Sewers & Drains

There are many things that can clog your drains. We know hair, toys, towels, and clothing are common causes of slow drains or clogged drains. These foreign items are generally those that a professional should remove to avoid impacting clogs and making them harder to clear. The waste your toilet or sink was designed to handle doesn’t include these items. Foreign objects can also be “invaders”, like the roots of trees and vegetation. These roots seek the water the drains carry, often clogging drains with hair-like roots that cause the stoppage.

“Only” a slow drain? When water does not go down in your sink or in your tub at a normal rate, it may be the start of clogging and this is the perfect time to call Paradise Plumbing & Air Conditioning for an inspection.

If you have some idea that the clog is a simple one, the standard “plunger” might be all you need. Avoid trying to push an unknown object through the line with a plunger because you may make it harder to clear. Another word of caution: If you have a clog under the sink, do not plunge too vigorously as you may damage the seal between the sink and the countertop. Damaging that seal can lead to water in the cabinetry, and that can be a very expensive problem.

We generally don’t recommend the use of plumbing snake-type tools by non-professionals because these tools can damage fixtures and pipes easily if used incorrectly. Many a trap under the sink has been damaged by wire coat hangers used as “snakes” while trying to clear a clog. Don’t do it! If you know the clog is caused by waste that belongs in the drain a plunger might help, but if you are not sure what the cause is, it may hurt! It’s often less expensive to call a professional first!

We don’t recommend chemical cleaning using “liquid” or crystal drain cleaning if the clog is of unknown reason. If you know what the clog is and the label instructions address that problem a single chemical cleaning solution may be tried. Remember NEVER mix these chemicals! Toxic gases may result if multiple cleaning agents are introduced. Remember to follow the label directions exactly, especially concerning ventilation. Some of these cleaners release gases that may be harmful to you, your family, and pets. We generally council that a drain stoppage is not the time to use these items.