Bathroom and kitchen sinks are necessary appliances for your home. When they fall into disrepair, you may need to consider repairing the sink, or even replacing it. Fortunately, this project is one that will not take up much time. With the proper equipment and information, you can replace and repair drains and parts yourself without the help of a professional plumber.

Sink Repair

Various parts of bathroom and kitchen sinks can eventually fall into disrepair as a result of extensive use. A sink drain or faucet can corrode, rust, or become clogged. When this happens, a leak can develop in the crack between the pipes, leading to further damage to the rest of the sink or the flooring beneath it. To avoid this, you should check your appliances regularly and repair them as soon as you notice a problem.

Clogged Sink Drains

If there is an issue with the way water drains from the sink, the problem may be because of a clogged drain. A bathroom or kitchen sink drain can become clogged as a result of the gradual buildup of residue on the walls of the drain. Or, it could be possible that a foreign object has become wedged in the sink drain. Either way, you can solve this problem yourself easily without seeking professional help.

Unclog Kitchen Sink Drain

There are a few different methods you can use choose from to unclog your kitchen or bathroom sink drain, depending on the severity of the clog.

If the clog is not very severe, you can plunge the residue down into the pipe with a plunger. In some instances, sinks will be equipped with an overflow drain. This is a small opening usually located towards the back of the sink. In the event that water can not drain, it can drain through this hole for a short time to prevent overflow. In order for the plunger to function properly, you will need to block this opening with a damp cloth or washcloth.

Sink drain plumbing does not usually require a large plunger; you will probably be able to use one that is four or five inches in diameter. Place the plunger over the drain. To form a better seal between the plunger and the sink, you can cover the lip of the plunger with petroleum jelly. Then, you can fill the sink with water. Be sure to fill it only up to the top of the rubber extension. Firmly push up and down on the plunger about ten times. A final upward jerk with the plunger should allow all the water to drain quickly.

If this method is unsuccessful, you may want to consider buying a chemical drainage fluid to remove the residue from the pipe walls. These can usually be purchased for approximately $10, but the fluid must stay in the sink for several hours before the drain will be clean.

Sink Replacement

Sometimes cleaning the residue from a drain is not sufficient. If neither plunging nor chemical drain solutions will unclog your drain, you should consider replacing the drain altogether. This will mean replacing the piping beneath the actual drain, such as the u-bend or the s-bend.

Replace Sink Drain

Before you begin working on the pipes, you will want to place a bucket under the piping to capture any excess fluid that could emerge from the pipe after the bend has been removed. To replace the S-bend (also known as s-trap), you will need to remove the nuts and screws that hold the two pieces of the pipe together. This can be done with any common household wrench and screwdriver. After they are loosened, you can remove them and the drain pipes.

Both your bathtub and your sink need to be equipped with some type of drain so that you may control drainage of water. There are several different types of drains, but one of the most reliable drains is called a pop up drain.

Pop Up Drains

Unlike other drains, the pop up drain is considered a “trip lever” drain, meaning that the drainage of water is controlled by a separate mechanism. Other drains, such as non trip lever drains, are closed by manually pushing down or twisting the drain itself. Pop up drains, on the other hand, can only be closed after you have “tripped the lever” located on the faucet of most sinks and on or below the faucet of most bath tubs.

Remove Pop Up Drain

Fortunately, pop up sink drain and tub drain removal is a task you can complete yourself, without having to seek the help of a professional plumber. The only required materials are those that you probably already own, such as a screwdriver and wrench.

The process to remove pop up drain is the same whether you are working with a sink drain or a pop up tub drain. Make sure that you have all necessary tools close by before beginning the project; for it can be very difficult to stop in the middle of the installation (you will need both hands for several of the steps).

Remove Drain

Before removing the drain, locate the drain pipe. It will most likely be shaped like a P or S. On the drainpipe (also known as P trap or S bend) you will find a lever that holds both pipe pieces together. Use a wrench to separate both pieces just above the lever.

Detach the drain from the trip lever. It is usually connected with a metal hook and can be slid off.

If you will be installing the same drain, check for any rust or grime that could cause leaks later on. You can clean the pipes with a pipe brush and baking soda/cleaning solution.

