Clogged drains are very common because many things can get caught in them in our everyday lives without us even noticing. Whether its food, hair or soap scum, we’re not always paying attention. If we take action to prevent clogging, we can avoid having a crisis on our hands when the drains get completely backed up. We are here to tell you the Do’s and Don’ts for taking care of your drains.
Do’s:
Flush boiling water and dish soap down the drain
When food goes down the drain, the grease from the food often hardens and gets stuck to the side of the pipes. Over time this can build up without us even noticing it. If you boil some water and pour it down the sink with some dish soap a few times a month, it can help melt away and break up any food that may be stuck inside.
Install a drain filter
Installing a drain filter is the best way to keep things from building up in your drains. This will help catch any large items that may go down your drain.
Run your garbage disposal often
Running your garbage disposal is a simple and easy way to help keep your drains clean. Using the garbage disposal prevents corrosion and rust from forming. It also helps keep the moving parts running and in good condition.
Use a plunger if your drain gets clogged
If the drain does end up getting clogged in your sink and the water begins building up it is okay to use your plunger. Sometimes all your drains need is a little push. Lightly use the plunger to put some pressure into the drain to give it the push it needs.
Don’ts:
Don’t throw food waste down the sink
Don’t mindlessly scrape your plates of leftover food into the sink and flush it with the garbage disposal. It is okay if it is small scraps but for bigger things just throw them into the trash. Foods like onion skins, celery stalks, and husks can block the pipes and jam up the garbage disposal. Also like I said above, grease from food can get stuck to the inside of the pipes and harden. Be sure to avoid putting greasy foods down the sink.
Don’t use chemical drain cleaners
Putting any type of acid down your drain is a big no! Although this technique may provide a short-term solution for dissolving grease and junk in your pipes, it will end up causing more harm in the long run. Over time your pipes will get damaged and burned from the acid because usually these cleaners are not biodegradable.
If problems with your drains do get worse you may have to call in for back up. Elite Plumbing and Heating is available 24/7 for all your plumbing needs!
