions to take if you have a garbage disposal in your kitchen sink. Thus, you must refer to the list below on disposals to be certain that the disposal is tended to properly as well.

In contrast, another point of note is that if any cleaners or chemicals have been poured down the drain, you do not want to take these next steps. This would seem obvious, but inhaling these type fumes can be extremely harmful. Similarly, plunging when these chemicals are present in a drain could lead to costly damage.

Clear-a-Clogged-Drain-Poole's

Using a disposal wrench or Allen wrench, rotate to open and clean debris from disposal

Garbage Disposal “Check Points” 

  • If there is a disposal, and it’s not working or is making a loud humming noise when turned on, it is likely jammed with something. 
  • If the disposal is jammed, first, turn it off. Next, either unplug the cord under the sink if it has a plug or turn off the circuit breaker in your main panel box for safety.
  • Once sure the circuit is turned off, insert the disposal wrench. If you don’t have it use an Allen wrench. Put either up into the center of the bottom of the disposal. Rotate accordingly to be sure the disposal is clear of any debris.
  • If initially when turned on the disposal made no noise, check the internal circuit breaker. This is located at the bottom of the unit. Make sure it is not popped out. If it is, press it inward to reset it.
  • Lastly, plug the disposal back in or turn the circuit breaker in the panel box back on, and turn the disposal on again. If still not working, you still can Clear a Clogged Drain. However, you will want to consult the pros at Poole’s Plumbing to regarding the disposal.

Now the Simple Solution to Clear a Clogged Drain

With all safety items checked off, now we are ready to “pop” that drain clear. By following the two simple steps below, you should have your drain running free and clear. 

  • Fill the sink with 3 to 4 inches of water.
  • Use a plunger to plunge the open drain, keeping the other side blocked. Plunge until the standing water swirls down the drain unimpeded. 

While this concludes our three-part series on how to Clear a Clogged Drain, in our next post we will still be “unclogging.” Taking it a step further, Raleigh’s most trusted plumbers, Poole’s Plumbing will move from the smaller drains to the bigger issue of clearing a sewer drain.

Why it is Important to Keep Your Drains Clean and Clear

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Maintaining a clean sink or bathtub drain is important for many reasons and can be done with minimal effort to help avoid running into costly and possibly dangerous plumbing issues. One obvious reason to clean your drains on a consistent basis is to avoid unpleasant odors. A more serious problem that could result from a neglected drain is the risk of pesky drain gnats. Also, failure to keep your drains clean will lead to buildup that eventually will cause water in your sink or tub to empty at a much slower rate. If you’ve tried your own maintenance and at home remedies and the problem with your drain persist, it may be time to call the most trusted name in Raleigh professional plumbing, Poole’s Plumbing to come and be sure the issue escalates no further.

As mentioned in the preceding paragraph, to Keeping Your Drains Clean is a simple process that can be done at home as long as you are willing to take a few minutes every few days to do so. The simplest way of avoiding unwanted buildup is to run scalding hot water through your tub and sink drains every couple days to make sure that there is no clogging and to keep gunk from building up. There are also many products available for purchase at most stores, that can keep your drains smelling clean and fresh. If you do notice buildup starting or clogging in your pipes it is best to immediately address the issue as early as possible, as neglecting these things could prove an expensive and messy mistake.

You must realize that to Keep Your Drains Clean that are clogged is not necessarily an immediate disaster, as there are many tried and true remedies that can be made to clear them, right in your home. Most of these solutions are made from items that you already have on hand. One of these tried and true methods is to pour one tablespoon of baking soda into the tub or sink drain. Immediately dump ¼ cup of either lemon juice or vinegar down the same drain and let it sit for 30 minutes. Finally, run hot water through the drain. Repeating this on a weekly basis will help clear buildup and prevent the clog from recurring. Additionally, this will help eliminate unwanted, foul odors. Another at home method is to pour a strong salt water mixture through your drains. This is a proven way to keep grease from buildup and to reduce bad odors.

