Featured Image Caption: Plumber Cleaning Drain And Pipe
Jump to read...
If we could rank problems in order of least popular, plumbing issues would rank somewhere around the top of the list. Maybe it’s because plumbing is usually buried underground, encased in concrete, or sandwiched between walls – all of which are difficult to access – or because it often results in needing to splurge for the pros. Perhaps it falls under the “out of sight, out of mind” rule we all fall under sometimes. Whatever it is, we do know that good drain maintenance can curb a lot of plumbing woes before they happen.
Hot Water Flushes
Hot water can help soften and loosen a lot of icky things or grease trapped in your drains. Get into the habit of regularly running hot water down them to help flush out any build-up or debris that may be lurking in your pipes. You can also pour a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar down your drain once a month. Let it sit for 30 minutes and then run hot water down the drain to help clear away any remaining build-up. This is usually a good home remedy for a clogged drain.
Avoid the Disposal
Your garbage disposal is great for getting rid of small food scraps, but it shouldn’t be used as your main method of food waste disposal. Avoid putting things like coffee grounds, eggshells, and grease down the drain, as these can all lead to clogs. Instead, scrape food scraps into the trash can and dispose of them that way. You can also bag the remaining food, tie it up, and then proceed to throw it away if you want to avoid that rotting food smell in your trash. You may also want to check with your waste management company to find out if they are hosting any food scrap recycling programs. If they are, they’ll likely be able to provide you with a small receptacle to put your scraps into.
Bathroom Drains
Hair is one of the main culprits when it comes to the bathroom sink and shower clogs. To help prevent a clog from happening in the first place, put a drain catcher over your drains to help catch any hair before it has a chance to go down the drain. You should also make sure to regularly clean your drain catchers – otherwise, they’ll just end up being another place for hair and gunk to build up! In the event you’ve purchased a home that has drain issues, local companies can help get your piping cleaned out and in free-flowing condition again.
Kitchen Drains
Much like bathroom drains, kitchen sinks can also become clogged with hair and food scraps. In addition to using drain catchers in sinks without disposals, you should also be mindful of what is going into your drain. Be sure to avoid pouring chemicals down your drain, as some of them can react with the grease and food to create a dangerous clog-causing concoction. If you do have a disposal, be sure to use it properly and run water while it’s in use to help flush out any debris. Using the disposal to grind up a lemon wedge can help clean your drain and freshen your kitchen air.
If you find yourself dealing with a clogged drain, give our suggestions a try. A simple hot water pour or baking soda and vinegar concoction could go a long way. If your drainage issues prove more stubborn, it’s probably best to pick up the phone and call the professionals to avoid worsening issues or potential flooding of your home.
By Brooke Chaplan
who is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home and residing in Los Lunas, New Mexico. Her first passion is journalism, but she also loves hiking and gardening. She highly recommends checking out Drain Right Services for tips on how to care for your plumbing.
Member since October, 2019
View all the articles of Brooke Chaplan.
Leave a Reply