How often do consider what you’re putting down the drain? Probably almost never, unless you’ve experienced a burst pipe. After that, a burst pipe is something you never want to go through again. They cause damage. You have to call a plumber. You can’t use the sink until it’s fixed. Then you get the repair bill. The whole thing is an expensive nightmare.

Fortunately, the nightmare can be prevented with regular maintenance and by being smart about what you put down the drain. Routine maintenance is simple and easy to do on your own, and it only takes a few minutes. Just follow these steps:

1. Once a week – Run enough hot water to fill a 3-quart pot down the drain.
2. Once a month – Use a natural cleaner, like vinegar, baking soda, or an enzyme-based formula.
3. Every two months – Pour simple dish soap (the same amount as you would use to clean a sink full of dishes) down the drain, then follow with a few minutes of hot water.

Then, periodically schedule maintenance with a plumber and carefully consider what you let go down the drain.

Certain Foods Should Never Go Down the Drain

Certain foods are prone to building clogs. Avoid anything that might get lodged or stuck in the pipes as well as anything that might cling to other food particles.

Here’s a list of foods that aren’t safe for pipes:

• Grease, fats, and oils
• Nut and nut butters
• Celery
• Eggshells
• Onion skins
• Bones
• Watermelon rinds
• Banana and potato peels
• Beans, pasta, rice, and oats
• Coffee grounds

Water is best. So, if you’re unsure about food going down the drain, a good rule of thumb is that if it contains a lot of water, it should be okay.

Drain Catchers Are Your Friend

Hair is a leading cause of clogs. It goes down the drain without you being able to stop it. One of the best ways to prevent this from happening is with a drain catcher. They work well with food, too. They’re inexpensive and easy to use. Put one in every sink in the house to catch hair and food before they go down the drain.

Keep the Drainpipes Flowing

You can’t see if a clog is building up, but you can look for signs of a problem. If you notice a slow-moving drain, a funny smell, gurgling noises, or drain bugs, these are signs of an issue. If you notice any of these red flags or are currently dealing with a drain clog, call us today at Almighty Plumbing in Antioch, CA. Our trustworthy plumbers are here to help!