Install Pop Up Drain

Like pop up drain removal, pop up drain installation can be accomplished without hiring a professional plumber. As long as you have the necessary tools and materials, the job is a quick and easy one. Most of the tools and supplies are common household materials, such as a wrench and a screwdriver. You may need to purchase plumbers putty and the actual drain kit, but these are fairly inexpensive.

Install Pop up Sink Drain

After you have successfully removed the drain, you will need to replace pop up drain or clean the old one. Installing a new pop up drain will most likely be as easy and quick a task as the removal.

Assemble pop up drain. This will be a simple task since most pop up drains can be assembled the same way. If you are installing a new drain, test fit the drain in the drain hole to make sure that the drain will fit the hole.

Drop the rod assembly into the hole and connect it with the trip lever. The trip lever will probably be hanging in the piping and may be concealed or hard to find. Some are equipped with flexible material that allows them to be stretched out of the piping. Once you have attached it to the rod assembly, pull gently on the trip lever to make sure it is attached well and not loose.

Depending on the drain, you will either be using plumbers putty or a white washer. Whichever you use, this part can be attached to the drain hole once you have verified that the trip lever is well attached to the drain. Seal with putty or screws.

The lavatory in your bathroom sink backs up as you are brushing your teeth…The wash basin in your guest working closet pools with water while you are hosting a black-tie dinner at your home. Sound familiar? Before reaching for the phone and contacting a plumber to eliminate this nuisance and restore the drainage apparatus back to normal, think of how much you can save by handling the job yourself. The truth of the matter is that the majority of household clogs can be tackled by the homeowner himself or herself without the aid of environmentally-noxious drain cleaners, which harm both the environment and the pipes. By learning how to snake a drain, consumers can avoid a high plumbing bill. They need simply equip themselves with a few common tools such as a snake drain unclogger, a little patience, a good dose of persistence, and basic know-how. The average consumer needs two hours or less to fix a clogged drain, depending on how severe it is.

What is a drain snake?

Also referred to as an auger or a sewer snake, this handy and indispensable plumber’s tool clears stubborn clogs, such as those in the main line. Drain snakes are flexible metallic rods or wires with hooks on the end and a small knob for maneuvering the coiled spring. Consumers can either purchase a drain snake at a hardware store or rent one at a rental center.

Materials to Snake a Drain

Generally, homeowners who would like to de-clog a drain through self-help measures will need the following tools and materials: 1) a screwdriver, 2) a plumber’s auger, 3) a bucket, 4) a sink plunger, 5) a set of pliers, 6) a flexible wire such as a coat hanger, 7) a pipe wrench, Teflon tape or pipe joint compound, and 9) elbow grease or petroleum jelly.

Preliminary Steps

Homeowners should first remove all objects surrounding or adjacent to the sink, locate the valve beneath the sink, and rotate it to the left to turn off the water supply. They should verify that the water has been completely shut off and place a bucket beneath the

P-trap, or the section of the pipe that is curved and located under the sink. They should then utilize channel-lock or joint pliers to remove the nuts on both ends of the P-trap, which in turn will allow them to empty out any debris and water. Homeowners should peek inside the trap to see whether any clogs are visible, and if so, remove the sludge with a long screwdriver or hanger. If the slushy mass is beyond reach, they should proceed with the use of a drain snake.

How to Use Drain Snake

Homeowners should insert the auger into the drain pipe that emanates from the wall and rotate the crank of the snake clockwise into the drain until resistance is met. When it hits an obstruction in the line, they should tighten the nut at the base of the auger and push the snake into the clog and remove the blockage by turning the crank counter-clockwise. They can then dump the lump into the bucket. Alternatively, homeowners can turn the auger’s handle clockwise in order to snag the debris and pull the auger in and out as if twisting until the clog is dislodged or broken up. They will know that the obstruction is no longer present when resistance is no longer felt. This procedure should be repeated while the homeowner flushes cold water down the pipes.

Upon elimination or removal of the clog and cleaning, consumers should reattach the P-trap. When reconnecting the trap, they should re-seal the threads by utilizing Teflon tape or pipe joint compound. They should then run water down the line for a few minutes to ensure that the obstruction has been cleared and that the P-trap is not leaking water.

