How To Fix a Clogged Drain and More! Your Guide to Common Plumbing Problems and Solutions

For some of us, the kids are home from school and causing chaos. For others of us, the kids are only weeks or just days away from being done with school and causing chaos. Either way, we’re dealing with impending chaos. And with all the chaos, you want to make sure your home is not contributing to it. Therefore, you should make sure your home is clear of all plumbing issues — before the arrive. Here are some common plumbing problems to look out for, tips on how to deal with them, and (in case you’re looking) our recommendation for the top plumbing company in Phoenix.

Clogs

Clogs are a huge problem, but also a common plumbing problem. Knowing how to fix a clogged drain is key to preventing future occurrences. There are many options when it comes to unclogging a drain. There are mechanical, chemical, chemical alternative (natural) options to choose from. We highly recommend considering chemical alternatives or mechanical options because (depending on your drain) chemical options can pose a health risk to you and your family. More on that here.

When it comes to common plumbing problems, we can’t think of many plumbing problems more common than this. So let’s talk solutions. If you’re looking for how to fix a clogged drain, consider natural options such as baking soda + vinegar or baking soda + salt. For a mechanical option, you can use a plunger or snake wire. While a lot of media shows the wooden sticks with red cups as the ideal plunger for toilets, those are actually meant for flat surfaces such as sinks and showers. If you already have a red cup plunger for your toilet, DON’T CROSS-USE THE PLUNGER. … for obvious reasons. If you don’t have a plunger yet, get a toilet plunger for your toilet (pictured below).

Washing Machines

Our washing machines are meant to clean out our clothes so it’s fair to say we don’t often consider our washing machines as the ones in need of proper cleaning and maintenance. Over time, the detergent and chemicals used to clean our clothes may get trapped in the drainage of our washing machines. This is especially bad news for washing machines as the humidity and water in the process can grow bacteria.

To clean a washing machine, run your washing machine on the hottest temperatures you can get. Add 2-3 cups white vinegar to your machine’s detergent dispenser. As the water and white vinegar mix into the system, let the machine run for a full cycle. Afterward, run another cycle but add in baking soda to the mix. After all of that, wipe down your machine (and dispenser) to make it spotless again.

Garbage Disposal Problems

Any parties planned? If you’re hosting a 4th of July barbeque, a kid’s birthday party, or a social gathering, you’re sure to have a lot of food being disposed of in places they shouldn’t be. One of these places will be your garbage disposal. Here is a list of things you absolutely should not have going down your garbage disposal and how to solve your garbage disposal issues. Of course, you won’t have time to educate your guests. In that case, leave many small trash baskets around and a large trash bag near your disposal so guests don’t accidentally pour stuff down the drain that they shouldn’t. This is a fairly common plumbing problem; however, it is one you don’t want to be dealing with during a party.

Sewer Line

Heavy rains and summer storms *cough cough* monsoon and haboob season *cough cough* can be the culprit behinds some of the nastiest things to attack your plumbing pipes. If your sewer line is busted or clogged, they may lie outside of your home and may be difficult to get to. In that case, you should reach out to a professional plumber to help resolve that issue.

Looking For a Plumbing Company?

If you’re searching for different plumbing companies in Phoenix for your plumbing needs, look no further than Donley Service Center. Our plumbing experts have been saving Arizonians from comfort disasters every day!