Category: Clogs

Why Does My Toilet Keep Clogging?

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Dealing with a toilet that frequently clogs can be a significant inconvenience, pointing to underlying issues in your plumbing system that need attention.

By having experts at Mallick Plumbing & Heating – who help identify and resolve persistent toilet clogs with effective solutions like drain cleaning, hydro jetting, and regular sewer line maintenance – understanding the common causes of these clogs can help you prevent them in the future and maintain a more efficient plumbing system. 

Common Causes of Toilet Clogs

1. Non-Flushable Items: One of the top reasons for clogged toilets is the flushing of items that should not be disposed of in this manner. Products such as wipes (even those labeled as flushable), feminine hygiene products, cotton swabs, and dental floss can obstruct your plumbing, leading to severe blockages.

2. Older Low-Flow Toilets: Early models of low-flow toilets often lack the necessary pressure to effectively clear their internal trap and drain, resulting in frequent clogs. These toilets are designed to conserve water but sometimes fall short on performance.

3. Blocked Trap: The trap, an S-shaped pipe under the toilet bowl, can easily become clogged with waste or non-soluble materials, preventing proper flushing and leading to backups.

4. Clogged Plumbing Vent: Plumbing systems include vents to allow air into the pipes, facilitating smooth water flow. If these vents are obstructed by external debris like leaves or nests, it can decrease air pressure and disrupt drainage, causing the toilet to clog frequently.

5. Main Sewer Line Issues: If there are broader issues with your main sewer line, including tree root intrusion or severe blockages from accumulated debris, it can manifest as recurring clogs in your toilets. These issues can affect your entire home’s plumbing and require immediate professional attention.

Professional Solutions from Mallick Plumbing & Heating

Drain Cleaning: Regular professional drain cleaning is crucial to remove build-ups and minor blockages in your toilet’s plumbing. Mallick Plumbing & Heating provides expert cleaning services that can prevent clogs before they become serious problems.

Hydro Jetting: For tougher or recurrent clogs, hydro jetting is an effective method. This technique uses high-pressure water streams to clear out blockages and scrub the interior surfaces of your pipes, eliminating buildup that could lead to future clogs.

Sewer Line Inspections: Regular inspections of your sewer line can preempt issues that lead to toilet clogs. Mallick Plumbing & Heating uses advanced camera technology to inspect sewer lines and identify any potential problems, such as cracks, obstructions, or tree root infiltrations.

To receive expert solutions and professional service, call Mallick Plumbing & Heating today at (301) 804-6759!

DIY Tips and When to Call a Professional

  • Mind What You Flush: Educate your household about what can and cannot be flushed. Keeping a waste bin beside the toilet can help prevent inappropriate items from being flushed.

  • Use the Right Tools: A flange plunger is more effective for toilets and can be used to clear minor clogs before they worsen.

  • Regular Cleaning: Keep your toilet and its surrounding plumbing clean to avoid mineral buildup and smaller blockages.

If your efforts to resolve frequent clogs are unsuccessful, it’s time to call the professionals at Mallick Plumbing & Heating at (301) 804-6759. Persistent issues often indicate more complex problems within your plumbing system that require expert intervention.

Preventing Clogs: Tips and Tricks for a Trouble-Free Plumbing System in Gaithersburg, Maryland

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Is there anything more frustrating than a sink clog disrupting your daily routine? Whether it’s the bathroom or kitchen sink, clogs can be a real headache. With a common issue like clogs potentially arriving at any time, it’s essential to take proactive steps to prevent clogs and keep your drain system running smoothly. With over 29 years of experience, Mallick Plumbing and Heating is here to offer you some valuable tips and tricks for a trouble-free plumbing system.

1. Mind What Goes Down the Drain

One of the most effective ways to prevent clogs is to be mindful of what you allow into your drain system. Avoid pouring grease, coffee grounds, food scraps, and hair down the drain. Use a sink strainer or a screen in your bathroom sink to catch debris and prevent it from entering the drain in the first place.

2. Regularly Clean Your Drains

Regular drain cleaning is crucial to maintaining a clog-free plumbing system. You can use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda as a natural DIY cleaner to help prevent buildup. However, for a thorough cleaning, consider professional drain cleaning services from Mallick Plumbing and Heating to remove stubborn clogs and buildup.

3. Don’t Use Drain Cleaning Products

It may seem easy and effective to drive to your nearest hardware store, purchase some drain cleaner in a plastic bottle and pour it down your drain to loosen your clog. But in reality, the chemical drain cleaner will do more harm than good – potentially eroding your pipes over time and leading to future leaks.

4. Avoid Overfilling the Sink

When using your kitchen or bathroom sink, avoid overfilling it with water. Overfilling can put extra strain on your plumbing system, making it more susceptible to clogs. Instead, use an appropriate amount of water for the task at hand and allow it to drain properly before adding more.

