With winter weather just around the corner, it’s critical for Columbia homeowners to understand the risks and dangers of frozen or burst water pipes. According to the website CostHelper, the average cost to repair a burst water pipe can be $900 with other water damage repairs added on top of that amount.

Our Ken Griffin Plumbing team would like to arm you with all the information you need to understand this common issue, take the necessary precautions against frozen pipes, and know what to do in the case of burst pipes.

How Do Pipes Freeze and What Happens?

Because water expands when it freezes, frozen water pipes can burst from the added pressure. The water pipes most at risk in your Maryland home are those that are uninsulated and located along exterior walls and in attics, basements, crawl spaces, and kitchen cabinets.

Outside water pipes such as those connecting outdoor hoses, sprinkler systems, irrigation systems, or swimming pools are also at risk if they are left undrained before the winter hits.

The older your water pipes, the more likely the frozen water will cause significant problems and damage. In addition, many modern homes have complicated plumbing systems, which may mean a burst pipe can cause catastrophic damage.

As much as four to eight gallons of water can flow from just one burst pipe every minute, causing thousands of dollars in damages in less than an hour. This could result in an uninhabitable home or office space for weeks. 

Prevention Tips

By taking a few simple prevention steps before winter arrives, you can drastically reduce the likelihood of frozen or burst water pipes. Take the following precautions seriously:

•   Follow the manufacturers’ recommendations to drain the water from your swimming pool and sprinkler lines. 

•   Disconnect and drain all outdoor hoses. Cut the water supply to these hoses and leave the valve outside open so any remaining water can drain. Consider using an insulator on spigots.

•   Insulate any water lines that are exposed and at risk for freezing.

•   Insulate your hot water tank.

•   Know where the main shutoff in your home is and how to operate it.

•   Keep your garage door closed if water lines are located there.

•   Open your kitchen and bathroom cupboards to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes on particularly cold days.

•   Allow a small trick of room-temperature water to run from the faucets, especially during the night when it’s colder.

•   Keep your home’s heat set at no lower than 55 degrees.

•   If you will be out of town for an extended period of time, drain the water system by turning off the water supply and running all fixtures until no more water runs. 

Warning Signs

Even after taking precautions, frozen pipes may still occur. As a homeowner, be aware of some basic warning signs indicating you might have a frozen water pipe.

For example, if your water flow is markedly decreased or stopped at a particular fixture, you may have frozen water somewhere in your system. In some cases, a frozen pipe may cause a leak before a full-blown burst happens. Keep an eye out for damp patches on your walls or ceilings.

If you suspect a pipe is frozen, keep that faucet open. As the frozen area starts melting, water will flow again and will help melt the ice in the pipe. You can also wrap towels soaked in hot water around the pipes to help defrost them.

A heating pad, hair dryer, or space heater may warm an area with a potentially frozen pipe. However, you need to be very careful with electrical devices near water sources as well as take precaution against fire. Frozen pipes near electrical outlets should be left to a professional plumber.

After a Pipe Bursts

If you find yourself with an actual burst water pipe, you’ll want to move as quickly as possible to minimize damage. First, shut off the water supply to your house. You’ll want to know where this valve is before an emergency occurs.

Shut off all electric appliances that are near the water flow, and move your possessions out of harm’s way. Use buckets if possible to catch and collect as much water as possible. In the meantime, use your kitchen and bathroom fixtures to drain other water in your plumbing system through working drains.

Once you have the immediate situation under control, call a professional to repair your pipes. Be sure to take pictures and record your damages before calling your insurance company.

Call Us for All Your Plumbing Needs

If you have frozen pipes or any other plumbing issues, call our highly trained professionals at Ken Griffin Plumbing in Columbia, Maryland, for help. Call 410-992-5875 or request service online today.

The post How to Prevent Frozen or Burst Pipes This Winter first appeared on Ken Griffin Plumbing and is written by Ken Griffin Plumbing.

Insulate the pipes in your home on exterior walls or in unheated areas such as crawl spaces, garages, basements, and attics. Turn off the inside water shut-off valve that provides water to your outside spigots or hose bibs. Drain each line by opening the spigot until it stops dripping and then turn off the spigot. Use a faucet cover to insulate the outdoor spigot and further protect it from freezing. Seal windows or any cracks that would bring in a draft.

Ken Griffin Plumbing Services

(410)-992-5875

The post Video – How to Prevent the Pipes in Your Home From Freezing first appeared on Ken Griffin Plumbing and is written by Ken Griffin Plumbing.

