Tag: clogged drain

If you’re someone who loves to cook with olive oil, you may be wondering what to do with the oil once you’re finished using it. You may have one question: “Can you pour olive oil down the drain?” While it may seem like a convenient way to dispose of the oil, the truth is that pouring olive oil down the drain can cause a number of problems. 

 

In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why you shouldn’t pour olive oil down the drain, as well as provide alternative options for disposing of your used cooking oil. Whether you’re looking to reuse, recycle, compost, or throw the oil in the trash, we’ve got you covered with safe and responsible disposal methods.

Can You Pour Olive Oil Down The Drain?

The short answer is no; you should not pour olive oil down the drain. While it may seem like a convenient way to get rid of cooking oil, it can actually cause a number of problems in your plumbing.

 

When olive oil is poured down the drain, it can solidify and clog pipes. This can lead to costly plumbing repairs and can even cause sewage backups. In addition to causing problems in your own home, pouring oil down the drain can also contribute to larger environmental issues. Oil that makes its way into sewage treatment plants or bodies of water can harm wildlife and ecosystems.

How to Dispose of Olive Oil

So, if you can’t pour olive oil down the drain, what should you do with it? Here are a few options for safely disposing of your used cooking oil:

Reuse Olive Oil

Reusing olive oil is a great way to reduce waste and save money on cooking ingredients. If you only used a small amount of oil for cooking, it may still be good for future use. Just be sure to strain out any food particles and store the oil in a clean, airtight container. It’s generally best to use the oil within a month or so, as it can start to rancid over time.

 

When reusing olive oil, it’s important to pay attention to the quality of the oil. If it has a strange smell or taste, or if it looks cloudy or has sediment, it’s best to dispose of it and start with a fresh bottle. Using old, rancid oil can affect the flavor and quality of your dishes.

Recycle Olive Oil

Many cities and towns now offer programs for recycling cooking oil, including olive oil. You can often bring your used cooking oil to a designated drop-off location, where it will be collected and properly disposed of. This is a great option if you have a large amount of oil to dispose of, as it ensures that it is properly handled.

 

Recycling cooking oil is not only good for the environment, it can also have practical benefits. Used cooking oil can be processed and turned into biofuels, which can be used as a renewable energy source.

Compost Olive Oil

If you have a compost bin, you can also add small amounts of used cooking oil to your compost pile. Just be sure to mix it in well and keep the amount small, as excess oil can attract pests and cause odors. It’s also a good idea to avoid composting heavily-flavored oils, such as garlic or chili oil, as they can affect the smell of your compost.

 

Adding small amounts of used cooking oil to your compost can provide valuable nutrients for your plants. The oil can help to attract worms and other beneficial microorganisms to your compost pile, which can help to break down organic matter and improve soil quality.

Throw Olive Oil in the Trash

While it may not be the most environmentally-friendly option, sometimes throwing olive oil in the trash is the best or only option. If you only have a small amount of oil to dispose of and don’t have access to a recycling program or compost bin, it’s generally safe to throw the oil in the trash. Just be sure to let the oil cool first, so it doesn’t leak out of the garbage bag. It’s also a good idea to wrap the oil in a few layers of newspaper or a paper towel to contain any spills.

Don’t Let a Clogged Drain Ruin Your Day – Contact Custom Plumbing of Arizona for Expert Help!

As we’ve discussed, the answer to the question “Can you pour olive oil down the drain?” is a resounding no. However, if you’ve accidentally poured olive oil down the drain and are experiencing plumbing issues, contact the professionals at Custom Plumbing of Arizona at 602-866-2665. Our team of experienced plumbers is available 24/7 to help you get your pipes back in working order.

Posted on Author adminCategories Drain CleaningTags , Leave a comment on Can You Pour Olive Oil Down the Drain?

If you are facing a clogged drain in your home, then the time has come to think outside the box and look into high velocity water jetting services like those offered by Custom Plumbing of Arizona. 

Water jetting is a powerful method for quickly clearing a clog that can save you from having to call in a professional plumber all the time. With enough pressure, water can even cut through diamonds with ease! This article details how you will find out how water jetting is used, the cost,  as well as how it benefits your home or business. 

What is High Velocity Water Jetting?

