Here’s How You Can Prevent Clogs in Your Drains
Clogged drains can lead to a number of plumbing problems, and it’s certainly easier (and cheaper) to focus on prevention rather than maintenance. Plumbers aren’t cheap, after all.
So, if you want to keep your home’s drains free and clear, here are three quick and easy tips you need to know.
1. Clean Your Drains Regularly
Because prevention is the first step to clear drains; it makes sense that regular cleanings go a long way in preventing clogs.
In your kitchen, focus on your garbage disposal: fill an ice cube tray halfway with vinegar, and then water. Freeze the tray and then pop a few ice cubes down the disposal for grinding. You can even add salt for a deeper clean that scrapes away grease and other dirt.
Your bathroom drains will also benefit from being cleaned. You can use a bent wire or a hair catching brush to clear out those pipes and prevent clogs, but table salt and vinegar are just as effective in these pipes. Pour one tablespoon (possibly more, if needed) of salt down the drain, and then dump ¼ cup of plain white vinegar down the drain. Let it sit for at least an hour, then run very hot water down the drain to clear everything out.
2. Some Things Should Never Be Put Down the Drain
Some items spell certain disaster for your home’s plumbing: coffee grounds, grease and hair are three of the biggest offenders.
Never put these things down your drain. Pour grease (bacon grease, oil, butter, etc.) into a container for future reuse or trash disposal. Toss coffee grounds in the trash or use them in your compost. Finally, use screens or drain-gates to keep hair out of your drains.
If grease does end up down your drain, there’s a remedy: bring a large pot of water to a boil. While the water is boiling add at least one tablespoon of liquid dish soap to your drain, and then slowly pour the boiling water down the drain.
And remember, these things shouldn’t go in your garbage disposal, either.
3. Hot Water is a Great Clog Preventative
This tip is probably the easiest to implement — simply run hot water down your drains after you use the kitchen sink. This will help clear out any leftover food debris, and will make future cleanings quicker and easier.
However, if your garbage disposal is the main concern, you’ll actually want to use cold water. That’s because cold water will keep any grease and oils in a solid state, meaning they can be disposed of when you turn the garbage disposal on. You can use hot water after you’ve run the disposal.
Now that your drains are clear of clogs, you should also consider protecting your home and its other systems and appliances with an affordable Home Warranty Service Agreement. Visit 2-10.com to find out how a Service Agreement can protect your plumbing systems, and so much more.
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