Power Augers

Homeowners may wish to consider purchasing or renting an electric drain snake which can treat longer cables as well as facilitate their task and make the process less tiresome by plowing through tougher clogs than manual plumber’s augers. The blade or rotor of an electric drain snakes can chop up any blockage encountered along the drain line.

If you live in an area that experiences heavy rainfall, you will most likely need to invest in a water drainage system to redistribute the drainage of water around or near your home. There are several different drainage system options, but whichever you choose will depend on your budget, need, and the time you are willing to invest in the project.

Water Drainage

Commercial and residential water drains prevent the accumulation of water within a community or residence. They can also prevent erosion. Unfortunately, one of the leading causes of flooding is poor storm water drainage among homes or businesses in a community. Equipping your home with a quality storm drainage system can protect your community as well as increase the value of your home and lower your home insurance premium.

Water Drainage Systems

French Drain

A more typical type of surface water drainage is the French drain. French drains are particularly popular as a result of their simple and relatively quick installation time. In addition to the simplicity of the project, they are fairly inexpensive to install, providing that the home owner is able to complete the job him/herself, without seeking the aid of a professional.

French drains are most useful if your home is situated at the base of a slope. Storm water that flows down a slope and towards your home and yard can pose a problem for homeowners, especially in areas that are prone to receiving large amounts of rainfall. If you have installed a French drain, rainwater will flow down the slope and into the drain, where the accumulated water will be distributed to another area.

The French drain is a trench, usually about six inches wide and 12 inches deep, dug right at the base of a slope. It can be filled with clean gravel and a pipe, however, the traditional French drain consists of only gravel. It can be covered with turf to make it appear less noticeable.

Surface Water Drain

Many homeowners are turning to surface water drains, or storm drains, to solve their water drainage problems. These drains are intended to drain rain water from a large ditch or valley. They are usually concrete pipes that run from the ditch underground and measure approximately one and a half feet in diameter. While they are primarily for commercial use, some homeowners have them installed on their property.

The surface water drain is an alternative to the French drain, which usually is intended for smaller amounts of water. Large slopes or ditches will require the installation of the surface water drain, and while more expensive to install, it is the most successful storm drain solution.

Rain Gutters

Another more common form of storm water drainage is the rain gutter. Usually installed around the perimeter of the roof of a home, these aluminum or plastic pipes capture rain water that flows down your home’s roof and routes down a vertical pipe that reaches the ground. Often, these vertical pipes are extended down into the ground and away from the home via an underground piping system. These are also very inexpensive forms of storm drainage, and their cost will lower depending on the material you choose. Aluminum is more traditional and less expensive, but plastic that resists ultraviolet rays is more eco-friendly and more durable.

Rain gutters can become difficult to install if you choose to extend the piping under the ground. Many cities have ordinances regarding this type of drainage, saying that the water must be cleaned before being drained into a stream or ocean. Underground wiring can also cause a problem, since these pipes usually reach the same depth at which wiring is placed.

More than half of homeowners have to deal with some sort of yard drainage problem. The good news is that most of these issues are generally easy to fix without having to call in a professional. If you are one of those homeowners who is plagued with drainage problems, you’ll be happy to know that there is hope for your soggy basement or backyard.

Water Drainage Problems

The first thing to do is assess the problem. Identify where the water is coming from and where it tends to collect. Many problems occur simply from a clogged gutter or drain. Over time, blocked gutters can create water drainage problems such as moisture in the foundation of your home. This can lead to a damp basement and possible mold or mildew issues. Gutters and downspouts should be checked and cleaned out regularly to avoid the build-up of leaves, twigs, seeds, and other particles. Be sure to also keep storm drains and streets free of leaves, trash, or other debris that may be creating blockages in your drainage system. Making drainage system maintenance a priority will save you from costly water damage repairs in the future.

If your home does not have a proper drainage system, or if the one you have is currently in disrepair, installing a simple gutter and downspout may easily solve your drainage problems. The gutters of a home should run from the highest point of your roof to the lowest point. They should then empty into a downspout, which channels the rainwater away from the foundation of your home. Downspouts should empty out about 6 feet away from your home. This will ensure that the water will not find its way back to your home’s foundation. Also, make sure not to empty your rainwater onto your neighbor’s property. Lastly, when installing any drainage system, pay attention to the slope of your yard. A slight downward slope away from your home is necessary for water to flow in the proper direction and to avoid stagnant water from collecting in the pipes.

