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Financing That Keeps Things Flowing: Easy Payments for Big Fixes

Author: Kevin

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How To Know If You Have Trenchless Pipe Problems

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Trenchless Pipe Repair.

If you have trenchless pipe problems, there are a few things you can do to figure out what’s going on. In this blog, Clean Flo Sewer and Septic, a professional for trenchless pipe repair in Anderson, SC, will discuss a few ways to tell if your trenchless pipe repair is needed. Read on!

  1. Check the water pressure. If the water pressure in your home or office has dropped significantly, it could be a sign that your trenchless pipe repair is needed.
  1. Check for leaks. If you notice any water leaks in your home or business, it’s important to have a professional trenchless pipe repair company come and take a look.
  1. Check the sewer lines. If you think that your trenchless pipe repair may be needed, it’s a good idea to have a professional company come and inspect your sewer lines.

If you’re having any of these problems, or if you think that a trenchless pipe repair in Anderson, SC may be needed, it’s important to call a professional company like Clean Flo Sewer and Septic. We have the experience and knowledge to properly inspect your trenchless pipe repair and make sure that it’s fixed correctly.

Contact us today for your trenchless pipe repair in Anderson, SC!

Common Culprits Behind Damaged Sewers

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Sewer Repair.

If you have a sewer line that is constantly backing up, it can be a real headache. Not only is it smelly and unsightly, but it can also be dangerous. In this blog post, the go-to company in sewer repair in Anderson, SC, Clean Flo Sewer and Septic, will discuss some of the common culprits behind damaged sewers. We’ll also provide tips on how to prevent sewer damage in the future.

One of the most common culprits of sewer damage is tree roots. Tree roots can grow into sewer lines and cause blockages. They can also crack and break sewer lines. If you have trees on your property, it is important to have them checked regularly by an expert in sewer repair in Anderson, SC.

Another common sewer damage culprit is grease. Grease from cooking can build up in sewer lines and cause blockages. To prevent this, never pour grease down the drain. Instead, dispose of it in the trash.

If you have a sewer line that is constantly backing up, it is important to have it checked by a professional company specializing in sewer repair in Anderson, SC as soon as possible. Sewer damage can be costly to repair and can cause health hazards. By being aware of the common culprits behind sewer damage, you can help prevent it in the future.

Clean Flo Sewer and Septic is a full-service sewer repair and maintenance company. Contact us today for a sewer repair in Anderson, SC!

Drain Cleaning Equipment Unclogging a Bathtub Drain Cleaning Equipment Unclogging a Bathtub

Benefits of Hydro Jetting Your Pipes

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Drain Cleaning.

There are so many benefits of hydro jetting your pipes. From us here at Clean Flo Sewer and Septic, an expert in hydro jetting in Anderson, SC, let us enumerate some of them for you:

It can remove years’ worth of built-up grime, grease, and debris in your pipes. This will help restore your pipe to its original condition, allowing it to function more efficiently.

It is also great for preventing future clogs from forming. By removing all the buildup in your pipes, hydro jetting reduces the chances of anything else getting caught and forming a clog.

It is also much more effective than drain snakes or other traditional methods of unclogging pipes. Not only does it remove the clog, but it also cleans your pipes so that the clog is less likely to form again.

If you are having any problems with your drains or pipes, hydro jetting is a great solution. Contact us here at Clean Flo Sewer and Septic, a company that specializes in hydro jetting in Anderson, SC. We would be more than happy to help you get your pipes back to working like new again.

Call us for your hydro jetting in Anderson, SC!

tankless water heater tankless water heater

How Does a Tankless Water Heater Work?

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Water Heaters.

Tankless water heaters offer a space-saving option to provide hot water to your home. As the name implies, they do not require a tank which often has homeowners scratching their heads when trying to understand how they work. Here we explain how a tankless water heater works and why a tankless water heater might be right for you.

What is a Tankless Water Heater?

Tankless water heaters do not have a storage unit for water. Instead, they heat water as it is required. Hot water is available “on-demand” using a heating system that heats the water when a hot water tap is turned on.

What are the Benefits of a Tankless Water Heater?

