How to Keep Drains from Clogging

Mind what goes down the drains.

The first step to preventing clogs is being mindful of what goes down your drains. It might seem obvious, but the things you choose to dispose of through your plumbing system can make a big difference.

In the kitchen, avoid pouring grease, oil, or fat down the sink. These might be liquid when hot, but they quickly solidify as they cool. They are notorious for creating a sticky buildup on the inside of your pipes. Also, use a sink strainer to catch food particles, coffee grounds, and other debris before they have a chance to go down the drain.

In the bathroom, you want to beware of hair, soap scum, toothpaste, and similar items. Use a hair catcher in your shower or bathtub to prevent hair from going down the drain, and try to minimize the amount of soap scum buildup by occasionally rinsing the drain with hot (NOT boiling) water.

Finally, avoid flushing non-biodegradable items. That means no cotton swabs, hygiene products, kitty litter, or even paper towels. The only things that should be flushed are pee, poo, and toilet paper.

Install drain catchers

Drain traps are designed to restrict the surface area of drain entries and prevent debris from entering the drain line in the first place. They should be installed in kitchen and bathroom sinks alike in order to catch hair, food particles, and other debris. Remember to remove, clean, and replace these regularly so they’re not counterproductive.

A garbage disposal installation is another helpful device. These not only catch food particles but break them down into more digestible forms for the drain line.

Maintain your plumbing system

Let’s face it: no amount of diligence is going to amount to perfection. Debris, muck, and gunk will find their way down the drains. While preventative measures are ideal, this does not eliminate the value of reactive steps.

Once a week, pour a bucket of hot water down the drain to help dissolve any buildup of grease, soap, or other residues. For a natural cleaning solution, try pouring a half-cup of baking soda followed by a half-cup of vinegar down the drain. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then flush with hot water.

For supreme clarity, schedule professional drain cleaning once every year or two. Hydro jetting is a revolutionary method that offers safe and thorough results. Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing to learn more about this top-tier method.

Need a plumber? Call Mr. Rooter

If the damage is done or it’s time for routine plumbing service, then contact the professionals at Mr. Rooter. Our uniformed, local plumbers are on standby to take your call or message at any time of the day.