Yes, a plunger can sometimes make a clogged drain worse. Using it after a chemical drain cleaner, using the wrong type, or plunging too hard can splash harmful liquid, push a blockage deeper or put stress on loose drain parts. A plunger is still a common and useful first tool for many simple clogs. The…
A drain may clog again soon after it was cleared because only part of the blockage was removed, or because the real cause is still in the line. A small opening through a clog can let water pass for a few days before debris catches and seals it up again. When a clog returns quickly,…
A shower drain usually clogs because hair tangles with soap scum and other residue until water can no longer pass through easily. Small objects, such as bottle caps or razor covers, and a blockage farther down the drain line can also be the cause. Shower clogs are one of the most common drain problems in…
There is no single schedule for how often drains should be cleaned. Many homes only need a drain cleaned when it starts to slow down or show other signs, while busy kitchens, large buildings and drains with a history of problems may benefit from regular checks. How often a drain needs attention depends on how…
A drain often smells bad because food, hair, soap and other gunk have built up inside it and started to break down. A drain that is rarely used, a dirty sink overflow or a problem elsewhere in the plumbing can also cause odors. A smell does not always mean something is wrong with the pipes.…
You should never pour cooking oil, grease or fat down a kitchen drain. It is also wise to keep coffee grounds, eggshells, starchy food scraps and harsh chemicals out of the sink, since these can add to buildup inside the pipes. A kitchen drain handles more food waste than any other drain in most homes.…
Low water pressure can be a sign of a hidden leak, but it is often caused by something else. Clogged faucet screens, a partly closed valve, heavy water use in the building or work on city water lines can all lower pressure too. Because so many things can affect pressure, it is rarely enough on…
No, a water stain on the ceiling does not always mean there is a plumbing leak. It can also come from a roof or window leak, condensation, an air conditioner, or an old leak that was fixed long ago. A stain shows that water reached that spot at some point. It does not show where…
You can use your water meter to check for a leak by reading it, making sure no water is used for a couple of hours, and then reading it again. If the meter moved while nothing was running, water may be leaking somewhere in the system. This simple test does not show where a leak…
Yes, a water leak can lead to mold if materials stay wet long enough. Mold needs moisture to grow, so a leak that keeps wood, drywall, carpet or cabinets damp can give it the conditions it needs. Not every leak causes mold, and not every musty smell means mold is present. Still, the link between…