Author name: alodn

What Not to Put Down the Drain to Prevent Clogs Every homeowner wants to avoid clogged drains. Knowing what not to put down the drain to prevent clogs can save you time, money, and hassle. Many people don’t realize that common household items can cause big plumbing problems. By learning about these items, you can protect your home’s plumbing system and avoid costly repairs. Why It Matters Your home’s drains are designed to handle liquids, but not all liquids or solids are safe. Putting the wrong things down the drain can lead to blockages, bad odors, and even damage to your plumbing system. Understanding what not to put down the drain helps with drain clog prevention and keeps your pipes flowing smoothly. Top Things You Should Never Put Down the Drain to Avoid Plumbing Problems​ Fats, Oils, and Grease Fats, oils, and grease are common in the kitchen. After cooking, many people pour hot grease down the drain in kitchen sinks, thinking it will wash away. However, as these substances cool, they solidify, sticking to the inner walls of pipes. Over time, this buildup narrows the pipe’s passage, leading to stubborn blockages. In severe cases, it can cause sewer backups and expensive plumbing repairs. Why It’s Bad: Clogs and Blockages: The sticky residue from fats, oils, and grease catches other debris, forming stubborn clogs. Environmental Impact: When washed into the sewer system, these substances contribute to fatbergs—large, solid masses that block public sewer lines. What to do instead: Cool and Dispose: Let fats, oils, and grease cool and harden, then scrape them into a container and throw them in the trash. Reuse or Recycle: Some cooking oils can be reused for frying or baking. Alternatively, check for local recycling programs for used cooking oil. Coffee Grounds Many people assume coffee grounds are harmless because they are small and granular. However, they don’t dissolve in water. Instead, they clump together, forming a thick sludge that sticks to the inside of pipes. When combined with fats, oils, and grease, coffee grounds create a stubborn clog that’s difficult to remove. Why It’s Bad: Sticky Sludge: Coffee grounds mix with grease to form a sludge-like substance that slows down water flow. Pipe Damage: Over time, the accumulation of coffee grounds can corrode pipes, leading to leaks and costly repairs. What to do instead: Compost: Coffee grounds are excellent for composting as they enrich the soil with nitrogen. Trash Disposal: If composting isn’t an option, simply toss them in the trash. Eggshells It’s easy to assume that eggshells would break down in the garbage disposal. However, they break into tiny, sharp pieces that stick to other debris, forming clogs. The membrane inside the shell can also wrap around the disposal’s blades, reducing its efficiency. Why It’s Bad: Sharp Fragments: Eggshell fragments catch other waste, creating stubborn blockages. Garbage Disposal Damage: The membrane can tangle around the disposal’s blades, damaging the motor. What to do instead: Compost: Eggshells are great for compost as they provide calcium to plants. Trash Disposal: If you don’t compost, simply throw them in the trash. Pasta and Rice Pasta and rice expand when exposed to water. Even after cooking, they continue to absorb moisture and swell. If they go down the drain, they can clog pipes by expanding and forming a starchy paste. This paste sticks to the pipe walls, attracting other debris and leading to blockages. Why It’s Bad: Expansion in Pipes: Pasta and rice swell with water, blocking the flow in pipes. Starchy Residue: The sticky starch coats pipes, making it easier for other debris to get trapped. What to do instead: Use a Sink Strainer: A sink strainer catches pasta and rice, preventing them from entering the pipes. Trash Disposal: Discard the collected food particles in the trash. Condoms Can a condom clog a toilet? Yes, it can. Condoms are made of latex or polyurethane, materials that do not break down in water. When flushed, they can easily cause blockages in both residential plumbing and public sewer systems. Worse, they can tangle with other waste, creating massive clogs that require professional removal. Why It’s Bad: Non-Biodegradable: Condoms don’t break down, leading to long-term blockages. Environmental Impact: Flushed condoms can end up in oceans, harming marine life. What to do instead: Wrap and Dispose: Wrap used condoms in tissue or a paper bag and throw them in the trash. More Items to Avoid Flushable Wipes: Despite the label, “flushable” wipes don’t break down like toilet paper. They can get stuck in pipes and cause severe blockages. Paper Towels and Tissues: These are thicker than toilet paper and do not dissolve easily, leading to clogs. Medications and Chemicals: Flushing medications or chemicals can pollute water sources and harm the environment. Produce Stickers: These small stickers do not dissolve and can stick to pipes, causing blockages. Drain Clog Prevention Tips Use Sink Strainers: These catch food, hair, and other debris before they go down the drain. Dispose of Waste Properly: Put food scraps, fats, and oils in the trash, not down the drain or drain in kitchen. Educate Your Household: Make sure everyone knows what not to put down the drain to prevent clogs. What to Do If You Have a Clogged Drain If water is draining slowly or not at all, try using a plunger or drain snake. Avoid chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage your pipes. If the clog persists, call a professional plumber. Protect Your Plumbing System Your home’s plumbing is designed to handle liquids, but not everything should go down the drain. By being careful about what you dispose of, you can prevent clogs and costly repairs. Remember, proper drain clog prevention keeps your plumbing system running smoothly. Keep these tips in mind and protect your home’s pipes today! Call Derks Plumbing for Expert Drain Cleaning in Los Angeles At Derks Plumbing Company Inc., we understand the frustration of clogged drains and the importance of keeping your plumbing system running smoothly. Our team of experienced