Yard Drainage Problems

If the problem does not reside in your gutters or downspout, then it could be a problem of gradation. Most building regulations require that yards have a downward slope of about 6 inches per every few feet of run. However, erosion can level out your yard over time. The result is soggy areas throughout your yard every time it rains. These low-lying patches of lawn can also be made worse if you are in a region with a shallow water table. If this occurs, you have a few different options.

Clay is generally filtration resistant. If the top soil of your lawn is mostly clay, try spreading some compost, sand, or other organic material. You can use a rototiller to mix the soil in. This will make your top soil more absorbent. If you have a soggy garden, try raising your flower beds to keep them from drowning. Installing a drainage system in your garden may make them too dry. If you do install a drainage system in your yard, pay attention to the type of pipes you use. Most are made of plastic; some have perforations and some are solid. Solid pipes are used to carry water past wet or low-lying areas. Perforated pipes have tiny holes in them, through which water can flow into or out of. Perforations should always face downward or they may be ineffective.

In all drain problems, always remember that water flows from areas of greater resistance to areas of less resistance. For example, aside from always flowing downhill, water flows through gravel easier than soil and through a pipe easier than gravel. Sticking to this rule of thumb will help you make sense of your lawn drainage problems and hopefully lead to a drier yard.

Floor drains serve to remove wastewater and other liquid wastes from a work area, typically a basement, a laundry, car wash or garage. That wastewater flows to a sanitary sewer by gravity or with the aid of a pump. Floor drains also hold water under the floor so sewer gas doesn’t escape back up into the building.

Floor drains should be installed in most basements. If a pipe bursts and floods the basement, it would be quite difficult to drain the water without a floor drain or a sump pump. When considering the purchase of a house, it is important to look for a basement floor drain and to arrange for installation of one if there isn’t any there initially.

Selecting a Floor Drain

Floor drains must be carefully selected, installed and maintained. Attention to the area of a building and the kind of building where they will be used is important. If it is a heavy work area, then the drain must be constructed to support heavy loads. If the drain will be used in an area where food handling and processing takes place then considerations of sanitation are of prime importance. An appropriate drain there would be coated with acid resisting porcelain enamel. In another kind of work situation where chemical or acid wastes are handled, then the appropriate drain would have an acid resistant coating. In all areas, considerations of performance, sanitation and aesthetics are guidelines for selecting a floor drain.

Drains must meet plumbing code standards. They must be constructed so as to allow free passage of all wastewater. They must be made of a material that does not corrode from the waste flowing through it. An additional requirement is a large enough opening to handle the volume of water flowing through it. Installing a shower drain cover on the floor of the shower is a helpful way to prevent particles from going down the drain and clogging it.

Precautions

Floor drains may be made of plastic, stainless steel, or cast iron. Zurn floor drains, so named after their century-old manufacturer, are a popular choice of floor drains in industry. Their cast iron floor drains commonly are installed in concrete in commercial establishments. When planning to install a drain in a concrete floor, it makes everything much easier if the drainage system is planned first, with appropriate attention to local city and county regulations. This foresight eliminates later tearing up the concrete to correct the drainage system.

If these drains are used appropriately, they will function well. Local environmental codes and regulations must be observed when disposing of any fluid other than water. It is important to keep the soil and ground water free of poisons and our drinking water supply safe. Particles should not be allowed to go down the floor drain where they likely will clog it.

Clearing a Clogged Floor Drain

When water collects and stands above a floor drain, the line below is blocked at some point. In most cases, this situation will require calling in a plumber. There may be a clog in either the floor drain line, the drain trap, which is that bend in the pipe, or the sewer service line.

A hand auger, which is a flexible steel cable, or a blow bag can be used to clear a drain line or a trap. A garden hose by itself may be used to clear a clog if it is close to the opening. Simply insert the hose into the drain and turn on the water full force. Or attach a blow bag to the garden hose and then insert that into the floor drain and turn on the water. If this method fails to dislodge the clog, the problem may be in a branch line, the main waste and vent stack or the sewer service line.

