When it comes to plumbing, a common approach is to only pay attention to the pipes and drains when there’s a noticeable problem. But often, it’s what we do without thinking that leads to these problems. Here are some answers to common plumbing questions that will shed some light on why you might be having issues with your pipes.
Can I Put Coffee Grounds Down the Sink?
You can put coffee grounds down the sink, but there’s a chance that it will lead to problems. Coffee grinds don’t break down in water and can clump together, especially if there is already grease in your pipes. This can, over time, lead to clogs and blockages.
If you have new, clean pipes and ABS drain lines, plus relatively strong water pressure, there’s a chance that nothing will ever happen. But it’s a risk that’s not worth taking, especially since the clog can be deep within the pipes, where it will be troublesome to remove.
If you have old pipes or low water pressure, then you should avoid putting coffee grinds down the sink.
Can I Flush Food Down the Toilet?
We flush “human processed” food waste down the toilet every day, so flushing food should be fine as well, right? Not really. Human waste breaks down into fine bits that are easily pushed through the pipes and sewer system. Food waste, on the other hand, tends to be larger pieces that don’t break down.
Meat should definitely not be flushed, and vegetables should not be flushed either. The reason is simple: they will clog your pipes. And that clog, because it’s made of solid food, can be difficult to dislodge. However, liquid foods and pureed foods are fine to flush down the toilet.
Also, this is a good time to point out that toilet paper is the only paper product that should be flushed. Paper towels and disposable wipes either don’t break down or break down slower, leading to clogged pipes and sewer problems.
How Do I Unclog the Shower Drain?
Shower drain clogs tend to be a mix of soaps and hair. The combination creates a messy ball that will slow down water flow and cause your shower to drain slowly. Luckily, it’s a fairly easy fix. The first step is to remove the drain cover by unscrewing it. Next, use a wooden skewer or tweezers to pull out the built-up hair and soap mess from the top of the drain pipe. Some tubs have a built-in drain plug with a cross piece that can catch hair. Over time, this builds up and leads to a slow draining tub.
Next, run some water to see how it drains. If the tub now drains fine, you’re done. But if you notice it still drains slowly, you’ll have to move to the next step.
Get a drain auger or drain snake from a hardware store. These are also called hair clog tools and tend to be in the $10 range. Stick the tool down the drain, rotate it to capture the hair, and pull it out. Repeat this process until the tool comes back clean. Run some water again to see if your shower now drains properly. If it doesn’t, the problem is likely more than hair. You can either try a longer drain snake down the toilet or you can call a plumber to diagnose the problem.
When your pipes don’t behave the way they should, and you find yourself with water where it shouldn’t be, contact the experienced plumbers at Icon Plumbing to deal with the problem.