It doesn’t take long for an annoying clogged drain to turn into a plumbing disaster. The gunk that builds up in your drains is more than just an inconvenience. It can produce foul odors, cause water damage to your home, and even compromise your family’s health with fungal and bacterial growth. Here are some easy tips to help keep your drains gunk-free.
Stop Gunk Before It Reaches the Drain
When it comes to your drains, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Practice good habits like scraping dishes off before putting them into the sink or dishwasher and pouring leftover grease into a bin instead of down the drain. If you can’t avoid pouring grease and oil down the drain, install a grease interceptor.
You can also flush the drain with hot water for a few minutes to help prevent grease from sticking to the pipes. Consider swapping bar soap for liquid, which is less likely to leave soap scum buildup in your drains. Use drain covers in your kitchen and bathroom to catch food bits and hair before they end up in your pipes.
Watch What You Flush
Although your toilet might seem like it can handle a lot, not everything is safe to flush. Paper towels, wet wipes, facial tissues, and menstrual hygiene products are common causes of clogged toilets because many people don’t realize they aren’t flushable. Cat litter can also clump together in your pipes and cause major clogs even if it’s labeled as flushable.
Keep Your Pipes in Good Shape
Broken, damaged, or worn pipes can cause clogs when debris builds up in the weaker areas of the pipe. Resist the temptation to unclog drains with harsh chemical products, especially if you live in an older home, because they can cause corrosion and further deterioration of aging pipes. Always have a professional handle tough clogs, and consider replacing older pipes and drains.
Install a Water Softener
If you have hard water, this can also cause trouble. The minerals that make your water hard build up in your pipes over time, which decreases the amount of water that can flow throw the pipe and leads to clogs. A whole-house water softener prevents this buildup by removing excess minerals before they reach your pipes.
Clean Your Drains Regularly
No matter how careful you are with your drains, everyday debris still builds up. This is why regular drain cleaning is an important part of your home maintenance routine. Avoid the chemical drain cleaners you can buy at the store because they can cause severe damage to your pipes. Instead, have a plumber clean your drains at least once a year.
Addressing issues with your drains as soon as you notice them can help prevent excess buildup and a bigger problem down the road. Whether you’re dealing with a slow drain or a stubborn clog, contact A-1 Plumbing & Heating for all your drain cleaning needs in Farmington, ME.
