Dealing with clogged drains can be a nightmare. Fortunately, these are simple tricks that you can do to fix this plumbing issue. In most cases, clogged drains can be fixed by simply removing the blockage that causes the flooding. Soap and hair are two of the most common causes of clogged drains. If you take out the build-up in the pipes, the drain, sink, shower and tub will work normally again. However, there are times when the problem may require stronger tools and solutions. In hardware stores, you can find many chemical solutions that can assist you in clearing the clogged drain. These chemical solutions generally come in three different forms: liquid, pressurized and granular. Granular and liquid solutions have lye (sodium hydroxide) as a major ingredient while pressurized solutions use chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) to get rid of clogs.

Regardless of how careful you are drains are bound to clog at some point. But if you are proactive, you can keep particles from building up and forming a stubborn clog. Try these cleaning and maintenance tips to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Do’s

1. Clean drain stoppers on a regular basis. Residues and solid particles get caught in the stoppers. If you fail to clean them, the stoppers may break and cause clogs.

2. Observe any sign of blockage. If you notice even just a slight flooding when you take a shower, fix the problem right away..

3. Keep a plunger handy.

4. Let boiling water run through the pipes to soften grease which is one of the major causes of clogs in drains and sinks. Be sure to sprinkle some baking soda to dislodge nasty deposits. Vinegar works fine too.

5. When using granular drain-cleaning solutions, be sure to remove the stagnant water first. If you are using liquid, there is no need for you to remove standing water.

6. Carefully read the instructions and warnings indicated on the anti-clog solution.

Don’t s

1. Fix the problem before the clog completely blocks the drain.

2. Avoid pouring grease or any greasy product such as bacon grease down the drain.

3. Never mix two types of chemical solutions when dealing with clogs.

4. Refrain from emptying food containers in the sink.

5. Never flush napkins, toilet paper and baby wipes down the toilet.

6. Do not use bleach in cleaning tubs, drains and sinks as they may damage pipes, causing deterioration which may block the pipes.

7. Don’t use plungers after putting in chemical solution to prevent it from splashing back.

8. If you have called a plumber to help, be sure to inform him what chemical solutions you have used.

Before using any chemical solution, try the vinegar-water-baking soda technique first. These don’t contain toxic ingredients which may harm your health. Most clogs caused by grease build up can be easily fixed by using half a cup of baking soda and salt. Pour them down the drain with the aid of boiling hot water. Let the solution sit for 12 hours or so to make sure that the grease is completely absorbed.

After learning all this interesting information about dealing with clogged drains (in Norwegian the term is Sluk), it is good to remember that for more serious issues, you actually need the services of a plumber (in Norwegian – r