Best drain cleaners near Saint Joseph, MI

Your clothes—and your washing machine—will send you a few signals if you’re overdue for cleaning your washing machine filter. If you notice a buildup of detergent residue on your clothes, your clothes don’t dry quickly or at all, or you’re noticing lint in the machine, it’s time to clean the filter. 

If the drain is frozen, the pipes connecting to the washing machine are likely frozen. If the hot water trick doesn’t also unfreeze the washing machine pipes, you can gently apply heat with a hair dryer on the lowest setting. Start at the end of the pipe closest to the faucet to prevent pressure from building in the pipes, and make sure the faucet is open to drain the water as it melts.

A small amount of diluted bleach is okay to pour down a garbage disposal. As part of your weekly garbage disposal maintenance, use 1 teaspoon of bleach with your concoction of ice cubes and lemon peels. Turn on the disposal and run the water until the blades chop up the ice cubes.

Any more bleach in your disposal can harden oils and greases in your drain, which can cause problems. Always wear gloves when working with bleach, and know that you really don’t need bleach at all—vinegar, baking soda, salt, and ice should do the trick.

You should inspect and clean your French drain at least once per year to keep it in good working order. Regular maintenance can help identify clogs, buildup, and damage before they become bigger problems, which increases the lifespan of your drain. The frequency with which a drain clogs can depend on factors like the amount of debris, the quality of the installation, and the type of filter used. If your drain accumulates a lot of sediment, it may require more frequent cleaning. It's also a good practice to check the access and exit points after heavy storms. If you notice reduced drainage or any signs of a clog, clean the drain as soon as possible.