The auger also can be used on a branch drain line. The procedure for clearing the main waste and vent stack involves running an auger down through the roof vent. Finally, a clog that has eluded other searches may be in the sewer service line. Calling in a professional sewer cleaning service sometimes is the best strategy, especially when tree roots have grown in the line.

If you are one of the thousands of homeowners who have a basement in your home, chances are you have become the victim of a flooded basement. Basements can flood for a number of reasons, but it is usually due to an outage of power, torrential rain, or a faulty or clogged drain. You can prevent this by equipping your home with basement water drainage.

Basement Drainage

It is imperative that a basement be equipped with some type of basement drain to prevent water damage. After a heavy downpour of rain or power outage, the basement in your home can flood, and any articles that have been stored there can be at risk. Your basement can even flood as snow near your home melts and flows near the outer walls of your home. Most drains are installed at the time of construction, especially when they are being installed in businesses. Residential buildings, on the other hand, often become equipped with a drainage system after the basement and home have already been built. You will find that whichever basement drainage system you choose, you will most likely be able to complete the project yourself, without the aid of a professional.

Basement Drains

The two most common types of basement drainage are French drains and floor drains. Both are advantageous depending on your home’s particular needs, your budget, and the time you are willing to sacrifice.

Basement French Drain

Basement French drains are the most common basement drainage system. Aside from being easy to install yourself, they can be installed subsequent to the initial construction of the home. They are usually installed outside the home, in the ground close where the outside walls of the basement meet the yard.

French drains are deep trenches dug near the home to capture and route water to another area. They are most beneficial if your basement is prone to flooding following a heavy downpour of rain. As moisture accumulates, it builds up in the trenches, which are usually filled with clean gravel and/or a pipe. The trenches should be about 24 inches deep and six inches wide, but can be made less conspicuous by covering the gravel with turf. More traditional French drains consist of only gravel, but inserting a pipe can help the drain remove water at a faster rate. Keep in mind that this also allows for the possibility of clogging.

Basement Floor Drains

Because of their more permanent structure, floor drains are usually installed in basements at the time of the home’s construction. Situated in the center of the floor or often near a heater, these drains are almost completely invisible and inconspicuous since they appear to be part of the floor. The floor is usually built at a slope towards the drain, and the drain itself is a piece of metal with holes cut into it to allow the passage of water. Beneath this strainer like piece is a pipe that routes the water to an exterior source.

Because their must be alterations made to the flooring and foundation of the building, floor drains tend to be more expensive than their French counterpart. This rule tends to be true especially if the drain is installed after initial construction of the home, since the flooring must be completely removed and replaced in order to accommodate the floor drain. They are, however, the most reliable method of basement drainage. They are not as prone to clogging as French drains, and are permanent features that add to the value of your home. They require little maintenance, and are longer lasting. Installing this drain is wise especially if your home is in the process of being built.

No matter what plumbing system you have, chances are that someday you will have a clog. Clogged or broken drains are an inconvenience, but they don’t have to be a nuisance. Drain repair can be a simple process, if you have the correct tools for the job.

The main tool to have in your arsenal is a plunger. Not just used for toilets, plungers can also be used for sink, shower, and bathtub drain repair. A plunger can usually dislodge most clogs, no matter what type of drain. A plunger, which costs as little as $5 in many cases, is also one of the most affordable tools a plumber uses. Another tool to have is a plumber’s snake, also called a cable auger. This is a long, flexible steel cable that comes on a spool. They can be found in most hardware stores and can cost anywhere from $15 to $25. And, specifically for toilet clogs, a closet auger is good for snaking through the curves of a toilet trap. They can cost up to $40 and can be found in plumbing supply stores.

Each type of drain-bathtub, shower, or sink-requires a slightly different remedy to get the job done. If your first few attempts fail, you may need to turn it over to a trained professional, as too much strain may cause serious and possibly permanent plumbing damage.

Bathtub and Shower Drain Repair

A bathtub drain repair is relatively easy. Bathtubs and showers usually gradually become clogged over time because of hair or soap. First, remove the drain cover and use a bent wire to remove any hair and soap scum from the drain. If that doesn’t help, cover the overflow hole with a rag and begin plunging the drain.

If plunging doesn’t unclog your drain, try using the cable auger. This is ideal for both shower and tub drain repair. Remove the overflow plate and stopper linkage. Then, feed roughly 30 inches of cable into the overflow tube. Be sure to crank the cable all the way to the P-trap, located underneath the tub. You should feel resistance the entire way.

