A clogged drain is an annoyance at best, and a costly problem at worst. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to help avoid this frustrating problem. Discover how to prevent clogged drains in your home with this list of dos and don’ts from plumbing professionals.
The Dos
There are a few things you can do to keep your home’s plumbing moving smoothly and efficiently. From minor modifications to routine maintenance, here are some plumbing tips to help keep your home in working order.
Use Drain Screens:
- Drain screens or strainers in sinks, showers, and tubs catch debris before they have the change to cause clogs.
Clean Regularly:
- Flush your drains with hot water regularly. Once a week, pour boiling water down toilets, sinks, tubs, and showers to clear away buildup. For a more thorough clean, use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar followed by hot water.
Proper Disposal:
- Dispose of food waste properly by scraping plates into the trash or compost before washing them. Grease, oil, and fats should be collected into containers and thrown away once cooled.
Use a Garbage Disposal Wisely:
- Run cold water while using your garbage disposal and keep it running for a few seconds after turning the disposal off. This will help flush remaining particles down the drain. Feed items gradually to avoid overwhelming the disposal.
Be Mindful of What Goes Down the Toilet:
- Only flush toilet paper and human waste. Items like wipes, cotton balls, paper towels, or feminine hygiene products can spell disaster for drains, so be sure to dispose of these in the trash. Watch small children closely around commodes to prevent the accidental flushing of toys or other household objects.
The Don’ts
Along with habits that are good for your drains, there are things you should not do to preserve the functionality and longevity of your home’s plumbing. These don’ts will go a long way in increasing your home’s plumbing performance.
Avoid Pouring Grease Down the Drain:
- Never pour cooking grease or oil down the drain. When cooled, these substances solidify and can block your pipes. Instead, dispose of them in a sealed container once they’re cool.
Don’t Use Chemical Drain Cleaners Frequently
- Avoid over-reliance on chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage your pipes over time. They may offer a quick fix for minor clogs, but they’re harmful to the environment and septic tanks. Opt for natural cleaning methods whenever possible.
Don’t Let Hair Accumulate
- Be proactive about hair in tubs and showers by using a drain cover or strainer to catch it. Get into the habit of cleaning the drain or strainer after each shower to prevent clogs.
Avoid Flushing “Flushable” Wipes
- Don’t flush wipes labeled as “flushable”, even though their packaging states they can be flushed safely. These wipes can cause clogs despite their status as flushable.
Don’t Ignore Slow Drains
- Address slow-draining sinks, showers, and tubs as soon as you notice them. A slow drain is the first sign of a developing clog, so be sure to clear it with a plunger or drain snake to prevent a complete blockage.
Clogged Drains Happen – Call Slim Plumbing
Despite your best efforts, you’re more than likely going to deal with a clogged drain in your home at some point. At Slim Plumbing, we’ll take the stress out of these unfortunate situations, and take care of the dirty work. From residential plumbing to commercial plumbing, we bring over 80 years of combined experience across Texas. And because clogs rarely happen at convenient times, emergency plumbing services are available 24/7 to help avoid flooding or backups from blocked drains. Whether you need routine maintenance or have a pressing issue, contact us today for prompt and professional plumbing service.