If you have tried the at home remedies and found them not working, there are many popular and potent chemical solutions that can be purchased at nearly any store or supermarket. If these chemicals do not work, it is best to call a professional plumber, who will be able to remove any blockage and have your drains flowing freely in short order.

There are many different websites that can offer up tips on keeping your drains clean through these and a variety of other methods in an eco-friendly manner. For further information on this topic, check cleaning or maintaining drains in the home improvement sections of any of the following sites, www.doityourself.com, www.popularmechanics.com, or www.care2.com.

As stated in our first paragraph of this article, there are many reasons why a clogged or dirty drain is something not to be ignored. If this a persistent problem, be sure to contact the most trusted name in Raleigh professional plumbing, Poole’s Plumbing.

DIY Drain Cleaning Made Easy

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By Eva Sparks

Dealing with clogged drains isn’t something you can put off for long, but many people don’t even know where to begin. Other are worried that strong chemical cleaners may be harmful for their health. The good news is that, with just a bit of baking soda, vinegar, and some very hot water, you’ll be able to get all of your drains working like new again.

Baking soda and vinegar are the perfect drain cleaning agents for three main reasons. First, they don’t pose any risks to your health or to your drains. Second, when the two are mixed, they create carbon dioxide and sodium acetate, both of which can easily dissolve the grime and gunk that has built up in your plumbing. Third, the foaming bubbles they create further work to give your drains a thorough scrubbing.

Enough with singing the praises of using baking soda and vinegar to clean your drains; let’s go through the steps you need to take to actually do it.

Step 1 – Prepare 2 cups of baking soda, 1 cup of vinegar, 4 cups of boiling water, and bring them to your target drain.

Step 2 – Pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by about half of your boiling water.

Step 3 – Pour your second cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by your cup of vinegar.

Step 4 – Quickly plug the drain to trap the bubbles in the pipe, allowing them to clean more effectively. You should be able to hear the mixture working.

Step 5 – When the sound of the bubbles begins to quiet down, open the drain again and pour your remaining hot water inside. This should clear away any remaining debris.

Step 6 – If your drain still doesn’t seem to be running as smoothly as it could, you can repeat steps 1-5 as many times as it takes for water to flow through it unimpeded.

Some particularly grimy drains may also call for the use of a sink plunger. If the baking soda and vinegar doesn’t seem to be able to clear away all of the gunk, you can be sure that it has at least loosened it all up. After filling your drain with water you should seal it off with a plunger and quickly plunge up and down a few times. This should be enough to dislodge any remaining grime.

To keep your drains in tip top shape you should try not to let them get so clogged again. Clear them periodically with some baking soda, vinegar, and water, and you’ll save yourself from having to deal with many future drainage problems.

After that if your drain still doesn’t seem to be running as smoothly, you could have a bigger issue. Call your trusted local plumber.

Raleigh's-Most-Trusted-Plumbers

Hydro-jet, Pipe Cleaning

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The Difference Between Snaking and Hydro Jetting

 At some point in time, most homeowners will experience a clogged sewer line. This issue can be quite a nuisance, so it is essential to prevent it before it happens. Regular cleaning is an excellent preventative measure, and it is effective when it comes to eliminating soap residue, tree roots and hair, the biggest culprits of serious clogs. The two most common cleaning methods are snaking and hydro-jet pipe cleaning. If you want to choose the best option for your home, it is important to learn about each. Poole’s Plumbing can help you decide which method will be most beneficial for you.

How Hydro Jetting Works

What exactly is hydro jetting? Basically, this method utilizes a powerful water stream to get rid of any debris stuck in the sewer line. The primary tool is a hose equipped with a specialized nozzle that releases water pressurized anywhere from 3,000 to 8,000 PSI. This level of water pressure is typically sufficient to blast out debris lodged in the line. Hydro jetting has several benefits, including:

  • Versatility: This method is useful for cleaning both commercial and residential sewer lines.
  • Effectiveness: Hydro jetting is highly effective at doing its job. It ensures the pipes remain clean as well.
  • Water Only: There are no chemicals involved with hydro jetting, meaning your pipes will not have to be subject to harsh chemicals just to get rid of clogs.