Afterward, run several gallons of hot water down the drain. This should flush the remaining pieces of the clog through the pipes and complete your bathtub drain repair.

Sink Drain Repair

Sink drain repair can range from very easy to slightly complicated. A plunger can be used for most sink clogs. Fill the sink up half way with water then quickly pump the plunger a few times and pull the plunger away. If you have a double drain sink, plug the opposite drain with a wet rag before plunging. This puts pressure on the clog and helps dislodge it.

If the plunger fails to unclog your drain, try using the cable auger. Use a pipe wrench to remove the sink trap. Then, drain the excess water into a bucket. Remove the trap arm from the wall, then insert about 18 inches of cable into the stub out and crank the handle clockwise, driving the cable into the wall past the point of resistance. Repeat this step until you break through the clog. After putting the sink back together, fill the sink partially with hot water and plunge to get all the pieces of debris out of the drain.

An easy recipe for unclogging frequently stopped up drains is a combination of baking soda and white vinegar. First, pour the baking soda down the drain then add white vinegar. The chemical reaction of the two will clean out the pipes. Afterward, run the hot water to flush the rest of the mixture down. You should do this about once every month to prevent future clogs.

If your drain repairs are in need of more serious attention than these solutions can give, try typing in phrases like “how to repair drain” or “shower drain repair” into any search engine. In some cases, amateur drain repairs can cause more harm than good. In these cases, calling a plumber may be your best bet and may even save you money in the long run.

With the myriad varieties of drain cleaners in the marketplace today, one can easily feel lost and overwhelmed. While selection of the best drain cleaner is not an easy task, a few simple tips and useful information about the options available to consumers will assist the latter in finding an effective, long-term, and environmentally-friendly solution to drains clogged as a result of grime, soap scum, toothpaste, hair or other foreign objects in tub, shower stall, kitchen, or bathroom sinks. Through proper drain cleaning, homeowners can ensure that their pipes are thoroughly cleaned and that their sinks function again as if brand new.

Function of a Drain Cleaner

This product is specifically designed to clear pipes by dissolving blockages or clogs in bathroom and kitchen plumbing that lead to standing water and prevent proper drainage. Consumers may choose between a liquid drain cleaner and one in powder form. Experts do not recommend the purchase of chemical drain cleaners since these are problematic in several respects:

1. They are hazardous to the environment if not disposed of properly, mishandled, or misused
2. The caustic and toxic nature of their ingredients will chew up wood, certain types of pipes, skin, and rubber gloves
3. Users who inhale their fumes can suffer damage to their mouth, nose, and lungs
4. They can wreak havoc on pipes, groundwater, and septic systems

Mechanical Drain Cleaning

One proven, low-cost, and safe method of unclogging obstacles in pipes involves the use of mechanical drain cleaners. These are ecologically-friendly, highly-efficacious, safe, and fast-acting drain cleaning tools. One type of mechanical drain cleaner-the plunger- eliminates under-sink clogs much more effectively than conventional drain cleaners containing sodium hydroxide. The cost of an average plunger generally runs for $5 to $10. Another indispensable plumber’s tool is the cable auger or snake, which consists of a flexible cable made of steel that removes clogs that are lower in the drain line.

To quickly clear a stubborn stoppage or improve slow-draining tubs, consumers may also utilize a water ram.  For lines clogged by ice, sand, or grease, high-pressure water jets are recommended as they flush away the obstacles rapidly and reach areas that cable machines may not be able to access. Homeowners who purchase a jet should choose one with a pulsation device which enables the hose to glide smoothly down the drain.

Optimal drain cleaning equipment

It is critical that homeowners select the right tool for the job. They should first determine which drain needs to be cleaned- bathroom sink, kitchen sink, etc. For single drain clogs, a small or hand-held drain cleaning tool can tackle the problem. For clogs involving multiple drains, a larger machine would be needed since the source of the blockage would likely be in the large line exiting the home.