Tankless water heaters can save energy because you don’t use energy to heat a tank 24/7. As a result, you can help reduce your energy bills each month. They also free up more space which can work well for smaller homes. You also have an endless supply of hot water, so there’s no risk of an unpleasant cold shower if you’re the last to use the bathroom each morning.

Because there is no tank, you can’t “run out” of hot water. They are also eco-friendly, not just for their low energy consumption, but also because the tankless system only requires repairs, or small parts replacement, unlike a massive tank. This means less waste ends up in the local landfill site. As well, tankless water heaters last up to 20 years or more with proper maintenance. That’s up to three times longer than hot water tanks.

If There’s No Tank, What Makes Up a Tankless Water Heater?

Tankless systems are basically like small heaters that hang on the wall. They comprise a burner to heat the water and parts that direct the water through the system and into the pipes. They work using flow sensors that read signals to trigger the system when hot water is turned on anywhere in the house. The heater automatically turns off when the hot water tap is turned off.

How Does a Tankless Water Heater Work?

Tankless water heaters trigger seven steps when the hot water tap is turned on:

1. Flow Sensors Detect Water

When you turn on a hot water tap in your house, the system’s flow sensors detect the water.

2. Controls are Triggered

The system sees it is time to produce hot water. It is set to the ideal temperature, so the burners always heat the water perfectly to avoid burns or chills.

3. Burner ignition

For gas units, a fan turns on to draw in outside air and open a gas valve, so the burner ignites.

4. Water Circulates

As the burners ignite, they heat the water by circulating it through a heat exchanger.

5. Water is Delivered

Once the water reaches the ideal temperature, the water exits the heater and flows through the pipes to the tap. Although it sounds like you have to wait for the water, it happens instantly. As long as the tap remains turned on, the heater continues to send hot water to the faucet in use.

6. Venting

Vents located in the roof or outside wall carry exhaust gasses away if you have a non-condensing tankless unit.

7. Automatic shut down

When the tap is turned off, the heater automatically turns off.

Non-condensing vs Condensing Tankless Water Heaters

Condensing tankless water heaters improve efficiency by using excess heat through a second heat exchanger. Condensation is formed with a second heat exchanger capturing and cooling heat, so it isn’t wasted heat. Instead of venting the heat outside, the heater conserves the energy, allowing it to produce more hot water than a non-condensing tankless heater. Non-condensing tankless water heaters use a single heat exchanger to heat the water.

Water flows through a heat exchanger where it is heated by exhaust gasses, but in this case, the excess heat is expelled through vents. Both tankless water heaters are very efficient, but condensing units offer higher energy efficiency for better cost savings over time. Although the unit itself is more expensive you save both on energy costs as well as installation as vents are not required.

Electric vs Gas Tankless Water Heaters

The right type of tankless water heater really depends on the homeowner. While electric tankless water heaters are less expensive for the unit, installation and better energy efficiency, gas tankless water heaters are better if you have a higher demand for hot water. If you currently have an electric tank heater, there is no point investing in costly retrofits for gas.

If you do have gas, you have to consider the capacity and what will work best for your needs. Your Anderson, SC water heater experts at Clean Flo Sewer and Septic can help you make the right choice for your tankless water heater.

How-to-Plunge-Like-a-Plumber How-to-Plunge-Like-a-Plumber

How to Plunge Like a Plumber

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Plumbing.

If you’ve ever come face to face with a clogged toilet, you know it can be pretty tense. Watching that water rise quickly and knowing you only have a few minutes or even seconds to react can be extremely stressful. The last thing you want is for the contents of that bowl to overflow onto your floor! If you want to be prepared to come out the winner in this showdown, use these tips to learn how to plunge like a plumber.

Keep the Right Plunger Handy

You might not realize there are actually two types of plungers:

  1. Red Cup Plungers: To make it easier plungers are colored either red or black. Red plungers have a shallow cup design to handle clogs in sinks. These plungers will not be of much use when you try to flush out a clogged toilet.
  2. Black Flanged Plunger: The black plunger has a flange and deeper cup providing more pressure to release the clogs in a toilet. They are designed to create a strong seal at the top of the toilet drain, so you can create pressure when you plunge the toilet.

