Clogged drains are a common household issue. With the right steps, you can prevent them and keep your pipes flowing smoothly. Here are some practical tips to help you prevent drain clogs and maintain your plumbing.
- Brush your hair before showering: Hair is a common cause of clogs in shower and bathtub drains. Brush your hair before showering or bathing to capture loose strands that would otherwise wash down the drain.
- Use drain screens: Mesh strainers catch hair, food particles, and other foreign objects. Clean these screens as they accumulate debris to keep them functioning effectively.
- Dispose of grease properly: Never pour cooking grease or fat down the kitchen sink! Instead, let it cool and solidify, then dispose of it in the trash.
- Be mindful of food waste: Avoid putting fibrous, starchy, or hard food scraps down the garbage disposal. Items like potato peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells can cause clogs. Compost these materials or throw them in the trash to keep your pipes flowing.
- Flush the pipes with hot water: This drain maintenance tip helps dissolve and wash away buildup. For a more thorough cleaning, use a hot water and vinegar solution.
- Avoid chemical drain cleaners: Harsh chemicals can damage your pipes and harm the environment. It’s best to unclog drains naturally using baking soda and vinegar, a plunger, or a plumber’s snake.
- Clean the sink stopper and p-trap: Bathroom sink stoppers are a common place for clogs. If water starts draining slowly, remove and clean the stopper to clear away accumulated hair and gunk. Take this one step further by removing the bent section of the pipe below the sink called the p-trap. Empty the contents into a bucket, rinse the pipe in a different sink, and reinstall it for smooth-flowing pipes.
- Run water while using the garbage disposal: Turn on the tap before flipping the garbage disposal switch, and keep the water running for several seconds afterward. This helps flush away food particles and prevents drain clogs.
- Only flush toilet paper and human waste: While it’s tempting to use your toilet as a trash can, this practice causes clogs and sewer backups. To prevent issues, keep everything except toilet paper and human waste out of the toilet. This includes facial tissues, paper towels, cotton balls, and feminine hygiene products.
- Schedule professional inspections: Plumbing inspections and maintenance are the perfect way to identify and address small issues before they become major problems. This affordable service is the number one way to avoid clogged drains and keep your pipes flowing smoothly.
If you’re dealing with clogged drains, Quick Action Plumbers would be happy to help. We bring over 70 years of combined plumbing experience to every job. Our locally owned business focuses on customer education and provides the best options based on your budget and needs. Our passionate, professional, and proficient team treats our customers like family, ensuring your 100% satisfaction. Contact us today for reliable drain cleaning services in Atlanta, GA.