Your drains are built to withstand almost anything, but that doesn’t mean they can’t benefit from some TLC. Taking care of your home’s drainage system can prevent frustrating issues and costly repairs, ultimately extending the lifespan of your plumbing and making life more comfortable. These five tips will help you start off the new year on the right foot by taking better care of your home drainage system.
1. Schedule a Professional Drain Cleaning
Nothing compares to having a professional clean your drains, no matter how good that DIY solution you made is. Experts have the tools and knowledge necessary to ensure that pipe walls are thoroughly cleaned without compromising their structural integrity or functionality.
A plumber uses specialized equipment to visually inspect your drain lines and then uses a snake and/or hydro jet to completely remove dirt, debris, and grime that has built up in the lines. When you schedule a professional drain cleaning, you can expect your pipes to function better than ever and stay clean for a year or more.
2. Be Mindful of What You Put in the Sink
Plumbers want you to always avoid FOG: fats, oils, and grease. These substances are nearly impossible to rinse out with plain water, and they can cause debris to accumulate on the interior of your drainage system. You should always dispose of fatty, oily substances in the garbage can. Seal it in a bag to ensure it doesn’t leak and run into the public water supply.
3. Flush Your Drains With Hot Water and Baking Soda
You can keep your drains in good condition with routine flushes that can dislodge debris and wash away dirt that’s building on the walls. Simply add some baking soda to the sink or tub and then run hot water for a few minutes. You can also add some apple cider or white vinegar to create a foaming action that can sterilize and clean the drain further.
4. Consider a Water Softener
Hard water can cause your drain lines to become clogged more frequently. Plus, hard water can lead to uncomfortable clothes, stiff laundry, and brittle hair and nails. A water softener is a special device a plumber can install that removes harsh minerals from your water supply and improves water flow. This can ultimately reduce scale buildup and leave your pipes working in peak condition for years to come.
5. Add Drain Screens
Tired of pulling out hair and gunk from clogged-up drains? Spare yourself the unpleasant experience by using drain screens. These cheap additions to your home can make cleaning easier and also prevent clogs and dirt buildup. They’re extremely simple to install and one of the best plumbing hacks around.
If you are ready to get a headstart on drain care in the new year, contact A-1 Plumbing and Heating in Farmington, ME to schedule professional drain cleaning service.