There’s no use having a plunger if you keep it in the basement or garage. Each bathroom should be equipped with a black plunger to handle clogs quickly to avoid overflows.

Avoid Overflows

As soon as you see that water rising after a flush, you have to act fast. Quickly remove the tank lid and lift the ball float or fill valve. When you do this, you should see the water in the tank stop filling immediately. Next, remove the water line from the overflow tube, or push down on the flapper valve to stop the water in the tank from entering the toilet bowl.

Turn Off the Water Source

On the wall behind the tank, you will see a valve for the water source. Turn the valve to the right (tighty righty) to turn off the water so there is no chance more water can enter the bowl.

Start Plunging

Now that the water is under control, you can get down to the real work. Place the plunger into the toilet bowl, making sure you get a good seal around the toilet drain. This will help ensure you have enough force to dislodge the clog in the u-trap. Holding the plunger with both hands using a rapid up and down motion keeping the seal in place to apply pressure. Soft clogs should release quite quickly while some clogs might be more stubborn and require several plunges.

Dry Bowls

It is not uncommon for clogs to allow the water to drain but keep some of the solid debris in the bowl. Don’t try to plunge a dry bowl, as not only could this cause a disastrous mess, but also you won’t be able to get a good seal and enough pressure to release the clog. If this is the case, you can turn the water valve back on, turning it to the left. Allow enough water to fill the bowl so you can begin plunging.

When the Clog Isn’t Flushed

There are two possible reasons you aren’t able to remove a clog with the plunger:

  1. Solid Object: A solid object could be lodged in the toilet such as a toy. If you dare, you can put on a rubber glove to see if you can feel anything at the mouth of the toilet drain and try to remove it.
  2. Clog Beyond the Toilet: If you don’t find anything solid at the mouth of the toilet drain, there’s a good chance the clog is beyond the toilet. This could be a clog in either the branch drain or main sewer.

If you are unable to dislodge the clog with your plunger, it’s time to call Clean Flo Sewer and Septic. We have the tools to assess the situation and take proper steps to fix the problem.

Using a Snake or Auger

Professionals will use a tool called an auger or “snake” to try to clear the obstruction. The flexible tool can reach down into the pipes safely and force the blockage out of the way. This can be a messy job but can work quite well as the wire can reach as far as 25 feet into the pipes. If this doesn’t work, chances are the clog is further down in the main sewer.

If you have a toilet clog in Anderson, SC you can’t remove with a plunger, speak to the experts at Clean Flo Sewer and Septic today.

why-is-my-toilet-tank-empty why-is-my-toilet-tank-empty

Why Is My Toilet Tank Empty?

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Home Tips.

If you notice your toilet isn’t flushing properly, it could be a tank issue. Lift the lid (if it’s accessible) of your toilet tank and take a look inside. This tank runs clean water, which helps your toilet flush. If the tank is empty, there could be a problem.

At Clean Flo Sewer and Septic we specialize in home and business plumbing across Anderson, SC. Working closely with local families, we’ve come to know a thing or two about empty toilet tanks and how to fix them.

Generally, if you notice an empty tank, it means one of three things:

  • Something needs to be replaced
  • The toilet needs to be updated
  • It’s time to call a plumber

Here, we’ll talk a bit about why your toilet tank might be empty and how it can be fixed.

Fill Valve Issue

The fill valve in your toilet controls how much water comes into your tank after you flush and use the reserves. The fill valve gets a workout over time and can slip out of place. If your valve isn’t sitting right in the tank, you can readjust it to manage water levels.

Adjusting the fill valve is something you can do yourself or call a plumber for help. If you move the valve yourself, follow these steps:

  • Open your toilet tank
  • Turn water level adjustment rod screw until the float cup moves
  • Moving the float cup up raises the water, and down lowers the water
  • Flush the toilet to check progress
  • Repeat process until your toilet fills correctly
  • Replace the toilet tank lid

Never force anything that doesn’t want to move in your toilet. If you try to turn the screw and it’s stuck, it’s best to call a professional for help. Forcing the screw could damage the adjustment rod. If you break the rod, you’ll be out a part and need to have it replaced to flush your toilet properly.

