Owning a home comes with plenty of maintenance responsibilities. Among them, keeping your home’s drains flowing freely is especially important. Drains take a beating through regular use and can develop several problems as a result. Here are some common household drain problems and what to do about them.

A Clogged Drain

Clogged drains are among the most common plumbing issues homeowners face. Kitchen drains can suffer from clogs resulting from grease and food scraps. Bathroom drains often clog because of personal care products and hair. Clearing such clogs isn’t always difficult, assuming the clog isn’t too far from the drain itself.

To unclog a drain, there are multiple methods to try. You can pour a mixture of hot water and dish soap into a clogged drain. The hot water can soften certain clogs, while the soap provides enough lubrication to help them move along. You can also turn to plastic zip-sticks and small plungers to try to dislodge minor clogs. However, if you don’t have any success, you can always call in a plumber for help.

Foul Drain Odors

Sometimes, you may notice some unpleasant smells coming from your home’s drains. It can happen in sink drains that go unused for too long. You can often eliminate the smell by flushing your drains with hot water and baking soda. Beware, however, that persistent smells often indicate a need for professional drain cleaning.

Slow or Overflowing Toilets

Toilets are perhaps the most likely part of your plumbing to experience clogs. A partially clogged toilet drain can cause a slow-flushing toilet. If you ignore the problem, your toilet may overflow after a flush. At the first sign of trouble, use a toilet plunger to clear the clog. If that doesn’t work, however, don’t try to use a drain snake on your toilet. You’ll damage the porcelain, and there’s no way to fix that. Instead, call a plumber. They’ll use a tool called a closet auger, designed to clear toilet clogs without causing damage.

Multiple Slow or Clogged Drains

If you ever notice multiple drains in your home running slowly or showing signs of a clog, call a plumber. That’s a symptom of a clogged sewer line or a problem with your home’s septic system. In either case, there’s no DIY solution to attempt. A plumber will locate the clog and remove it quickly and safely.

Now you know some of the drain issues to expect while you own your home. Some are problems you might be able to fix yourself. However, don’t hesitate to call a plumber if you’re worried about getting in over your head. If you have concerns or require drain cleaning services, contact Roberson’s Plumbing & Septic in Wilson, NC.