At Ken Griffin Plumbing, we recommend an annual plumbing inspection for your Columbia home. Many homeowners pass on the inspection not realizing its importance in your regular home maintenance.

What a Plumbing Inspection Is Not

You may be confused about what a plumbing inspection actually is. A plumbing inspection is not is a diagnosis from one of our plumbers when something is wrong with one of your plumbing appliances or systems. 

If your toilet is flushing slowly or your water heater is not heating properly, our plumbers can diagnose and repair the issue for you. But this is not an inspection. This is a service call with a repair.

What a Plumbing Inspection Is

In contrast to a plumbing service call, a plumbing inspection is an overall detailed review of your Maryland home’s plumbing. Our licensed and insured plumbers will give your plumbing system a checkup to see how everything is working, much like your doctor does with you when performing your annual physical. 

An inspection is a once-over to be sure everything is in good working order. If during the inspection something crops up needing attention in the near future, our plumbing inspection report will note it. This helps you manage your short-term and long-term financial plans.

What You Can Expect During an Inspection

Our plumbers use professional checklists to inspect your plumbing. Some of the items you can expect us to check are:

• Pipes. We check for leaks in exposed pipes and pipe corrosion.

• Water pressure. We check your water pressure via your faucets—bathroom, kitchen, utility room.

• Faucets and showerheads. We check all your faucets in the bathroom, kitchen, and utility room for drips and caulking leaks. We check every showerhead for settled sediment.

• Drains. We check sink, tub, shower, and floor drains for signs of clogged pipes or venting problems.

• Caulking. We check caulking on sinks, tubs, showers, and toilets.

• Toilets. We check to be sure the inside mechanisms are functioning properly and do not require replacing. We check to be sure every toilet is flushing correctly.

• Mildew. We check for signs of mildew, possibly indicating a moisture issue.

• Plumbing systems. We check your water heater, sump pump, and water softener to be sure they are working as they should.

• House exterior. We check your yard for signs of water where it should not be and check around the foundation of your home.

For a more detailed list of what our plumbers do during your plumbing inspection, get in touch with a Ken Griffin Plumbing team member. We are happy to discuss any questions you may have.

When Should You Have a Plumbing Inspection?

We typically recommend an annual plumbing inspection to keep an eye on your home’s plumbing. Some professional plumbing organizations, like the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) of San Diego, recommend an inspection every two years at the longest. When things go wrong, they can evolve into an expensive issue, so catching them before they become an emergency is a proactive strategy that can pay off.

In addition to regular inspections, there may be scenarios where a special plumbing inspection is warranted. We suggest having our experts out more often if:

• You are purchasing or have recently purchased a new home. Even though your mortgage company requires a general home inspector to go over your entire house, our plumbers will do a thorough job during a detailed plumbing inspection. We often catch things home inspectors miss. 

• Your home is older and has an older plumbing system. Sometimes older pipes unexpectedly leak and it is not immediately noticeable, leading to water damage.

• Your yard is filled with trees. Mature trees with established root systems can really lead to plumbing problems for you. Strong roots can grow around and into pipes, causing blockages and leaks.

Contact Ken Griffin Plumbing for All Your Plumbing Needs

Our Ken Griffin Plumbing licensed plumbers have the knowledge and experience to help you with all your Columbia, MD, home’s plumbing needs. Scheduling a plumbing inspection with us saves you money in the long term by helping you maintain your plumbing and reduce the risk of expensive water catastrophes. We are here for any plumbing issue you may have—small or large. Call us at 410-992-5875 or request service online today. 

The post What Is a Plumbing Inspection? first appeared on Ken Griffin Plumbing and is written by Ken Griffin Plumbing.

Imagine this winter, sitting in your Columbia home by the fire, looking out the window at the falling snowflakes while sipping your hot cocoa with marshmallows. Life is good. It is good, that is, until you hear the loud rush of water somewhere in your Maryland home.

You have got burst pipes.

Pipes Down!

Unfortunately, this scenario is all too common here in Columbia despite it being easily preventable. In fact, burst frozen pipes are so prevalent, the US Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) has a map showing the probability of frozen pipes in different US geographical regions.

Before the temperatures dip below 32 degrees Fahrenheit on the thermometer, follow the plumbing-prep recommendations from our Ken Griffin Plumbing professionals, and you will be on your way to ensuring life stays good.