It is important that hydro jetting should be left to the pros, as older and more fragile pipes can be damaged by the powerful method.

Snaking

Snaking is different than hydro jetting in that is uses a steel cable called an auger with a special tip designed to penetrate tough clogs. While this method may not be as effective as hydro jetting, it is beneficial in that it does not cause damage to pipes.

If you need your sewer line cleaned and want plumbing done right the first time, contact us at Poole’s Plumbing today. We are experienced professionals who know how to get the job done. If you are a restaurant owner or have commercial needs, see our Commercial Services. One call does it all.

Hydrojetting : The Next Generation of Drain Cleaning from Poole’s Raleigh certified plumbers

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The latest and most efficient method in Drain Cleaning, Sewer Line Cleaning and maintenance that can save you money in the long run is Hydrojetting. Raleigh certified plumbers, Poole’s Plumbing specializes in this method, which actually uses the force of water to not only open clogs and buildup in your lines, but also scours the interior of the drain piping which restores full to the sewer or drain line.

A simple three step process by the Raleigh certified plumbers at Poole’s can have your sewer line flowing freely and cleaned out like no rooter possibly could do. By utilizing the Hydrojetting process, you will be getting a much longer lasting maintenance option, as whether you are at a commercial or residential location you will not need this clearing process done as frequently. Also, instead of just punching a hole through the build up as a cable-type rooter would do, Hydrojetting utilizes its water stream to scour the sewer line and remove debris and sludge, opening up more capacity within the line. While the initial process may cost a bit more, Hydrojetting will save you in the long run as you simply will not need to have a Drain Cleaning or Sewer Line Cleaning as frequently as you would using the conventional rooter method. On average, the typical time before the next required maintenance to a sewer line is around four times longer than with cable-type rooter services. Another advantage to hydrojetting over using a rooter is that by jetting you simply clear out more debris from the line. While it isn’t a permanent solution, the powerful stream will get rid of anything from grease buildup to tree roots which cause your line to flow slowly.

The next time you need aDrain Cleaning or Sewer Line Cleaning, whether at your place of business or at your home, be sure to ask the expert Raleigh certified plumbers at Poole’s Plumbing about the next generation of drain cleaning, hydrojetting.

Hydro-Jett: How It’s Done

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Our new Hydro-Jett Clear & Clean service blasts through built-up soap scum, sediment, sand, scale, grease, mineral, leaves, hair and roots in even the most troublesome commercial lines and grease drains. How do we do it?

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1. Hose insertion. Our Poole’s Plumbing technicians insert the Hydro-Jett hose with its cleaning head into your clogged line. This cleaning head will be what provides the powerful blasts of water that will eliminate your problem.
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2. Initial inspection. Our technicians use our video camera to inspect the initial state of the clogged line in question, allowing us to quickly take stock of the exact situation and the severity of the clog within your drain. This camera equipment is already attached to the end of the inserted Hydro-Jett hose, and as always with Poole’s, you’ll never pay extra for our camera services.
3.  Activation of the cleaning head. Once we feel initial inspection of your backed-up line has been sufficiently performed, we activate the Hydro-Jett system’s cleaning head. At the end of the hose is a cleaning head which delivers the power-packed cleaning punch desired: A 3500 PSI stream of water that attacks the build-up in your drain at a variety of angles.

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4. Advancing the hose. We run the hose along the drain, taking extra care around areas with particular amounts of build-up. We may make several passes using the high-pressured streams of water in order to completely clear your clogged line. Unlike cable or “rooting” services in the past, use of the Hydro-Jett in this manner ensures that not only is the clog in your drain removed, but that the drain is completely cleared and the walls of the pipe are cleaned. It’s a full service that we’re so confident of we offer a 90 day warranty following the Hydro-Jetting process.
5. Final inspection and removal of the hose. We again use the attached video camera to perform a once-over of your drain following Hydro-Jett cleaning. Once we confirm that all build-up and debris have been removed and that your drain is operating at its highest possible capacity, we remove the Hydro-Jett hose from your line.

