Clogged drains are a nightmare for any homeowner. Disgusting odors, slow water drainage, and even expensive repairs are never fun. Fortunately, several methods will keep your drains working well. You will be able to save both time and money with these preventive measures in the long run. Here are some effective ways to keep the drains clear in your home.
Block Debris With a Drain Screen
One of the easiest ways to avoid blockages is something called a drain screen or strainer. These small devices simply sit atop your drains and catch hair, food particles, and other potentially clogging debris before they enter the pipes. They are cheap and can be found at most hardware stores. Just clean the screen regularly to make certain the water keeps flowing freely. The screen helps catch food scraps and grease that could go down the drain and clog the pipes, especially in kitchen sinks. In the bathroom, it helps stop hair and soap scum from building up and causing a shower or bathtub drain to clog.
Be Mindful of What You Put Down the Drain
What goes down your home’s drains is more crucial than you might think. Some things should never be flushed down drains because they can cause significant blockages. For instance, grease, coffee grounds, and some types of food scraps shouldn’t go down the kitchen sink drain but should be thrown in the trash or compost. Grease solidifies in the pipes to create blockages that might be hard to clear from the pipes. It is also important to avoid overloading a garbage disposal with things like pasta, potato skins, and meat. Cutting these things up and adding them slowly with water will help keep the drain clear. Also, avoid wipes, Cotton Swabs, and female products in the toilets because they will easily block your plumbing system.
Try a Natural Cleaner
Chemical drain cleaners almost always do more harm than good, corroding your pipes over time. A natural alternative is available in homemade baking soda and vinegar. This is because the mixture is a result of a foaming reaction that helps break down the clog inside your pipes.
Don’t Take Slow Drains Lightly
If you find water draining at a slow pace, whether from your sink, shower, or bathtub, don’t brush it off. Slow drains are usually the first warning sign for a blockage. Quick action can stop the blockage before it gets too big and becomes a hazard or emergency. Use a plunger or probe-type drain snake to remove the apparent blockages. If the problem remains, call us to inspect the pipes.
These simple and effective ways to keep things out of your drains will put you on the path to keeping them clean and save you from expensive repairs. If you live in Antioch, CA, and you need professional drain cleaning services, get in touch with Almighty Plumbing today!
