6 Tips for Preventing a Clogged Drain
Dealing with a clogged drain is never fun. Whether it's a slow-draining sink or a completely blocked shower, drain clogs can disrupt your day and even lead to costly plumbing repairs. Fortunately, with a few simple habits, you can keep your drains clear and avoid the hassle. Here are six easy tips to help prevent clogged drains.
1. Use Drain Screens Installing drain screens in sinks, tubs, and showers is a simple but highly effective way to prevent debris from going down the drain. These inexpensive devices catch hair, food scraps, and soap chunks before they can cause a clogged drain.
2. Watch What You Pour Down the Sink Avoid pouring grease, oil, or fat down the kitchen sink. These substances harden as they cool and can create stubborn blockages. I’ve found hydro jetting to be the best solution to grease build-up. Instead of sending grease down your drains, pour leftover grease into a container and throw it in the trash once it solidifies. Also, be cautious with fibrous foods like celery, coffee grounds, and potato peels, which can easily clog pipes.
3. Flush Drains with Hot Water Once a week, flush your kitchen sink and bathroom drains with hot water. This helps dissolve minor buildups of grease, soap, and debris before they have a chance to cause a clogged drain.
4. Regularly Clean Stoppers and Strainers Bathroom sink stoppers and shower strainers collect hair, soap scum, and other debris over time. Remove and clean them regularly to prevent buildup that could lead to a clogged drain.
5. Use Baking Soda and Vinegar A monthly treatment with baking soda and vinegar can help keep your drains clean and odor-free. Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar. Let it fizz for about 10 minutes, then rinse with hot water.
6. Schedule Professional Drain Cleaning Even with the best preventive habits, some buildup is inevitable over time. Scheduling regular professional drain cleaning can help catch minor issues before they become major clogged drains. Plus, it's a great way to extend the life of your plumbing system.
Conclusion
Preventing a clogged drain is all about staying proactive and adopting a few simple habits. By using drain screens, watching what you put down your sinks, and maintaining regular cleaning routines, you can avoid the inconvenience and cost of major plumbing problems. If you're dealing with a stubborn clogged drain, don't hesitate to contact us for fast, professional service!