How to Get Rid of Smelly Drains? Have you ever been in the middle of a shower, or washing dishes, and noticed an unpleasant odor creeping up from your drain? This is a common issue many homeowners face, but it’s important to understand that the smell could be more than just an inconvenience. Smelly drains often indicate problems in your drainage system. If you ignore these issues, they could lead to bigger problems later. Drains are essential in every home, from your bathroom sink to your kitchen, shower, and laundry room. Since they often carry away water, food particles, soap, and grease, it’s no wonder these can cause odors. But what exactly causes your drain to smell bad? Let’s explore some of the most common reasons in detail. Causes of Smelly Drains in House 1. Build-up of Organic Matter One of the most common reasons for a smelly drain is a build-up of organic matter. Over time, particles such as food scraps, hair, soap scum, and grease accumulate inside the pipes, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. As this organic material decomposes, it releases gasses that have a foul odor, often resembling rotten eggs. In kitchen sinks, food particles from dishes can get stuck in the garbage disposal or pipes. This can cause a slow breakdown that creates a strong, bad smell. In bathroom drains, hair and soap scum can form a sticky residue. This residue sticks to the pipe walls. Over time, it can cause bacteria to grow, leading to bad odors. 2. Blocked Drain Pipes Blockages are another common cause of smelly drains. When there’s a blockage, water can’t flow freely, causing it to stagnate. This stagnant water can lead to bacteria growth, which in turn creates an odor. A blocked drain can happen for many reasons. Common causes include food waste, grease, soap, hair, and foreign objects that fall in. Blocked drains can cause bad smells. They can also slow down how water drains. In serious cases, water may back up into your sink, shower, or tub. If you notice a foul odor along with water draining slowly, this could be a clear sign of a blockage in your drain pipe. 3. Dry P-Trap The P-trap is a u-shaped bend in the pipe located beneath your sink. This plumbing part holds a small amount of water. This water acts as a barrier. It stops bad-smelling sewer gasses from coming up through the pipes and into your home. However, if the P-trap dries out, it can no longer perform this function, allowing odors to escape. P-traps can dry out if someone does not use them for a long time. Guests often find this happens in bathrooms that they do not use regularly. As a result, sewer gasses can rise, causing a noticeable and unpleasant smell. This is often the case in vacant homes or rarely used bathrooms. 4. Mold and Mildew Growth Mold and mildew thrive in dark, damp environments, making your drain pipes an ideal breeding ground. The presence of mold inside your pipes not only slows down drainage but also emits a musty smell that can be quite overpowering. As the mold continues to grow, it releases spores into the air, which contributes to the odor. People often recognize the distinct smell of mold easily. If you think mold is causing your smelly drain, it’s important to deal with it quickly. Mold can cause health problems, especially for people with allergies or breathing issues. 5. Grease Build-up Many people mistakenly pour grease down the drain, thinking it will wash away with water. However, grease often hardens as it cools. It sticks to the insides of your pipes. This creates a coating that traps food particles and debris. This causes bacteria to grow and creates a bad smell that can spread through your kitchen. Grease build-up is a significant issue. It causes bad smells and can lead to serious clogs over time. The hardened grease can constrict water flow, causing drainage issues and making it more difficult to remove the build-up. 6. Garbage Disposal Issues If you have a garbage disposal, it can be a major source of smelly drains, especially if it isn’t properly cleaned. Food particles often trap themselves in the disposal, and over time, they rot and emit an unpleasant smell. If the disposal blades are not sharp, they may have trouble breaking down food. This can cause more build-up and a stronger odor. The smell from a garbage disposal gets stronger when you turn it on. The motor stirs up decomposing particles and releases a strong odor into the air. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to prevent this issue. 7. Sewer Line Issues In some cases, smelly drains could indicate a problem with your home’s sewer line. A cracked or damaged sewer line can cause sewage to leak, which produces a strong, unpleasant odor that travels up through your drains. This issue is serious and needs quick help from a professional plumber. It can cause health risks and lead to more damage to your property. You might notice this problem if you detect a foul odor coming from multiple drains in your home, not just one. Gurgling sounds, slow drainage, or water backing up in multiple fixtures may also accompany the smell. 8. Drain Flies While not as common, drain flies can also contribute to the odor problem in your drains. These tiny insects attract organic matter and standing water in drains. They lay their eggs inside the pipes, and as the eggs hatch, the larvae feed on the organic material, causing a foul smell. Seeing drain flies means there is organic material building up in your pipes. This needs to be fixed to eliminate the odor. DIY Tips for Cleaning and Freshening Drains Don’t wait until your drains are clogged or start to smell before taking action. Follow these simple steps to keep your drains clear and odor-free: Sprinkle ½ cup of baking soda and ¼ cup of salt directly into the drain. Slowly pour

If clogs keep coming back, it may be time to jet a sewer line using hydro jet drain cleaning. To schedule service, call (323) 284-2410.