If your drains are blocked, high velocity water jetting is a technique that can clear your drains in next to no time at all. This process pushes water at a tremendous velocity through your pipes and helps break down and remove any debris accumulated in your drains. 

Blocked drains can often cause toilets, sinks, and basins to malfunction as the water doesn’t drain away as quickly as it should. Many people try to use chemical drain cleaners, and although they can be helpful, they can also cause the condition of your pipes to deteriorate.  As a result, high velocity water jetting will unblock your pipes quickly and safely to unclog your drains.

 

How Does it Work?

Hydro jetting requires specialized tools that force water through your plumbing system at high pressures. Before beginning, your plumber will inspect your pipes to make sure they are not too damaged to withstand the high velocity water jetting process. Once the plumber approves your pipes for hydro jetting, they will insert a jetting hose into your plumbing system and begin pumping water into it at an appropriate pressure.

Depending on your system’s condition, your plumber will adjust the pressure to avoid damaging your pipes. High velocity water jetting can clear your pipes of many different types of debris–grease, dirt, and even solid objects are no match for highly pressurized water! This type of plumbing work should always be performed by a professional to avoid causing expensive damage to your plumbing system.

 

Benefits of High Velocity Water Jetting

There are many benefits to high velocity water jetting, including: 

  • It works well

Your plumbing pipes are blasted with water using water jetting, which uses a high-pressure hose. The combination of high-pressure and water makes for a very effective method of cleaning and clearing any obstructions inside your pipes without causing damage.

In addition, water jetting clears the obstruction out of the line, while other techniques like snaking may only partially do so.

 

  • It saves you money

Even though water jetting your plumbing may be more expensive upfront than other options, it will save you money in the long run. Other plumbing problems, such as a damaged pipe or leak, which can be expensive to repair, can be avoided with clean and clear plumbing.

 

  • Environmentally friendly

High velocity water jetting is an environmentally friendly way to clean surfaces. The water is propelled through the air at high speed and can quickly remove large amounts of dirt, dust, and debris. This process is also safe for the environment since it does not use gas or chemicals.

 

How Much Does it Cost

If you’re considering a water jet treatment for your home, the first question is how much it costs. Prices for high velocity water jetting can vary widely depending on the machine and the location. Generally, prices start at around $250  and go up from there.

 

Ready To Get Your Water Jetting Job Done By Professionals? 

You don’t have to spend your days in extreme boredom and frustration wondering when you’re going to see a clean pipe again. Contact Custom Plumbing of Arizona at 602-883-2761 today for high velocity water jetting; our team of trained plumbing experts will come out and give you the relief and satisfaction that comes with having clear pipes again!

In addition, our team of experts can help you determine which type of water jetting is best for your specific needs and give you a detailed estimate of what it will cost.

Posted on Author webdevCategories Commercial Plumbing Service, Plumbing Service & Repair Phoenix AZ, Pumping SystemTags , , Leave a comment on High Velocity Water Jetting: Is It Right For You?

Whether it’s clogged drains, backed-up sinks, or a flooded basement, we all have had to deal with some kind of drain blockage that won’t go away. In this article, learn how to fix these issues safely and effectively by using a few simple ingredients and items in your kitchen cabinet.

How Does Baking Soda Unclog a Drain?

Baking soda is a kitchen staple that can work wonders to clean drains that are smelly and clogged. In kitchen drains, common clogs come from fat, oil, and grease. For bathroom drains, baking soda is a great way to clean drains that are smelly and clogged. In kitchen drains, common clogs come from fat, oil, and grease. For bathroom drains, clogs often form from hair and scum from personal products. So before using chemical drain cleaners or disassembling the drain trap, try baking soda to see if it does the trick.

How to Clean a Clogged Drain With Baking Soda and Vinegar

If you’re having trouble getting your drains cleared, you may want to try using baking soda and vinegar. Here are some clogged drain baking soda techniques:

  • Heat Boiling Water

Boiling water can be heated in a large microwave-safe measuring cup or a tea kettle on the stovetop.

  • Pour Boiling Water and Dish Soap Into the Drain

Squirt a bit of dish soap into the drain and slowly pour boiling water down the drain. The dish soap will help dissolve the grease and clean the drain.

  • Pour Baking Soda Into the Drain

Pour one cup of baking soda into your sink or a bucket. If your sink is too small to pour directly down, use a funnel or measure out the amount you need and pour it in.