Old Float Ball

If your toilet is older, it likely has an object called a float ball inside. As the name implies, this little ball floats on the top of the water in your tank. It tells your toilet tank how high the water should fill. If the float ball is too low in the tank, your water level will reflect this.

Like the fill valve, you can manually fix the position of your float ball without a professional. To do so, follow these steps:

  • Open toilet tank
  • Carefully slide a finger beneath float arm and lift upward slightly
  • The float ball should move and the tank should fill
  • Replace tank lid

Flush the toilet and watch the ball position if it resumes its low level in the tank, it might need to be replaced. An old float ball isn’t a huge problem, but it does mean a trip to the hardware store or a call to your local plumber. In Anderson, SC you shouldn’t have a problem locating a float ball, but if you do, we can help.

Toilet Trip Lever Isn’t Working

The handle you use to flush your toilet from the outside of the tank is connected to a trip lever inside. If the internal trip level isn’t working, the toilet won’t flush, and the tank won’t fill. Unfortunately, most trip lever problems require a new lever.

To see if the lever is the issue, remove the lid of your toilet tank and look inside. The lever is near the handle, inside the tank. It commonly looks like a long metal rod, bent to resemble a lever. This is connected to the flush valve.

Flush the toilet with the tank lid off and watch the trip lever. If the lever doesn’t move, isn’t connected to the valve, or moves but the toilet still doesn’t flush, it could require some fixing. Trip assembly is delicate, and if it’s not positioned properly, it could be the difference between a flushing toilet and a broken one.

At Clean Flo Sewer and Septic, we don’t recommend you try to fix a broken trip lever by yourself. The biggest issue is that the trip lever connects so many other parts of your flushing mechanism. If you damage something else in the process it could mean spending more time and money on the resolution.

Contact Clean Flo Sewer and Septic Today!

If you’re experiencing problems with your toilet tank and you live in Anderson, SC, Clean Flo Sewer and Septic is on the job. We work with homeowners and businesses across the city and are happy to help. Contact us today to be in touch to a member of our team and to learn more about how we can help.

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Plumbing Maintenance Checklist for Winter Months

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Home Tips.

Before the winter season arrives, it’s important to prepare your home for the cold months ahead, particularly your plumbing system. As temperatures drop and pipes begin to chill, there is a growing risk that expanding ice could burst your pipes and flood your home.

At Clean Flo Sewer and Septic we work with clients across Anderson, SC, ensuring homes are ready for the cold snap. If you want to learn more about how you can prevent leaks and plumbing damage follow along with our winter plumbing maintenance checklist.

Wrap Exposed Pipes

As you begin your winter plumbing inspection, start with exposed pipes. Locate the exposed pipes in your home, and ensure they are either in an area where they will receive adequate warm air, or you insulate them. You can purchase pipe insulation wrap from any home hardware store. You may even find pipe insulation at a dollar store or department store in the hardware section.

Wrapping the pipes doesn’t require a professional, although you can call a heating and cooling company, or a plumbing company to help you winterize your pipes. When you insulate exposed pipes, it helps retain warmth and keep the chill from freezing water, especially at night when pipes are left unused.

Disconnect Outdoor Water Systems

Everything from your garden hose to your sprinkler system is at risk of being damaged during winters in Anderson, SC. At Clean Flo Sewer and Septic we always recommend homeowners disconnect garden hoses, sprinklers, water features (fountains), and other external plumbing connected to their home.

The pipes connecting to these outdoor features will obviously take the brunt of the cold winter season. Unlike the exposed pipes in your home, it wouldn’t make sense to try and insulate garden hoses and sprinklers, especially because you’re unlikely to use them during the cold months.

Turn up the Thermostat

Even before autumn fades into frosty winter nights, it’s a good idea to start turning up the heat, even slightly. Consider resting your thermostat somewhere around 18 degrees Celsius or 64.4 degrees Fahrenheit to start. You don’t want to blast your home with heat if you don’t need it, but you also don’t want your pipes to freeze if there is unexpected snow early in the season.

Energy.gov suggests the best temperature once your home gets cold is 20 degrees Celsius, or 68 degrees Fahrenheit. This is during the day when you’re awake and need temperature control. At night you can decrease the temperature to save money.

