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Plumbing Hacks: Fix Draining Problems Like a Boss!

Save Money on Home Repairs with DIY Drain FixesNo one likes to spend money on home repairs, but it's inevitable. If you're looking to save a few bucks, you can try to fix some of your home's draining issues on your own. There are a few simple tasks you can handle before you call an Evanston plumber. Find out about some of these easy fixes, and you may be able to put off a call to the professionals.

How to Avoid Hair Clogs in Your Drain

You just enjoyed a nice shower, and you see a scary sight on the tile. It's not a snake climbing out of your drain - it's a hair monster! If you're tired of looking down at a tangle of hair or hate the water that floods into your tub every time you shower, it's time to be proactive. You can do things to avoid getting hair clogs, which include calling for drain cleaning services in Chicago.Install a Hair CatcherIs there anything keeping hair or debris from going down your bathroom drain? If not, your hair will go down your drain and into your pipe. An easy way to keep this from happening is to install a hair catcher.You can find one at almost any hardware or big box store. Generally, they don't require any special installation. Once you buy the product, you set it in the shower drain and let it catch the hair. When you notice debris in the strainer, you dump it in the garbage.If you don't have time to get a hair catcher, you can substitute one with a dryer sheet. It's not perfect, but it gets the job done. Just make sure to dispose of the sheet after a week or so because reusing it can cause mold to grow.Use Hygiene Tips to Keep Hair Out of the ShowerYou're responsible for what goes down your drain, and that includes hair. If you want to save your drains, practice a few simple hygiene tips. First, brush your hair before you take a shower or bath. Make sure everyone in your household does this, and less hair will fall into the drain.When you or someone else in your home shaves, try to do so outside of the tub when possible. If you notice any clumps of hair falling onto the shower floor, pick them up immediately and throw them away. Be just as cautious with your sink drain.In some homes, the vanity is directly above the sink. You might brush your hair or shave over the sink, but that allows hair to go into your drain. Find a different spot to brush, cut, or shave your hair.Don't Use Chemicals to Clean Your DrainsTo prevent clogs, you might purchase some over-the-counter drain cleaner. While you have the best intentions, using drain cleaners could do more harm than good. Manufacturers include corrosive ingredients in drain cleaning products, and the corrosion doesn't stop on your hair clogs. It weakens your pipes and causes severe degradation after years of use.Because of your reliance on chemicals, you could end up needing to replace your plumbing. It's better to call the best plumbers in Chicago to handle your clogs. If you don't want to call the plumber just yet, you could try a more natural and gentle drain cleaner. Baking powder and white vinegar followed by water may dislodge a small blockage.Use a Drain SnakeIf you notice too much hair going down your drains, you can try to clean the drains on your own. The right tool for the job is a drain snake. Head to your favorite hardware store or flea market, and you're bound to find one.To use the snake, run it down your pipes until it stops. Then, push it as far as it will go as you try to break up the blockage. The last step is to reel your drain snake back in, and you might have a hair monster on the other end.If you choose to DIY it, there are a few things you should know. For one, old pipes are fragile. In an older home, your pipes could break from the drain snake. You should wear gloves and a mask to deal with the bacteria that could be lurking in your pipes. Under most circumstances, clearing a clog is a wet and unpleasant job.Run Water Through Your DrainsHot water is a tool you can use to clear hair from your drains. Once in a while, fill up your sinks and tubs with hot water. When they're all full, drain them at the same time and flush the toilets. The force of the water could be enough to break up small blockages.This tip isn't as easy as it sounds. If there's a delay in the draining, the force of the water won't be enough to dislodge your clog. You may want to recruit your family to help you get the timing right.Schedule Professional Drain Cleaning ServicesOn your own, there's only so much you can do to keep hair from balling up in your drain. Fortunately, you don't have to handle it on your own. Whenever you notice your drains slowing down or you suspect a clog in your pipes, call a professional to come and clean your drains.Even if you don't think there's a clog, an annual drain cleaning can save your plumbing. An expert has the tools needed to remove all the clogs from your plumbing, which keeps your water flowing.Why You Should Avoid Drain ClogsNow that you know the ways in which you can avoid getting a clog in your drain, you may wonder why it all matters. Do you really need to take steps to keep your drains clear? In short, yes. Keeping your drains free of hair can save your plumbing.If you allow hair to go into your drain, it collects debris and slows the flow of water. When the blockage becomes too much, your pipes could begin to leak. At this point, the cost of a repair could be high. You may also suffer from water damage.By relying on a professional for drain cleaning, you save yourself money on clog-related repairs, like sewer line breaks. You may even extend the lifespan of your plumbing.Call Us for HelpHere at J. Blanton Plumbing, we provide drain cleaning services that remove the most stubborn clogs in Chicago. Our team uses tried and tested techniques to eliminate blockages. If you want to learn more, call us today.

Top Water Heater Replacement Mistakes Northbrook Homeowners Should Avoid

Replacing a water heater is a significant investment in your home’s comfort and efficiency. However, many homeowners make avoidable mistakes during the installation process, leading to future problems or costly repairs. For Northbrook homeowners, where winters can be harsh, ensuring your water heater is installed correctly is crucial. Here are the top five mistakes to avoid when replacing a water heater.