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Tag: Drain cleaner

how to get rid of smelly drains in bathroom

How To Get Rid of Smelly Drains in Your Bathroom

Written by Al Coronado Plumbing on . Posted in Blog Post.

You don’t want to deal with foul scents in your bathroom — especially not coming from drains and toilets. That’s why we’re here to help.

Al Coronado Plumbing provides comprehensive services to eliminate health hazards and unpleasant smells related to your plumbing. As the leading plumbers in Green Valley, AZ, we can provide some information on how to get rid of smelly drains in bathrooms using simple, safe methods. We’ll also let you know when it’s time to call our team in for help.

Why Does This Problem Occur?

Let’s first look at the most common reasons for drain odors:

  • The buildup of organic matter. Hair, soap scum, and other debris create a breeding ground for bacteria.
  • Dry P-trap. If the water in your P-trap evaporates, sewer gases can escape into your living space.
  • Biofilm formation. A slimy bacterial layer in the pipes can emit foul smells.
  • Blocked vent pipes. Vent pipes expel sewer gases. Blockages can force them back into your bathroom.
  • Sewer line problems. Cracks or clogs in the main sewer line often cause persistent odors.

Simple Methods To Eliminate This Issue

You don’t need store-bought drain cleaners to address a problem. Try these safe, simple methods instead.

Start With a Hot Water Flush

One of the easiest ways to tackle odors is by flushing the pipes with hot water. This method can dissolve minor clogs and wash away bacteria.

Simply:

  • Boil a pot of water.
  • Slowly pour the water down the drain.
  • Repeat if necessary.

Try Baking Soda and Vinegar

A natural and safe solution is combining baking soda and vinegar. These two household staples work together to neutralize odors and dissolve organic buildup in the pipes.

Here’s the procedure:

  • Pour a ½ cup of baking soda into the drain.
  • Add a ½ cup of vinegar and let it fizz for 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Flush with hot water to clear debris.

Use a Plunger for Stubborn Clogs

If the odors persist, there may be a blockage that’s trapping substances in the pipes.

Try a plunger to dislodge clogs:

  • Seal overflow openings with a wet cloth.
  • Place the plunger over the drain and press firmly.
  • Push and pull several times to loosen clogs.
  • Afterward, run the water to check if the odor is gone.

When To Call a Professional

If the simple methods we’ve described don’t resolve the issues, expert assistance is necessary. A professional Tucson plumber can address persistent odors with drain and trap cleaning as part of a thorough assessment.

Also, call for expert help when multiple drains emit bad smells, or you see signs of sewer line issues like backups or unusual gurgling sounds.

Call Al Coronado Plumbers for Drain and Sewer Issues in Tucson

Determining how to get rid of smelly drains in bathrooms is often a job for a professional. Whether you have persistent clogs, smells, a toilet backing up, or any other household plumbing issue, let Al Coronado Plumbing help.

Call our friendly experts at (520) 834-8400 to schedule prompt and efficient service!

can you put drain cleaner down a garbage disposal

Can You Put Drain Cleaner Down a Garbage Disposal?

Written by Al Coronado Plumbing on . Posted in Plumbing.

Many people wonder, “Can you put drain cleaner down a garbage disposal?”  But instead of waiting to find out the answer, they dump the cleaner down the drain and hope for the best. When dealing with a garbage disposal drain blockage, it’s not unusual to want to get back to the normal routine.

After all, food waste piles up fast. However, don’t make the mistake of thinking you can put drain cleaner down the garbage disposal. Pay attention to the following advice from Tucson’s plumbing contractor, who takes care of the local community with five-star service.

Garbage Disposals and Drain Cleaners

There are two major reasons you shouldn’t use drain cleaners.

They Are Environmentally Unsound

Assuring safe, effective waste management means more than removing bagged garbage from city centers and dumping it out of sight. Waste removal doesn’t just deal with bags or dumpsters full of garbage that you can transport via hands or trucks, either.

Everything we use, from trash bags to cleaners, demands safe disposal, including wastewater containing drain cleaners.

Drain cleaners contain harmful ingredients that burn the skin and cause severe injuries, including death if ingested.

You don’t want to dump them down the drain and hope for the best. Drain cleaners dumped down the garbage disposal flow into wastewater management sites, where they merge with other water sources. Dumping drain cleaner down a garbage disposal qualifies as environmentally unsound.

So, while the answer to the question, “Can you put drain cleaner down a garbage disposal?” is technically yes, you shouldn’t if you want to reduce your carbon footprint.

Most Clogs Resist Them

Despite wreaking havoc on the environment, chemical cleaners don’t remove clogs that well. They work on a more superficial level, and they corrode plumbing. They can damage garbage disposal pipes, plastic parts, and other metal parts.

A professional plumber provides the most effective clog removal because they have the tools to deal with a clog, know what’s causing it, and repair or replace parts as necessary. This saves money and time because the professionals won’t have to correct drain clean problems.

Besides, a clog might not be the problem. A malfunctioning garbage disposal could also be due to:

  • Worn-out parts
  • The age of the unit
  • The kitchen sink

After clearing the clog, commit to getting disposal maintenance as recommended. Keeping the garbage clean and tuned up complies with the warranty and also prevents small clogs from becoming big problems.

Professional plumbers can help keep your house running smoothly while helping you avoid plumbing-related headaches down the road.

Contact Al Coronado Plumbing for Garbage Disposal Maintenance and Other Plumbing Needs

Now that you know the answer to, “Can you put drain cleaner down a garbage disposal?” hire Tucson’s premier plumbing team, Al Coronado Plumbing, to care for your garbage disposal. We can further explain why there are no drain cleaners safe for pipes and keep your pipes clean with our five-star work.

Call us at 520-834-8400 for garbage disposal maintenance and other plumbing maintenance, repair, or replacement needs.