How to Prevent a Clogged Drain

Clogged drains can cause backups and overflows into your home. The good news is that there are plenty of steps you can take and clogged drain remedies you can employ to prevent these issues altogether.

Here’s a quick look at how to prevent a clogged drain so you can avoid backups and keep your plumbing operating smoothly:

• Throw food scraps in the garbage: Even if you have a garbage disposal, it’s important to remember that the garbage disposal is not a substitute for a garbage can. Throw your food scraps in the garbage as much as possible. If you don’t have a disposal, make sure you use a drain strainer to keep larger chunks out of the plumbing.
• Be careful about what goes down the kitchen sink: Never pour grease or oil down the drain, as it can congeal inside the pipes and result in clogs. Instead, put these oils into a sealable container and then throw that container away once it’s full. Other types of food items and scraps are not meant to go in a garbage disposal. Avoid putting banana peels, coffee grounds, potato skins, fibrous vegetables or eggshells in the sink.
• Hot water: Once a week or so, pour some hot water down the drain to melt off any congealed grease that might have collected inside your pipes.
• Be careful what you flush down the toilet: The bathroom is another area where drain clogs can occur, often in the toilet. You should never flush any products other than toilet paper down the toilet. Avoid using too much paper, as it can clog up the toilet and sewer line. Nothing other than toilet paper and human waste should be flushed down the toilet, as it will not break down properly and result in clogs that could prove damaging or costly to repair.
• Clean tub and shower drains: One of the best clogged drain remedies is to keep up with preventative measures. Every now and then, remove the drain stoppers from your bathroom sink and tub and remove hair, soap scum and other gunk. It is also a good idea to purchase your own drain snake to remove buildup from the top section of the pipe that leads into your sink or shower. If you’ve noticed slower draining than usual lately, this is likely the best thing you can do to restore normal drainage times.
• Drain screens: It can help to use drain screens on all of the drains in your home. This will prevent food, hair, soap scum and other debris from getting down into the drain where it could potentially cause a clog. Drain screens are available at any hardware store or home goods store.
• Other drains: You may have other drains in your home, such as floor drains or utility sink drains. Make sure these drains are unobstructed at all times. Never pour paint or paint thinner down drains. In utility sinks, make sure any lint that comes from a washing machine gets cleared out and that it’s not blocking up the drain to prevent proper drainage.

For more information about preventing clogged drains and implementing some clogged drain remedies, contact the team at Countryside Construction Inc.

Categorised in: Septic Tank Maintenance

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