Where and How to Do What

Before the cold sets in, follow our tips with your plumbing components, and they should make it through the Maryland winter like a champ, preventing you costly repairs and aggravating headaches:

•   Outdoor spigots (also called hose bibbs). Well before the first freeze of the season, bleed your outdoor spigots of any residual water. Then shut the water off.

     Even though these spigots are outdoors, if they burst, your whole house suffers. In the event you have outdoor pipes you can’t shut off, insulate them with a foam dome cover, heat tape, or consider having our plumbers replace them with frost-free models. You should be able to find the cover and tape at most do-it-yourself (DIY) and hardware stores.

•   Pipes/plumbing in unheated areas (such as crawl spaces or garages) or near exterior walls.

     Burst pipes in walls are both very messy and expensive. Note: This issue is particularly troublesome for mobile homes.

     Wrap any exposed pipes with pipe insulation or heat tape. And if possible, try to add insulation or extra insulation to the exterior walls to help protect those pipes.

•   All indoor plumbing. During especially cold nights, consider keeping your room-temperature water running from all your faucets (including showers/bathtubs) throughout the night. Keep it flowing at just above a trickle.

     Opening your cabinet doors to expose your pipes to the house warmth can additionally help. This trick is highly recommended for any bathrooms with plumbing located in exterior walls. If your pipes have a history of freezing in a bathroom, try adding a space heater to the process. Warning: Always monitor space heater use.

•   Pipes with existing leaks. Any existing leaks you may have, no matter how small, need to be repaired before the colder temps. A deep freeze can turn the smallest leak into a large rupture.

•   Water heater. Have your water heater checked and flushed before winter sets in. Sediment  is constantly slowly building, so having your heater drained and flushed can ensure you will have hot water during the coldest months. It may even be a good idea to schedule your annual plumbing inspection for the same time to alert you to any other issues you may have.

•   Well pump. If you have a well pump, you need to take steps to insulate it to prevent frozen or burst pipes. The best scenario is to have a well house or permanent covering for it. Even with the housing, you may need to keep a small amount of water continuously running when very low temperatures set in.

     If your pump has a well cover, open the cover and lay a sheet of insulation around the well head and plumbing. Replace the cover, and check that air can’t blow in.

     Be sure to call our highly trained and experienced Ken Griffin Plumbers for assistance, or simply for any advice, when it comes to the well-being of your well.

•   Sump pump. Check your sump pump to be sure it is working correctly. You want to check to be sure it is clean and everything is draining properly, as in no clogs. You can pour water into the pit yourself to check the drainage.

     Also be certain to check and test your sump pump backup mechanism.

•   Entire house when traveling. When leaving for an extended time, your first inclination may be to turn your heat way down to save energy. But your plumbing needs your furnace to remain  at a minimum of 55 degrees Fahrenheit to help keep your pipes from freezing.

     Consult our plumbers to discuss the possibility of turning off all the water while you are away, as this option has both pros and cons.

Let Us Help You Prep Your Plumbing for Winter

Taking the time to prep your home’s plumbing for the winter will give you peace of mind. This is the kind of peace that comes with knowing you will be spending your money on the things you want––like cocoa and marshmallows––and not on unexpected and costly plumbing repairs.

Call our Ken Griffin Plumbers at 410-992-5875 or request service online to assist you in winterizing your Columbia, Maryland, home’s plumbing today.

The post Prepping Your Plumbing for Winter first appeared on Ken Griffin Plumbing and is written by Ken Griffin Plumbing.

Are you anxious after seeing water backing up in your Columbia home? After all, who wouldn’t worry when they see water piling up in their home? The truth is this could be a sign of a serious problem—a clogged main line drain.

Understanding the signs of a main line sewer drain clog can help you identify whether or not this is the issue you’re dealing with in your Maryland home. If you would rather leave our Ken Griffin Plumbing plumbing professionals to the investigating, then give us a call so we can step in and tackle the problem for you.

After all, a clogged drain resulting in water backing up could lead to flooding or leaks. Imagine all the water—and money—that could go to waste! In fact, the US Environment Protection Agency reports almost one trillion gallons of water is wasted every single year due to leaks in the home.

Is My Sewer Line Drain Clogged?

In addition to water or sewage backing up into your home, there are several other indicators of having a clogged sewer line. If you think this is what you could be dealing with, then you may also be experiencing the following:

• Recurring drain clogs in your home
• Bathtubs, sinks, or toilets taking longer to drain
• Gurgling or bubbling noises
• Wet spots or indentations on your lawn
• Strong sewer odor

If you notice any of the above signs, you could have a clogged sewer drain, but you will need proper inspection and diagnosis from our Ken Griffin Plumbing professionals to be certain. Reach out to get your immediate plumbing needs taken care of before the issue progresses and becomes an even greater problem.

