By Bellevue Plumbing Pro
There are many options for clearing clogged drains. These include chemical cleaners, organic remedies, plumbing snakes and plungers. It’s much cheaper and more efficient to prevent clogs from ever happening.
You don’t have to be a professional when it comes to drain care. You can reduce your chance of getting a serious clog by doing a few proactive cleanings every year.
What Is the Worst Thing That Could Happen?
If you don’t care for your drains properly, the first sign is usually a foul odor. This is especially true in kitchen drains, where organic food particles can rot and emit noxious odors into the kitchen. Offensive odors can also be caused by floor and bathroom drains.
The next problem after the smell is often clogged formation. This can happen slowly, and drains may not drain as quickly at first. Then, drains will stop working completely.
If drain systems are neglected, it is possible to cause permanent damage. While no drain can last forever, basic maintenance can prolong a drain’s useful lifespan by tens of years. Neglecting to take care of your drains can cause permanent damage.
Pay Attention to What You Wash
Preventative drain maintenance should include being aware of what goes down the drain. Hair is the most common problem in showers and bathtubs. It is possible to prevent this problem by placing a wire mesh filter above the drain. It takes only a few seconds to clean it after each shower.
You should not put anything other than water down the drain in your kitchen. You can dispose of many organic foods, but not all. Grease and coffee grounds are two of the most common causes of clogs in drains and disposals.
It’s easy for debris to accidentally fall into floor drains, making them difficult to maintain. Make sure you have drain covers for floor drains located in basements, laundry rooms, or other areas. If you are unable to avoid it, don’t make a habit out of cleaning the drain.
Give It a Little Love
To prevent biofilm, hairballs, and other clog-causing debris from building up, it is a good idea to clean out your drains at least twice per year. This is easy and inexpensive.
White vinegar is mildly acidic, but strong enough to dissolve most of your drain particles. Pour about 2 cups vinegar down your drain and wait for at least 10 minutes before flushing the drain with hot water.
These actions, together with being careful about what you let down the drain, can help to make household drain clogs disappear.
If you have a stubborn clog, you can always count upon your licensed local plumbers.