What is Drain Cleaning and Why is It Important? When we hear or read the word drain cleaning, the first question that comes to mind is “What is drain cleaning?” Drain cleaning is a crucial plumbing service that keeps your pipes, drains, and fixtures working efficiently. Over time, debris, soap scum, grease, hair, and other waste can clog drains. This can cause slow drainage, bad smells, or even serious blockages. Regular drain cleaning can help you avoid costly repairs, plumbing emergencies, and damage to your home. We will explain how it works and why it is important. We will also discuss how professional drain cleaning services can keep your drainage system in good shape. How Does Drain Cleaning Work? Drain cleaning is the process of removing blockages or build-up in the pipes. This helps wastewater flow freely through the plumbing system. Drain cleaning experts use different methods and tools to clean your drains and sewer lines. They remove blockages without harming your pipes. Methods of Drain Cleaning Drain Snaking:  For simple blockage removal tasks, a plumber often starts with a motorized drain auger, or drain snake. This method is commonly the first step in drain cleaning as it can quickly remove common clogs and restore normal water flow. This tool is highly effective and can handle almost any size of blockage, like tree roots in a sewer line. The auger works by sending a flexible, rotating cable down the pipe. It breaks apart or pulls out the blockage, like hair, grease, or other debris. Drain Augers:  Similar to drain snakes, augers are designed for larger pipes, such as those in toilets or sewer lines. The cable on a drain auger is thicker and more robust, making it ideal for breaking up more stubborn clogs. An auger can tackle blockages in pipes ranging from 1½ inches to 3 inches in diameter. Hydro-Jetting:  Hydro-jetting is a strong drain cleaning method. It uses high-pressure water, up to 4000 psi, to remove tough debris, grease, and mineral build-up from your pipes. This method is incredibly effective for deep-cleaning pipes and removing hard-to-reach blockages. It’s especially useful for clearing out sewer drains and removing years of accumulated grime. Chemical Drain Cleaners:  Chemical drain cleaners are available for DIY use. However, they can often harm your plumbing system. This is especially true if you use them often. It removes grease, soap scum, and other types of waste. This formula does not harm your pipes or the environment. Why Is Drain Cleaning Necessary? Maintaining clean drains is essential for the health and efficiency of your plumbing system. Here are some reasons why regular drain cleaning is important: Prevent Blockages:  Over time, hair, grease, soap scum, food particles, and other debris can accumulate in your pipes, leading to clogs. Regular drain cleaning helps remove build-up. This prevents serious blockages that can cause water backups or burst pipes. Eliminate Bad Odors:  When waste materials build up in your pipes, they can start decaying and emitting foul odors that waft back into your home. Professional drain cleaning removes this waste, leaving your home smelling fresh and clean. Protect Your Plumbing System: Clogs can put unnecessary strain on your pipes, leading to cracks, leaks, or even complete pipe failure. Regular drain cleaning helps your plumbing system last longer. It reduces the risk of corrosion and damage. This also lowers the need for expensive repairs. Avoid Costly Repairs:  Drain cleaning is a preventive measure that can save you from expensive emergency plumbing repairs. By fixing small blockages early, you can prevent bigger issues like burst pipes, water damage, or sewage backups. Maintain Efficient Drainage:  Slow-draining sinks, tubs, or toilets can be frustrating and inconvenient. Drain cleaning ensures that water flows smoothly through your pipes, helping your plumbing system function efficiently. Reduce the Risk of Sewer Drain Cleaning Issues:  A clogged drain can sometimes lead to more significant problems with your sewer line. Regular drain cleaning helps stop sewage backups. These backups can be dangerous to your health and lead to costly repairs. Signs You Need Professional Drain Cleaning While some plumbing problems are obvious, others can be hidden away, creating trouble in your system. Ignoring these issues can escalate minor problems into major repairs. Here are some signs you might need plumbing assistance: Low water pressure Discolored water Unpleasant odors from pipes Water stains on walls or ceilings Constantly running toilet If you experience any of these issues, don’t hesitate to contact professional drain cleaning for plumbing solutions. Professional Drain Cleaning in Los Angeles Clogs and leaks typically don’t occur suddenly but rather accumulate gradually over a period. During a routine drain cleaning in Los Angeles, your plumber will look for problems. They will fix these issues before they cause serious damage to your plumbing system. Regular drain cleaning can help you avoid costly repairs and extend the life of your drains. If you’re looking to schedule regular maintenance for your plumbing system, get in touch with the experts at Derks Plumbing today!