Causes of Clogged Main Line Drain

After seeing water backing up into your home or smelling a pungent scent, you may feel helpless and wonder how this sewage drain clog could have possibly happened.

Understand this can happen for many different reasons—some of which are out of your control. Some common causes of a clogged sewage drain include:

• Clogged bathtubs, sinks, or toilets (due to things like food, waste, or grease poured down the drain)
• Invasive tree roots drawn into the sewer pipes as a source of water
• Rain accumulating and flooding into the sewer line

Even if you can’t figure out why this happened, our Ken Griffin Plumbing experts are here to provide solutions to your problem and offer recommendations on what you can do to reduce the risk of this happening in the future in your Columbia home.

Solutions for Sewer Drain Clogs

The most expedient action to take if you have a backup like this or suspect your main line is clogged is to contact our Ken Griffin Plumbing professionals immediately. We have plumbing-industry tools to clean and clear out clogged sewer lines, including drain snakes and cables as well as high-pressure hoses. This process is known as cabling or snaking your main line.

With our experience and essential equipment capable of pushing out troublesome debris and buildup, our team can get your plumbing back to working order in no time.

To help prevent this from recurring and to promote healthy plumbing, we recommend using an enzymatic and bacterial drain cleaner. This type of product only eats organic matter and won’t damage metal or plastic the way some harsh drain cleaners do. Talk to us about our recommendation about what would work best for your home’s plumbing and scenario.

Ready to Put an End to Your Plumbing Problems? Call Ken Griffin Plumbing Today

Dealing with a plumbing issue, like a clogged main line drain, can be stressful, but correcting it can be as simple as calling our Ken Griffin Plumbing plumbing specialists in Columbia, MD. Contact our team by phone at 410-992-5875 or request service online and we will reach out to you.

The post What to Do if Your Main Line Drain is Clogged first appeared on Ken Griffin Plumbing and is written by Ken Griffin Plumbing.

Water is dripping from your Clarksville home’s faucet—but how serious is the situation? Truthfully, even a little drip could lead to a big problem!

Just leave it to our plumbing professionals at Ken Griffin Plumbing to investigate the issue. Big or small, there is no plumbing problem our experts can’t solve.

Don’t let even small issues continue in your Maryland home. Our experts want to ensure there are no issues with your home’s plumbing systems at all. Let’s work together to keep you safe and your plumbing appliances in great shape. 

Problems Caused by a Leaky Faucet

A leaky faucet can result in many negative consequences, including:

• Wood cabinets, floors, and furniture may rot from water leaks and damage: Water easily damages wood. If you have anything made of wood inside your home, it’s at risk when there’s a leak.
  
  A leaky faucet can result in a buildup of water that may find its way to your wooden cabinets, floors, and furniture. Prevent damage by addressing the source of the leak. Call our Ken Griffin Plumbing professionals so we can take care of it for you.
  
• Your sink and faucet could start to rust: Rust develops when metal is continually exposed to water. When your faucet leaks, you can expect to see rust. It may be present on both your faucet and sink.
  
• Mold may begin to grow: There is a greater risk of mold growth when there’s a leak inside your home. Don’t let a leaky faucet turn your home into a health hazard.
  
  Mold can present itself as black or dark patches and typically has a musty odor. It thrives in moist, humid areas. Keep your indoor humidity levels within the appropriate recommended range of 30 and 50 percent, as the Mayo Clinic suggests.
  
  If the faucet that is leaking is located in your bathroom, be sure to fix the problem before mold grows.
  
• Your water bill will likely increase: Has your water bill recently skyrocketed? Your leaky faucet is likely the culprit. Leaks waste water.
  
  According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), an average household can waste up to 9,400 gallons of water every year due to household leaks. Don’t let this happen to you!
  
  Using more water—intentionally or not—increases your water bill. Once you address your leaky faucet, you will reduce water waste, and your water bill should return to normal. 

Why Is My Faucet Leaking?

Your faucet could be leaking for any number of reasons, all the way from faulty plumbing fixture installation to a loose faucet part to everyday wear and tear. A visit with our plumbing professionals is the best way to determine the issue.

Faucet Repair and Replacement 

The last thing you want is a tiny drip to lead to an even worse problem like water damage and flooding. Our experts can step in and address the source of the issue in no time. We are here to tackle all your plumbing concerns.