  • Follow With Vinegar

Pour a cup of vinegar into the drain and then pour a cup of baking soda after it. You’ll see some bubbling. The reaction will help clean your pipes and remove any build-up from the pipes.

  • Flush With More Hot Water

Wait five minutes after the pipes stop fizzing and flush two cups of water through your drain. Use boiling water if necessary to clean it out. If it still doesn’t work, repeat the preceding instructions.

How to Clean a Clogged Drain With Salt and Baking Soda

If the baking soda and vinegar didn’t work, use a clogged drain baking soda technique with salt. Do this at night to prevent any more waste from accumulating.

  • Pour Baking Soda Into the Drain

Add one cup of baking soda to the clogged drain.

  • Pour Salt Into the Drain

Add 1/2 cup of salt to the baking soda. You can let this combination sit in the drain overnight.

  • Flush With Boiling Water

In the morning, heat two cups of water to a boil, then pour this hot water into the sink. 

  • Flush With Tap Water

If the clog begins to release, continue to flush with hot tap water. If not, you may need to repeat the process or try the baking soda and vinegar method. Moreover, if neither works, it is likely that you will need to disassemble the drain trap to clear the clog.

No More Clogged Drains With Custom Plumbing of Arizona 

If using baking soda, salt, and vinegar to break up a clog doesn’t work, you might need to call a plumber. Custom Plumbing of Arizona can help you get the drainage problem fixed quickly and effectively. To find out more about our drain cleaning services, contact us at 602-883-2761.

Posted on Author adminCategories Emergency Plumber, Drain Cleaning, Plumbing Service & Repair Phoenix AZTags , Leave a comment on Clogged Drain Baking Soda Fix: How to Clear Your Drain Safely

Got a smelly shower drain? Check out some of the reasons for the unpleasant odors here, as well as some helpful tips.

A hideous smell from the shower drain will deter you from feeling clean. Showering is an essential part of the daily routine of most people. Getting into the shower is an expectation that you will smell the scent of soap. There are times when problems with the shower drain, such as mildew or sewer odors can get in, and you cut your shower short.

There is nothing worse than smelling the odor of your shower drain rising up in the air since it can feel too embarrassing. The truth is, however, that drains often come with unpleasant odors.

 

It is often possible to clear up a smelly shower drain with a good clean of the trap and drain. Still, sometimes the smell can be a sign of something more serious that requires the help of a professional plumber. Depending on the cause, we can attribute the smelly shower to various reasons.

4 Possible Reasons for a Smelly Shower Drain

It is important to note the unpleasant smell you notice in the bathroom when a shower drain makes your nose wrinkle. This way, you can identify the possible source of the smell. Following are some possible reasons behind the smelly shower drain.

●     Clogged Drains

It is important to clean your shower drain regularly. Several reasons may contribute to it becoming blocked, including hair that can accumulate in soap scum, debris, or the P-Trap.

A solid clog can result in unpleasant odors emanating from the shower as a result. Such clogs can easily be cleaned up using the right tools, chemical solutions, or a professional’s help.

How to Clear a Drain Clog

To clear out a drain clog, you’ll need to take off the face shield on your plunger to get a better grip before plunging it into the blockage. Common causes of smelly shower drain like this can be very difficult because it requires you to use one hand inside the dirty p-trap while using the other for the plunge – which is uncomfortable at best.

●     Problem with the P-trap

P-trap problems are common issues. The P-trap may cause an unpleasant smell that appears in your bathroom after a shower if it smells like a sewer. There is a U-shaped pipe underneath your shower drain where the water passes.

If you can see it, you will be able to see how it works. It is called the P-trap. Its purpose is to prevent sewage gasses from returning up the pipe and into the bathroom by holding a small amount of water at all times.

How to Clean Shower P-Traps

When cleaning this section of pipe, check the trap for debris. A paper towel or old rag can help unclog its passage if it appears that something is blocking it.

To fill the P-trap completely with no air pockets, take care to remove all debris from inside the tub, then fill the tub with cold water. By flushing out other blockages, the bad smell can be eliminated.

●     Biofilms build-up

Biofilm is another common cause of shower odor. It is possible to build up biofilm inside the shower drain and on the shower wall, resulting in musty, unpleasant odors. You are likely suffering from mold or a biofilm inside the shower drain if the drain smells like mildew.