To adjust your water heater temperature, locate the thermostat dial on your unit, carefully turn it to the desired setting usually around 120°F and then give the system a few hours to stabilize before testing the water. When I first learned how to adjust water heater temperature, I made a few mistakes that left me with water either too hot to touch or too cold to enjoy. Over the years of working with plumbing systems and helping homeowners, I’ve come to realize that finding the right balance is more than just comfort it is about safety, energy savings, and protecting the life of your heater. Why Temperature Settings Matter The temperature setting on your water heater does more than just control how hot the shower feels. If the setting is too high, there is a risk of burns, especially for kids or elderly family members. Hotter water also speeds up mineral buildup inside the tank and wastes energy. On the other hand, if the temperature is set too low, bacteria like Legionella can grow in stagnant water and make it unsafe. Knowing how to find that middle point is the key. Finding the Best Temperature Range The general recommendation is to keep your water heater set around 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This is usually warm enough to handle daily needs like showers, laundry, and dishes, while still being safe and energy efficient. From my own experience, anything higher than 130 tends to cause scaling inside the tank, while lower than 120 makes hot water run out faster and feels lukewarm in colder months. Steps to Adjust an Electric Water Heater Adjusting an electric water heater might seem intimidating at first, but it is a fairly simple process as long as you take the right safety steps. The key is to move slowly, make small changes, and allow the system time to adjust before testing the water. Here is a clear step-by-step approach you can follow: Turn off the power at the circuit breaker to stay safe while working. Remove the access panel on the side of the tank to reach the thermostat. Locate the small dial inside the compartment. Use a flat screwdriver to gently turn the dial toward hotter or cooler depending on your needs. Make small adjustments and give the heater a few hours to stabilize before testing the water. Check the temperature by running hot water for a minute and using a thermometer. Replace the cover panel securely and then turn the breaker back on. Safety Tips to Keep in Mind When you are learning how to adjust water heater temperature, always think about safety first. Never touch wiring without cutting power, and wear gloves when handling metal panels. After adjustments, test the water by running a faucet for a full minute and using a kitchen thermometer to check the reading. I have seen homeowners trust the dial markings only to realize later that the actual temperature was much higher. Signs You May Need Professional Help Sometimes adjusting the temperature is not enough, and if your heater does not respond to changes, produces inconsistent hot water, or shows leaks and rust, it may be time for repair or replacement. What may seem like a simple thermostat issue can often point to a failing heating element or deeper damage inside the tank, and that is when calling Derks Plumbing for professional water heater installation and repair is the best choice to restore your system and keep your home comfortable.d Final Thoughts Learning how to adjust water heater temperature is one of those skills that every homeowner should know. It is simple once you do it a few times and it makes a real difference in comfort, safety, and even your utility bills. From my own experience, patience and small adjustments are the key. Test carefully, take your time, and don’t be afraid to call a professional if the heater still gives you trouble. FAQs on How to Adjust Water Heater Temperature What temperature should I set my water heater to? The recommended setting is 120°F. It is hot enough for daily use, energy efficient, and safe from scalding risks. How do I know if my water heater temperature is too high? If water feels scalding within seconds or your energy bills rise unexpectedly, the thermostat is likely set too high. How long does it take for the new setting to take effect? Most water heaters take 2 to 4 hours to adjust after changing the thermostat. Can I change the water heater temperature myself? Yes, most homeowners can safely adjust the temperature, but always turn off the power for electric models and use caution with gas units. What if the water temperature does not change after adjusting? If the heater does not respond, it may be a faulty thermostat, heating element, or another issue. In that case, it’s best to call a professional for repair.