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Hydro-Jett Clear & Clean versus Cabling-Clear & Flow Service

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Poole’s Plumbing’s use of the innovative Hydro-Jett Clear & Clean service to annihilate stoppages in residential and commercial drains is a leap forward for the industry. The Hydro-Jett service blasts through built-up soap scum, sediment, sand, scale, grease, mineral, leaves, hair and roots via powerful, 3500 PSI streams of water directed at different angles. How exactly though does this procedure stack up against more traditional cabling/“rooting” services such as the Cabling-Clear & Flow Service offered by Poole’s, and what are the specific advantages?

With a traditional cable clear service, a rotating cable equipped with a cutting head is mechanically fed down into the drain pipe. The cable’s cutting head moves through the drain stoppage, cutting until the stoppage has been cleared. Poole’s uses our attached video camera equipment to ensure the stoppage is cleared; however, build-up does remain around the walls of the drain pipe in question, and a warranty on the rooter machine service is not provided.

Poole’s new Hydro-Jett Clear & Clean service harnesses the power of water to not only cut a hole in the build-up, but to forcefully blast the walls of the pipe clean, removing all of the gunk inside the drain pipe instead of just a portion. The Hydro-Jett doesn’t just remove the stoppage, it cleans the entire pipe, whether it’s located at an apartment complex or is a commercial grease drain at a restaurant.

The Hydro-Jett isn’t a short term fix. Instead, it’s a compete solution that leaves the pipe in a nearly new condition. Poole’s is so confident in the power of this solution that unlike the Cabling-Clear & Flow Service, we offer a 90 day warranty on your line, guaranteeing it’s clear from stoppages for at least three months.

New Hydro-Jett Clear & Clean Service Revolutionizes Drain Cleaning

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commercial-plumbingPoole’s Plumbing has prided itself on its friendly, full-service drain cleaning and sewer clearing offerings for more than a decade, and we’re happy to announce the availability of our new Hydro-Jett Clear & Clean Service, a more thorough and complete fix for both residential garbage disposals and commercial drain stoppages.

Unlike conventional cable or “rooter” machines which only target the immediate stoppage in your drain, our Hydro-Jett system utilizes high pressure water jets at 3500 PSI to thoroughly clean the walls of the pipe, removing far more of the debris in your water and sewer lines and preventing leftover build-up from creating another stoppage by simply eliminating it altogether. This system doesn’t “poke” a hole in the stoppage like previous systems — it literally blasts away the problem.

How does the Hydro-Jett Clean & Clear Service offer such a complete, efficient solution? The jetting system’s spinning streams attack sediment, scale, soap scum, leaves, grease, hair and even roots at a variety of angles, and are so powerful they can cut through a 2×4 piece of wood in approximately 30 seconds! This power is used efficiently and responsibly, because unlike cable machines, your pavement and landscaping don’t need to be dug up or disturbed during the process. No more sewer cables and no more messy removal of clogged sewer pipes.

The Hydro-Jett system is so advanced that Poole’s recommends its use for everything from apartment complex clean-up to tearing through grease and oil in restaurant drains, and because of the manner in which the high-powered jets attack the gunk and build-up around the walls of the pipes, we’re offering a 90-day warranty with each cleaning. Oh, and as always, you’ll never pay extra for our camera. Interested in learning more about our innovative Hydro-Jett Clear & Clean Service? Visit our Hydro-Jett page to learn more.

Bob Poole, Tim, Billy & Joe Join Marty Jones of 620 The BUZZ to Talk About Plumbing

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Homeowners Helper Plumbing
Plumbing expert, Bob Poole founder of Poole’s Plumbing, a local Raleigh Plumbing Company sits down with Marty Jones host of Homeowners Helper on 620 The Buzz to help homeowners solve plumbing issues.

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