For faucet repair and replacement services you can trust, look to Ken Griffin Plumbing. Our experts are licensed, trained, and equipped with the appropriate knowledge. We will arrive as scheduled and happily correct the issue with your faucet. Give us a call so we can set up your appointment!

Plumbing Services in Clarksville

As leaders in the plumbing industry, we are committed to assisting you with any of your concerns. We can fix your leaky faucet and address many other plumbing concerns and issues, such as trouble with your water heater, garbage disposal, and clogged toilets.

When it comes to your home’s plumbing needs, our Ken Griffin Plumbing professionals are ready to provide the exceptional service you need.

Call Our Plumbing Professionals

Whether there is a leaking faucet in your Clarksville, Maryland, home or you are looking for another plumbing service, Ken Griffin Plumbing is ready to help. We will install, repair, replace, and maintain your plumbing equipment so it can provide you with many years of comfort and ease. Schedule your plumbing visit by calling 410-992-5875 or request service online today.

The post  What Problems Can a Leaky Faucet Cause? first appeared on Ken Griffin Plumbing and is written by Ken Griffin Plumbing.

Whether it’s a clogged toilet or a slow-running drain, plumbing problems are never fun. With the growing do-it-yourself mentality and the access to a great deal of how-to information online, it can be tempting to try to resolve your plumbing issues on your own. 

Before you give it a try in your Ellicott City home, take to heart these common plumbing mistakes our Ken Griffin Plumbing professionals often see. These tips may help you avoid making existing problems worse or even circumvent plumbing problems all together.

1. Use the correct tool to unclog your drain.

A clogged drain can be extremely frustrating, and it’s easy to try to resort to many ineffective ways to resolve the problem. Avoid the following:

• Homemade tools. Items like bent clothes hangers are tempting to use to try to unclog a drain. These are not designed to do the job and can often cause additional damage.

• High-pressure water. Don’t bring the garden hose or any other high-pressure water source into the home to tackle the job. Too much water pressure can break your indoor water lines.

• Chemical drain cleaners. Most are not strong enough to break up common clogs and can be dangerous for your indoor air quality (IAQ), family’s health, and the environment. In addition, they can corrode your pipes and cause future leaks in your plumbing system.

• Wrong-sized tools. Be sure you’re using an auger or snake designed for the drain you’re working on. One size does not fit all.

Instead, here are the best ideas for unclogging drains:

• Start with a plunger. Use a higher quality one, especially on the toilet, so you can build a good seal.

• Use the correct-sized tool. If you have an auger or snake designed for the existing problem, you can use it as directed.

• Empty the P-trap under the sink. For your sink clogs, check and empty the P-trap where many clogs reside.

• Call a professional. It’s best to call one of our expert plumbers to help you unclog your drain safely and effectively.

2. Don’t try too hard on minor plumbing repairs.

If you attempt some basic plumbing repairs in your Maryland home, be sure you don’t use too much muscle on common adjustments.

For example, if you’re tightening supply tubes, fittings, pipes, or toilet bolts, be sure not to overtighten them. It’s easy to break the fitting or at least weaken it so then you have a cracked component or pipe down the road, which can cause a flood. In some cases, overtightening the toilet bolts can actually damage or destroy a porcelain toilet.

Along the same lines, don’t force a stuck sink or toilet shut-off valve. If this valve has not been used for a long time, the stem packing seal usually adheres itself to the valve stem.

To solve this problem correctly, use an adjustable wrench to gently loosen the nut. If you use too much muscle, you can break the knob as well as the valve steam, causing a larger problem.

3. Don’t overload your garbage disposal.

If you have a garbage disposal in your kitchen, use it carefully. Feed it one item at a time, and be sure the disposal is clear before adding more waste. 

Overloading your disposal can cause jams and clogs as well as overheat your unit. You may want to occasionally clean your garbage disposal as well.

If your disposal is already clogged, shut the unit off and try to carefully remove any large pieces you can still reach. If you can’t see or feel the clog, you may need to turn to a professional to take apart the disposal and find the clog.

4. Avoid using your garbage disposal for inappropriate items.

Disposals are designed to shred small food scraps. Putting the wrong foods or items down your disposal can cause the blades to jam or clog your drain. Avoid putting fibrous foods such as celery, corn husks, or potato peels down your disposal. 

Grease, fats, and oils can solidify and clog your drain. Egg shells, potatoes, pasta, and beans should also make their way to the compost pile or garbage, as should all nonfood items.

