No homeowner wants a clogged drain because this can lead to all sorts of frustrations and, potentially, some very expensive issues. The good news is that you don’t have to worry about clogs if you know how to care for your plumbing. These easy tips will help you keep your drains running smoothly year-round so that you can avoid slow backups and the frustration of repairs.
Use Drain Screens
These inexpensive mesh screens can go over your bathroom sink and shower drains, giving you an easy way to catch hair and filter soap scum. It only takes a few dollars and a couple of minutes to install the drain screens, but they last for years and offer unwavering protection against the main causes of bathroom drain clogs.
Expert Tip: Clean your drain screens at least once a week; you can discard any material in the trash, and use a toothbrush and dish soap to clean the mesh if it’s needed.
Flush With Boiling Water
One of the easiest ways to keep your drains clean is to pour boiling water down them once a week. The hot water can melt away soap residue, grease and other forms of soft buildup that can harden and cause clogs.
Make sure that you do this with a full kettle or pot of water rather than a pan to prevent burns. Pour the water down the drain in stages, allowing the hot water to bubble up and completely move through the pipe before adding more.
Do a Monthly Rinse With Baking Soda and Vinegar
You can make a cleaning paste with baking soda and white vinegar, then pour it down your sink and rinse with hot water for a quick and effective scrub. When a base (baking soda) and acid (vinegar) combine, they create a fizzing action that helps loosen debris, break down grime and neutralize unpleasant odors.
To do this effectively, pour a 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, then follow up with 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Wait for the fizzing action to form, then turn on the hot water 30 minutes later and let it run down the drain for a few minutes.
Avoid Pouring Greases or Oils Down Your Drain
Cooking with fat is a common occurrence, but pouring grease or oil down your drain is an easy way to cause serious clogs. Cold water causes these fats to harden, forming hard barriers that trap debris in your drain line. When you need to discard any type of grease or oil, let it cool completely before dumping it into a sealable container.
Watch What You Put in the Garbage Disposal
Certain food items, like hard rinds, nuts and coffee grounds, are hazardous for your drain. Even if your disposal can grind them up, they often leave residue in the pipes that can potentially lead to backups.
Whenever you use your garbage disposal, run cold water before and after to help flush anything out of the line and keep your drain running smoothly.
If your drain is showing signs of trouble, don’t delay; contact the team at Advanced Plumbing & Leak Protection for professional drain cleaning in Ventura, CA.
