Clogged drains are a woefully common household snag that can be both inconvenient and costly to fix. From kitchen sinks to showers to toilets, drain clogs are inclined to arise (-as it were) with nary a moment’s notice, and in so doing, disrupt your entire daily routine. However!: with a bit of preventive care taken, you can keep your drains flowin’ freely and, incidentally, avoid the hassle of dealing with clogs—precisely no one’s favorite leisure activity.
So… go with the flow and continue on below!
Practice Mindful of Kitchen Disposal
One of the primary reasons for kitchen sink clogs is, alas, improper disposal of cooking food waste. Always avoid pouring grease down the drain as it tends to very quickly solidify and will accumulate in pipes over time. Also, refrain from putting any manner of food scraps, vegetable peels, coffee grounds (etc.) down the drain—even with a garbage disposal.
…And Mindful Bathroom Disposal
Toilets aren’t designed to flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper—and boy can they can angry at those who’d think otherwise. Avoid flushing (e.g.) paper towels, dental floss, hygiene products, or so-called “flushable” wipes—a better name for the latter might be “cloggable” wipes.
Use Drain Covers
More often than not, hair is the Big Bad when it comes to clogs in tubs and showers. Using drain covers made of stainless steel or silicone can, well, trap hair—access denied, hair!—and prevent it from entering the drain, while allowing water to pass through. However, be sure to clean the drain covers periodically to avoid buildup.
Flush with Hot Water
Regularly flushing your drains with hot water can help prevent buildup on the drain walls. Fill up your tub with hot water and let it drain, or run hot water through sinks and showers to help dissolve grease, soap scum, and other debris.
Try All-Natural Drain Cleaners
Chemical drain cleaners can be harsh and potentially damage your pipes. Opt instead for biological enzymes or bacterial cleaners, which naturally break down sludge and the like to prevent clogs without harming your plumbing in the process.
Schedule Regular Plumbing Maintenance
Regular maintenance by a licensed and insured plumber can help catch potential plumbing problems early and keep your drains in top shape. A plumber can inspect your plumbing system, provide cleaning and repairs, and identify any issues such as degraded piping, slow leaks, or damage from tree roots.
Closing Thoughts
-And remember, if you do encounter a persistent clog or plumbing issue, it’s best to consult a professional plumber for proper diagnosis and repair. Taking preventive measures and investing in regular maintenance can save you money, time, and inconvenience in the long run—but sometimes ya gotta call in the cavalry. However, you can make terrific in-way toward keeping your drains consistently clear—and your plumbing system in tip-top shape—by following the advice now floating above.
Call Master Plumbing
Give Master Plumbing a call at (301) 650-9100, or contact us online to get more information on how our expert plumbers can help you with just about anything plumbing-related! We have received Angie’s List Super Service Award recognition for plumbing and drain cleaning every year since 2007, in addition to the Best Plumber award from Best of Bethesda. We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and our service is unparalleled. Give us a call today—you won’t regret it! To see examples of our projects, follow us on Facebook and Twitter!