5. Flush only waste and toilet paper down the toilet.

You’ve probably seen the signs in public bathrooms that warn you to avoid flushing garbage down the toilet. Even small items such as cotton balls, cotton swabs, paper towels, baby wipes, tissues, or hygiene products can build up and cause significant clogs and problems down the road.  

6. Use drain traps in your sinks, showers, and bathtubs.

Drain traps are designed to catch hair and soap scum. Although it doesn’t seem like a little soap or hair makes a difference, these items slowly build up to cause a clog.

Call Our Ken Griffin Plumbers Today

If you’re facing plumbing problems, turn to Ken Griffin Plumbing in Ellicott City, Maryland, for help. Our trained and experienced plumbers would be happy to help you with clogs, new plumbing installations, or repairs. Call 410-992-5875 or request service online today.

The post 6 Common Plumbing Mistakes to Avoid first appeared on Ken Griffin Plumbing and is written by Ken Griffin Plumbing.

It’s bound to happen to Columbia homeowners sooner or later—a clogged drain. Although clogged drains are often a nuisance, they can many times be managed at home with inexpensive solutions. 

Our team at Ken Griffin Plumbing wants to share some affordable, effective ways to unclog a home drain as well as tips on preventing the problem in the future.

Typical Causes of Drain Clogs

Most Maryland homes have multiple drains throughout the interior of the house, plumbing that connects them to a main line and a larger, outdoor line that feeds into a city sewage system or septic tank. Clogs can unfortunately happen just about anywhere throughout this complex system.

The most common clogs occur just under the kitchen or bathroom sink. This is why you will find an elbow joint designed to catch foreign material before it makes its way further down the pipeline.

Kitchen clogs will typically be made of small particles of food, grease, and dirt. Bathroom sink clogs usually consist of hair and soap residue. You may have the same type of clog in your shower drains as well.

Toilet clogs can be caused by large amounts of toilet paper being flushed down at one time. Occasionally, nonflushable products such as facial tissue, toilet paper, feminine or baby products, or even foreign objects like toys can clog the toilet drain.

Larger clogs around bigger appliances such as a washing machine or dishwasher are more rare but also more difficult to clear. Items such as rocks, coins, safety pins, and fiber buildup can clog your washing machine drain. 

If your dishwasher seems to be clogged, check the filter basket, which is designed to keep food scraps from getting into your pipes. If cleaning out the basket doesn’t help, you can check the hose that connects the dishwasher to your kitchen sink drain for blockage.

At some point, if you notice all your sinks, toilets, and appliances are not functioning properly, you probably have a clog in your home’s main line that sits between your home and the main sewer line. This can be caused by tree roots, outdoor dirt, or yard waste accumulation as well as foreign materials from inside your home. 

Home Remedies

Before you run to the store for a harsh, commercial drain cleaner, try some of these gentler methods of unclogging a drain. The chemical drain cleaners may be ineffective, can damage your pipes in the long run, and are not always healthy for your family or the environment.

Pull out any visible clogs from the sink itself first. Then, you can pour boiling water down the drain with some salt. This can be effective for grease clogs. For some additional power, let a fizzy mix of vinegar and baking soda sit in the drain for a few minutes before adding the boiling water.

For toilet clogs, use a quality plunger and be sure you have a good seal to maximize the suction. You could also try a drain snake or an auger, but be sure you use a properly sized tool for the specific job.

For washing machine clogs, you can try an enzyme-based drain cleaner to eat through the clog.

If you are mechanically inclined, try to empty the drain trap under sinks.

When these remedies don’t work, you need a professional plumber to handle the issue. Call our Ken Griffin plumbers to come out and help.

Preventive Measures

After you unclog your drain, or before you ever get a clog in the first place, here are some tips to prevent this annoying problem.

Be sure you have drain catchers or strainers in all your drains. These inexpensive and easy-to-clean gadgets can prevent food, hair, and other debris from escaping down your drains in the beginning.

Run some hot water through your drains daily, and every once in a while, flush drains with baking soda and vinegar.

If you have a garbage disposal, be sure you only use it for small pieces of nonfibrous, nongreasy foods. Follow your instruction manual, or check out general guidelines from an informational website.

Call Us to Unclog Your Drain

If you can’t unclog your drain yourself, call Ken Griffin Plumbing in Columbia, Maryland. Our professional plumbers would be happy to come out and take care of the problem quickly and efficiently. Call 410-992-5875 or contact us online today.

The post How to Unclog a Drain first appeared on Ken Griffin Plumbing and is written by Ken Griffin Plumbing.