Plan Your Getaways

Going away for the holidays? It’s always helpful to have a plan ahead of time regarding plumbing and thermostats. If you won’t be around for a significant amount of time, asking a friend or relative to check in on the place can save you the hassle of coming home to a busted pipe.

House-sitters should regulate heat, and run the taps in the home a few times a day to keep them from freezing up. If you are lucky enough to have a smart thermostat, you can program your home to warm when necessary, or even control the temperature remotely from wherever you are in the world via an online connection.

Inspect Your Water Heater

As you prep for the winter, be sure to give your water heater a once-over. Even if it’s running smoothly, it should be inspected once a year for damage, leaks, cracks, or odd smells or sounds. If everything appears to be working, you can relax knowing your hot showers will be hot all winter.

If the heater needs repairs or maintenance, be sure to call a plumber in Anderson, SC right away. It’s important to fix these issues early before they become larger irreparable problems that lead to water heater replacements.

Check Your Water Pressure

Water pressure tells you a lot about how your plumbing is running. If your pressure seems lower than normal, it could be due to a leak or blockage. It’s important to report these issues to your plumber early.

We always urge our clients to call at the smallest sign of trouble. In the world of plumbing, something small almost always turns into something big if left unattended. Water pressure could be a symptom of a much bigger problem, and you don’t want to wait until the ground is frozen and snow is falling to figure it out.

Clean the Gutters

While not necessarily related to your home plumbing system, your gutters deal with drainage away from your roof. Many plumbing companies help homeowners inspect and clear gutters twice annually. The best time to clear your gutters is after spring when the pollen, sap, and blossoms have finished blowing around, and just after fall when fallen leaves, twigs and other debris fill most gutters.

Clearing your gutters and downspouts ensures a clear flow of water away from your roof and your home. This prevents unwanted leaks and flooding as shingle damage, rot, mold, and pests are attracted to the debris and blocked water.

Check Faucets and Taps

From your shower head to your bathroom sink to your kitchen sink, leaking faucets are a sign something isn’t quite right. Before winter approaches, check your home for dripping faucets, and be sure all your taps are tightened and performing as they should.

Leaking faucets allow water to flow in small quantities, and at night while you’re sleeping and temperatures are low, this water could freeze. Unfreezing your pipes is a daunting task and one which almost always requires the help of a professional.

If you notice any faucets which you can’t fix on your own, or you find yourself overwhelmed with the winter plumbing checklist, call a professional. Experienced plumbers are used to dealing with these types of issues, and are always happy to lend a hand, even on small jobs.

Contact Clean Flo Sewer and Septic Today

Interested in learning more about protecting your home during the winter season, and which plumbing services would benefit you? We can help. If you live in or around Anderson, SC, contact us at Clean Flo Sewer and Septic today.

frozen pipe plumbing problem during winter frozen pipe plumbing problem during winter

Tips to Prevent Your Pipes from Freezing

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Plumbing.

When a cold winter’s night is approaching, it is a wise idea to consider if you should do something to prevent your pipes from freezing. While you might go many winters without getting a frozen pipe, a single burst will be enough to make you cautious every winter after. Pipe bursts from freezing are major hassles that can cause serious water damage to your home, even to structural components.

They can cause mold, damage things like your furnace and do plenty of damage. They can also wrack up quite the water bill, along with the bills to repair and replace the pipe and everything it has damaged. At the start of every winter and before the worst record-breaking cold nights, you should consider if you need to do anything to prevent your pipes from freezing. Here are the steps that you can take to prevent pipe freezing.

Insulate Your Pipes

Just like walls, pipes can be insulated. Hardware stores sell insulation specifically for pipes, don’t try to put wall insulation on them. Also, you may not necessarily need to insulate every pipe in your home. Steel and copper pipes will be more vulnerable to cold temperatures than plastic ones because metal is a better heat conductor. When you insulate these pipes, you may also find that this solves condensation issues too.

Add Heat Tape

Heat tape is another option to keep your pipes from freezing. This can be a safety risk, so you should read the instructions for heat tape carefully and only use them where and how the manufacturers recommend it. Some tape is meant only for outdoor pipes and some only for indoor pipes.

