In Vestavia Hills, AL, the plumbers at Western Sales and Service get called out to people’s houses for all kinds of different reasons. Sometimes it is a big and serious situation, other times it is something smaller and more common. Here is a list of the most common plumbing mistakes that we see:

Using the wrong tool to unclog your drain.

It is very important to use the right tools when attempting to unclog a drain at home. Also be aware of what you think may have caused the clog, some things are no reasonable for you to attempt at home. Always start with a plunger. If the plunger doesn’t work, make sure you are using the right kind of auger or drain snake for the particular drain. There are toilet augers manufactured specifically for toilets.

Don’t use chemical drain cleaners, they can damage and corrode your plumbing.

Overloading the garbage disposal.

Make sure you feed your garbage disposal one item at a time, too much food and it can get jammed or work to hard and get overheated. If you can, turn it off and clear away any food or items inside the disposal. If the clog is too far down, we recommend that you call us to investigate. Your plumber may need to take the disposal apart or reset it to clear the clog or jam.

Putting the wrong things down your disposal.

Disposals are made to handle small food scraps. Putting the wrong foods down your disposal can tie the blades up and jam up your machine.
Don’t put these things down:

• Fibrous Foods (celery, artichokes, asparagus, corn husks, onion skins and potato peels)Grease, fats, oils
• Egg Shells
• Pasta, Rice Potatoes, Beans
• Non-Food Items

Do not pour grease down your drain. It maybe liquid now but it will solidify in your pipes and traps as it cools and will lead to a severe clog.

Flushing garbage down the toilet.

Don’t flush anything but waste and toilet paper down your toilet. People often flush things like cotton balls, cotton swabs, paper towels, tissues or hygiene products.

Not using drain traps.

Drain traps are designed for to catch hair and soap scum. Not using one of these traps lets the hair and debris flow right down the drain. This eventually causes a clog and your tub or sink will not drain properly.

If you need plumbing service, call the plumbers of Western Sales and Service at 205-787-8674.