A clogged drain is one of the issues that we receive daily calls about. A stopped-up drain can be a big hassle, as it can eventually render a sink, tub, or anything else that drain is attached to. Bad odors, leaks, and flooding that can cause major property damage can many times be associated with a clogged drain.
If you have a clogged drain, you want to unclog that drain as soon as you can. Some clogs are things you can take care of on your own, using tips and tricks like the ones listed here on our website. Other stoppages will need professional intervention.
It is far easier; however, to prevent clogged drains in the first place than it is to unclog them after the fact. There are many things you can do to prevent your drains from slowing and clogging, and the following are just a few tips you can try for preventing clogged drains. Do not pour cooking grease down the sink.
I’m sure your mother or grandmother told you this one already, but pouring grease down the sink is a major source of clogs! We recommend doing what our grandmother’s did: keep an old tin can on hand to pour left over grease and fat from cooking in, and put it in the fridge to harden before you throw it out.
Do Not Put Anything Else Down the Sink
While you are at it, the only things that should be going down the sink are water and the light residues from soap, toothpaste, and the like. Coffee grounds, lotions, and other creams or liquids could clog up the pipes. Also, chemicals and even chemical cleaning solutions that you use for your basins and faucets can end up causing a clog…or worse, they could corrode your pipes and cause a leak!
Clean Out the Drain
Even if you don’t detect a clog, you should take measures to clear out the drain as a preventative measure. All the soap and other residues that go down the drain are capable of building up, and over time, they can be the cause of a major stoppage. You should plug your drain, fill your sink to the top, and pull the plug, letting the rush of water clear out any crud from the pipes. You may also want to try pouring some boiling water down there every few months to get rid of any residues, particular greasy residues in the kitchen sink.
Cover It Up
Simple drain covers can go a long way to keep out clog causers. Hair, bits of string, food particles, and more can all contribute to a big clog, but drain screens can help by catching these things before they cause any damage. The catch is, however, that you will need to clear out your drain screen regularly, otherwise your sink will drain slowly.
Keep Popup Stoppers Clean
The popup drain stoppers that are most likely in your bathroom basins are major clog causers. They are certainly handy, but they are also quite good at accumulating buildup from soap scum and other residues and collecting hair balls and other things that are sure to cause major clogs. Pull these popup stoppers out of your drain on a regular basis and clean them off; the first time you do this, you will probably be shocked by the potential clog causing gunk on it!