Turn Up the Heat

Especially if the home is vacant, you should turn up the heat during winter nights. Excess heat can help protect the pipes from freezing and it can be protective of other features, appliances and surfaces in the home too, which are all likely not meant to be frozen.

Look for Foundation Problems

Cracks and gaps in the foundation can let in cold air even though the home is warm. These gaps and cracks are especially a problem if they are right next to pipes, as this will expose the pipes to the coldest air and increase the odds that they will freeze over. You can fill in these gaps and cracks before the cold weather arrives. Ideally, you’d have a professional do this to ensure that the crack is filled for the long-term, or you’ll find yourself out there next winter filling in the same gaps.

Drain Outdoor Fixtures

The outdoor fixtures are more likely to burst than the indoor ones, simply because they are exposed to colder temperatures and aren’t protected by the house. It is a good idea to disconnect the outdoor hoses and drain water from the pipes that lead to outdoor hoses. Though these are internal pipes they will also be colder than the other indoor pipes because they lead outside.

Run the Water

If all else fails, and a very cold night is approaching, then you can run the faucets a little. Just a small trickle for every faucet will keep the water moving, which helps prevent it from freezing. Moving water needs much lower temperatures to freeze than standing water, although it is still possible for them to freeze. And don’t forget to turn off all the taps in the morning.

What If My Pipes Have Frozen?

Well, worse has come to worst and you’re certain you have a frozen pipe. What steps should you take to prevent additional damage? Of course, you should call a professional plumber right away, to get them on the road to you as soon as possible. You should then take the following steps:

  • Turn off the water: Turn off the home’s main water valve to stop the flow of water or prevent it when the pipe thaws. There will still be some water in the frozen pipe though, so be prepared.
  • Do not use flame: Yes, thawing the pipe is the next step, but using an open flame in the house is dangerous.
  • Try a hair dryer: But don’t stand in water while you work.

Do you need help preparing your home for the next big freeze? Or, are you worried that you are dealing with a frozen pipe problem already? Reach out to us at Clean Flo Sewer and Septic. we can help you minimize the damage to your home and recover quickly.

Clean flo plumbing sewer and drain Anderson SC is a slab leak dangerous Clean flo plumbing sewer and drain Anderson SC is a slab leak dangerous

Is a Slab Leak Dangerous?

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Home Tips.

There are many hidden issues that can pop up when owning a home, and unfortunately, some of the most dangerous go overlooked. Slab leaks are a good example.

If you’re a first-time homeowner, chances are you’ve never heard about a slab leak. But even longtime homeowners can take years to notice this issue.

At Clean Flo Sewer and Septic, we understand that if left untreated, slab leaks can be one of the most serious and expensive issues a homeowner could face. Keep reading to learn more about slab leaks, along with their signs and dangers!

What Are Slab Leaks?

Beneath most modern homes is a foundation made of concrete slabs. These slabs are used to prevent pressure from shifting and expanding soil, which can cause foundational damage. Beneath these concrete slabs, however, is a network of pipes. If one of them cracks or bursts over time, then you’re dealing with a slab leak.

Unfortunately, most of the time, slab leaks are unavoidable. They can be caused by earthquakes, chemical reactions between the soil and metal in the pipes, or even faulty installation. These issues are beyond your control, so the best thing you can do as a homeowner (or even a future homeowner) is to be aware of the most common signs.

Signs of Slab Leaks

For the average person, slab leaks can be hard to detect. Before you decided to call in a specialist, though, here are a few signs to look out for:

  • A steady increase in water bills
  • Warm spots on the floor
  • Moldy carpet
  • Cracks on walls or ceilings
  • Sound of constant running water
  • Sudden pest infestation
  • Dangers

The fact of the matter is that slab leaks will cause damage to your home. The dangers usually develop over time, but they are still a risk to you and your family.

Health Dangers

When water is trapped beneath your foundation, it can become a breeding ground for mold. If you’ve noticed musty smells, waterlogged floors, or moist drywall in your home, it should be addressed immediately. In 2004 the Institute of Medicine (IOM) linked indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms such as cough and wheeze in otherwise healthy people. Mold is also known to worsen asthma symptoms in asthma sufferers.