5. Schedule Regular Maintenance

Prevention is key when it comes to maintaining a trouble-free plumbing system. Schedule routine plumbing maintenance with Mallick Plumbing & Heating or sign up for a maintenance contract with Mallick Plumbing & Heating to have your pipes and drains professionally inspected. Our experts can identify and address potential clogged-prone areas before they become major problems.

By following these tips and tricks, you can help ensure a clog-free plumbing system in your Maryland home. However, if you do encounter stubborn clogs or drainage issues, don’t hesitate to contact Mallick Plumbing and Heating for professional drain cleaning and plumbing services. We’re here to keep your plumbing system flowing smoothly, so you can enjoy a hassle-free life.

Think you have a Clog? Leave it to the experts at Mallick Plumbing & Heating by calling them at(301) 804-6759!

5 Things You Should Know About Your Home’s Plumbing

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It is important to leave plumbing matters to the professionals, but there are somethings homeowners must know about their plumbing system. Keep reading for the top five things you should know about your home’s plumbing.

How Old Is Your Water Heater?

For those with a water heater, it is easy to forget or disregard the age of your water heater especially if you have not replaced it since you purchased your home. However, the age of your water heater could be crucial to the longevity of your plumbing system.

The age of your water heater is important information because:

  • The validity of your warranty
  • Whether you need to replace it
  • When regular maintenance is due
  • Home insurance coverage

If it is time to replace the water heater, you should do so as soon as possible. If your water heater has a few years before recommended replacement, you should contact a plumber about regular maintenance and get their recommendation for when to make a replacement later on.

Additionally, if the water heater is too old it may also be past warranty, or your home insurance plan may not cover damage that results from a breakdown.

Locating Your Water Valve

In case of emergencies like flooding or overflowing, you should know where your 3water valve is and how to shut it off to prevent worsening conditions. If a toilet is overflowing or a washer is flooding, it is crucial that you stop the flow at the source as soon as possible. Flooding can damage your home beyond repair and cost you dearly. Knowing where the valve is and how to turn it off is important for the safety of your home and the lifespan of your plumbing system.

What Your Incoming Water Pressure Is

Most people only think about water pressure when they are taking a shower, but water pressure is an indicator of far more. Proper water pressure preserves your pipes, and the entire system depends on water flow.

If water pressure is low, it could be an indicator that there may be:

  • Leaky pipes
  • Pipe corrosion
  • Poor water distribution
  • Mineral buildup
  • Valve or regulatory malfunctions
  • Clogged pipes

On the other hand, high water pressure may also be an indicator of issues like:

  • The home is at a lower elevation than the water source
  • The water pressure regulator is broken
  • There is too much water flowing into the plumbing system

Understanding water pressure is important because fluctuations could include signs of bigger issues down the line.

How To Clean Your Pipes

One of the simplest things a homeowner can do to preserve their plumbing system is properly clean their pipes. However, while this is a simple fix, if done improperly, can cause more damage. There are countless products marketed as pipe cleaning agents and tools that supposedly help homeowners to keep their pipes clean, but the reality is many of these products harm plumbing systems over time. Popular drain cleaners often erode pipes over time and may lead to leaks and flooding.

Take Care of Your Plumbing System

It is important to know how your home plumbing system works and how you can maintain it. However, when issues arise, the best way to protect your home is by choosing a qualified plumber. Mallick Plumbing & Heating, Inc. is the service contractor of choice for residential and commercial plumbing in Gaithersburg. When you need dependable plumbing services, choose Mallick Plumbing & Heating, Inc.

Call today and protect your home.

Planning a Party? Protect Your Plumbing!

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Having people over to your home can be fun, but parties can wreak havoc on your plumbing. Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to protect your plumbing:

Keep a Trash Can in Your Bathroom

Guests will need a place to dispose of feminine products and baby wipes. Place a trash can right next to the toilet, so guests know to throw these items away instead of flushing them down the toilet and creating a clog.

Handle Small Clogs with a Plunger

Speaking of clogs, they happen! (Especially with alcohol and tasty appetizers). Keep a plunger nearby, so guests can resolve small clogs by themselves. You can also let your guests know to notify you if the bathroom needs attention.

Share ALL Your Bathrooms

Don’t let your guest bathroom work overtime if you have others to spare. Believe us, your personal bathroom is much less unsightly than a toilet that suffers a large clog due to constant use.

Plus, multiple guests will be able to relieve themselves at the same time if necessary.

Don’t Rely on the Garbage Disposal

Always scrape leftover food into the trash before putting dishes in the sink or loading them into the dishwasher. Putting fats, oils, grease, and other food items down the garbage disposal can cause a clog.

Avoid a Hairy Situation

Equip all the drains in your house with hair catchers. This can help prevent hair from building up in your drains and keep unwanted items out of your pipes. Hair catchers only cost a couple of dollars each and they can save you tons of money in repairs.

Call an Emergency Plumber If Needed

Mallick Plumbing & Heating, Inc. can solve your emergency plumbing situations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If your party needs a hero, our expert plumbers are always available at (301) 804-6759 and online.

Book Now