Biofilm can have negative health effects. The bathtub drain and the rest of your shower need to be cleaned to avoid these dangers and odors. It is possible that your drain needs to be jetted or cleaned by a professional if it still smells mildew despite your best efforts. It is an inexpensive and simple fix.

How to fix it?

For a biofilm problem to be solved, you will need to use a special enzyme-based product that targets bacteria and germs. Additionally, you will also require a few other techniques.

In many cases, unclean maintenance of these areas in the shower drain is at the root of the problem, leading to build-up.

●     Pipes with leaks

It may be that your shower drain still smells if the water is draining well and the pipes are not clogged with hair or biofilm. You will smell rotten eggs from your shower drain if there are leaks in your bathroom wall or under the shower, allowing sewer gasses to escape.

 

For sewer gasses to be contained, they need to come from the P-trap, and if they don’t, there is a leak somewhere in the drain line.

 

Usually, shower leaks result in rotten egg-like odors because sulfurous gasses are expelled through the drain system. Shower drain smells can be caused by corrosion on your pipes and by loose joints such as those below your toilet seat or on the taps on your sink.

How to Fix it?

Changing corroded joints in your drain system to tighten them and replacing sections of pipe that could be rusting are both things you can do to get rid of shower smells emanating from your drain system.

As daunting as this task may seem, it is absolutely necessary to maintain a safe interior living environment within the bathroom to maintain the quality of life there.

Final Verdict for Your Smelly Shower Drain

The smell of a smelly shower drain or, even worse, stench spread throughout your home due to leaks, and other causes aren’t desirable. To prevent unwanted odors and other health hazards, it is essential to identify and address problems at the earliest possible time.

A professional plumber can handle all of your plumbing issues in your home, inspecting and resolving any issues that might arise.

Posted on Author adminCategories Plumbing Service & Repair Phoenix AZTags , Leave a comment on Smelly Shower Drain? This Could Be Why

A clogged drain can happen for many reasons. It can start as a minor annoyance, but in a little time, it can balloon into a serious problem that causes major damage and requires costly repairs. That’s probably the last thing that you need right now, right?

So why not learn more about why clogged drains happen and how to prevent them?

If that sounds good to you, keep reading below about six possible reasons for your clogged drain.

Toilet Paper

Let’s start in the bathroom. We all use the toilet pretty much every day, so it should come as no surprise that one of the most common reasons clogs happen is because of a blockage in the toilet. And it’s not always the fault of No. 2. In fact, clogged toilets usually occur because we use too much toilet paper. One way to prevent that from happening is to limit the amount of TP that goes into the toilet in the first place.

Soap

Isn’t soap supposed to clean things and not make them dirty? It turns out, when it comes to your pipes, soap can actually make things less clean. That’s because many soaps are made from fat, which can turn into soap scum when combined with minerals in hard water. Not only does soap scum stain bathroom fixtures, but also it can build up in pipes, causing a clogged drain. To prevent soap scum from building up in your drain, be sure to clear out any deposits with hot water regularly.

Hair

In the shower, one of the primary reasons that drains get clogged is because of hair buildup. While hair clogs can be difficult to remove if they are left for too long, the prevention is pretty simple: get a catch guard for your shower drain and make sure that they are clear.

Mineral Deposits

In areas that rely on hard water, mineral deposits can get so bad that they completely block the pipes. If you don’t want a clogged drain to get in your way, you might want to consider installing a water softener.

Dirt

Whether in the shower, in the kitchen sink, or in the pipes that drain the washing machine, dirt buildup is another common reason people experience a clogged drain. Don’t want a drain clog from excess dirt? Prevention is as simple as shaking as much off outside as possible before washing.

Food

Some people think that food waste is okay to put down the sink if you have a garbage disposal. These people are wrong. While it is perfectly fine to allow a small piece or two to go down, you shouldn’t ever put chunks of food down the sink, even with a disposal. Put your food waste in the garbage, or better yet, start composting.

Got a Clogged Drain? Contact the Experts at Custom Plumbing

Need help with a particularly tricky clog? Get in touch with us today! We’ll get your pipes running smoothly again.

Posted on Author Vince VinceCategories Residential Plumbing Services, Commercial Plumbing Service, Emergency PlumberTags