Foundational Dangers

The foundation of your home is what gives it its structure. Water leaks can cause your foundation to weaken, and after enough time, it can shift, crack or even collapse. Not only does this damage the structure of your home, but it can also lower the value of your home overall.

Financial Dangers

If you suspect you have a slab leak and wait too long, then repairs can easily cost you thousands of dollars. Your homeowners insurance may be able to cover some of it, but it often does not cover general wear and tear. If a slab leak is caused by old lines, for example, homeowners insurance will typically not cover this.

Not only is there a chance your policy may not cover much, but there’s also a high chance it won’t cover any damaged furniture, which is another added cost.

Contact Your Local Slab Leak Professionals

For the average person, slab leaks can be hard to detect. If you suspect you have a slab leak in your home, try not to take it lightly! Our experts at Clean Flo Sewer and Septic will help you determine the exact location of a leak or even a potential leak. Contact us today if you think you may have a slab leak and need the professionals!

Clean flo plumbing sewer and drain Anderson SC how do I prevent my drain from getting clogged? Clean flo plumbing sewer and drain Anderson SC how do I prevent my drain from getting clogged?

How Do I Prevent My Drain From Getting Clogged?

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Drain Cleaning.

 

Not all drain clogs are created equally. Sure, you may think about calling a plumber when you’re trying to unclog your drain for the tenth time in a week. But what about the simpler clogs? Clean Flo Sewer and Septic has some tips for you on how to prevent a drain clog!

Always Use a Sink Strainer 

One of the best ways to keep any unwanted food out of your kitchen drain is to invest in a sink strainer. It will not only be easier to clean but will save you time trying to clean out your drain and pipes.

Always buy a strainer that fits properly or else it will not collect food scraps to the best of its ability. Inevitably, a sink strainer will get dirty from all of the food scraps it collects, so a good habit would be to clean it out every time you wash dishes. Dump the leftover scraps in the trash that the strainer has collected when it gets full.

Certain Foods are a No Go 

Even though it may not always be easy, trying to avoid putting any food down the kitchen drain is ideal for your kitchen drain. Garbage disposals are best used for small amounts of food scraps and not large quantities of food. Try making it a habit to scrape your plate off in the trash before washing the dishes.

Whether you hand wash or put them in a dishwasher then the best idea is to get rid of the bigger pieces of food first. Sometimes it can be difficult to avoid certain foods from falling down the drain, but the most important ones to avoid include:

  • Coffee Grounds
  • Potato Skins
  • Banana Peels
  • Eggshells

Use Cold Water when Running the Garbage Disposal 

Once you have disposed of the bigger pieces of food into the garbage and the smaller pieces of food into the disposal, then it is time to run the garbage disposal to avoid unwanted odors and clogs. The most important part about running the garbage disposal is to always run the cold water with it.

Turn on the cold water before switching the garbage disposal on and then keep it running for a few seconds after turning it off. If you do not use enough water then the risk of small pieces of food getting stuck in the drain or pipes increases. This can cause unwanted smells from your drain. 

Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners 

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is running out and buying harsh drain cleaning products to try to fix the problem. Many of these products can erode drains and pipes over a long period of time, especially homes with cast iron pipes. Typically, these products don’t even entirely get rid of the clog completely so you are stuck consistently buying these harsh chemicals to do nothing.

A better solution would be to begin making homemade drain cleaning solutions that actually work and require less harsh chemicals. First, pour a quarter of a cup of baking soda down the drain. Next, pour half a cup of vinegar and allow it to fizz for about 10 minutes. Lastly, flush out the drain with boiling water.

Pour Boiling Water Down the Drain 

There are many perks to pouring boiling water down your drain, and Clean Flo recommends doing it once a week. This not only helps loosen the debris stuck in your drain or pipes, but also clears it away. It is very effective against grease buildup that becomes hard over time and it doesn’t even require the use of harsh chemicals or spending money. 

Sometimes even following every tip in the book can still lead you to a pesky clog in your drain, so rely on Clean Flo Sewer and Septic to help. We highly recommend a drain cleaning service at least once a year. Schedule an appointment with us today in order to learn more about how to keep your drains clean, or simply leave it up to the experts to get the job done!

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