An electric drain cleaner is easier to handle, is more powerful, and accomplishes the task much quicker than a hand tool. When purchasing an electric drain cleaner, consumers should place a premium on safety by ensuring that it has 1) air-activated foot pedals which clear the floor of any wiring, 2) a ground-fault circuit interrupter, and 3) a slip clutch which protects the cable and prevents harm to the operator’s fingers. On the other hand, a hand device is less likely to incur damage when used by a lay person.

To determine which drain equipment is needed; homeowners should identify the agent most likely responsible for their clogged sinks. For instance, if hair is the culprit, then a sink strainer or screen drain trap and a drain brush would rectify the issue.

Organic and Natural Drain Cleaners

Consumers should opt for drain cleaners that non-toxic, natural, pipe-friendly and environmentally-sound. Natural drain cleaners are economical, easy to use, and healthy alternatives to chemical drain cleaners containing sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and lye. They also act fast in clearing resistant clogged drains and boast the strength of industrial cleaners.

Biological drain cleaners eliminate clogs with the use of bacteria or enzymes and without damaging drain pipes or exposing homeowners to health risks. Consumers can use them in septic systems, garbage disposals, showers, bathtubs, kitchen sinks, and toilets. New bacterial cleaners are able to open and clear drains in less than an hour. Homeowners should not hesitate to ask their plumber for product recommendations.

Drains inside and outside the home are some of the most beneficial appliances you can install as a home owner. Some are necessary, such as shower and bath drains. Others can improve the aesthetic appearance of your home and yard. Knowing how to install them is valuable knowledge that can increase the worth of your home.

Drains

Common household drains include bath drains, sink drains, and shower drains, all of which are necessary in the home. Outdoor drains such as French drains can become necessary as well.

Outdoor Drains

For those who live at lower elevations than others, French drains may be a wise project to assume. Many times, the higher elevation of the property of a neighbor can cause for excess water to accumulate in parts of your lawn. When it rains, the water from higher elevations can flow into your yard, making deep puddles that can flood and drown your plant life or garden. French drains simply provide passage in which the water can flow. Trenches are dug in the problem area of the lawn and filled with gravel and piping to capture the excess water. They can even be covered with artificial turf to make them less noticeable.

While many people are beginning to install piping in the trenches to aid water flow, this is not necessary. The typical French drain is filled only with gravel, but you may choose to install a pipe as well depending on the severity of the flooding.

Indoor Drains

All sinks and bathing areas in a home will require a drain that is in proper working order. A shower drain can be the first drain that worsens in condition and is the most important to repair and replace. Shower drains can be pop up or traditional, and each is relatively simple to install.

Drain Installation

Corrosion, rust, and clogging can lead to the gradual deterioration of the drainage in your home. Because sink and shower drains are exposed to more than just water, their condition has a tendency to worsen as time goes on. To install sink drain or shower drains, one must make sure to purchase parts that will not wear and tear easily. French drains, on the other hand, are usually installed only once and do not require the continual maintenance that is customary with household drains.

Install Shower Drain

Most shower drains are traditional, such as plunger drains. They are called trip lever drains, because there is a lever usually located at or beneath the faucet that stops water. Others do not have trip levers, such as pop up drains. Whichever you choose, you will want to be sure that they are of the correct size. Most will simply need to be screwed on to the existing p-bend.

If you are installing a new p-bend, you may need to remove the existing shower floor in order to expose the pipe. Once you have gained access to the bend, you may remove it with a common household wrench and screwdriver. After installing drain, be sure that all gaps are tightly sealed. Gaps that are not completely sealed can lead to leaks that will damage the area around the drain.

Install French Drain

French drain installation is a simple project that does not always require the help of a professional. With the correct supplies, this is a project that can be completed by one person in a very short amount of time. Depending on the size of the area that you want to drain, the job can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days.

The first step is to dig a trench that is approximately one foot deep and six inches wide. The length should be as long as the area that is being flooded. Use a small shovel or spade to achieve this. If you will be installing a pipe, you should fill the trench one inch deep with washed gravel. Otherwise, fill it to the top, leaving one inch clear for turf. Clean gravel is most appropriate since this will ensure the easy flow of water throughout the drain.

If you choose to install a pipe and/or turf, you will need to make sure to purchase enough to cover the length of the entire trench. Place the pipe over the one inch of gravel. The drain pipe’s upper end should run toward the surface so that you may access it for unclogging if necessary.