Clogged drains are one of the most common household problems. This can be especially common in households with more than two people. If you have children, you’ll probably notice even more drainage issues.
Mostly, to prevent drain clogs, simply use your drains for what they were designed for and nothing else. Unfortunately, children don’t always understand how important it is not to put certain things down the drain or toilet.
Additionally, it’s easy to let things go down the drain while doing dishes, bathing, etc. If you have a serious clog, find Tampa plumbing services near you as soon as possible to prevent the situation from getting out of hand.
But if you’re looking for some tips on how to prevent drain clogs, keep reading for our top five suggestions.
1. Don’t Pour Grease or Oil Down the Drain
Pouring oil and grease down your drain is one of the worst things you can do. This is especially problematic for fats and oils that solidify.
These substances can create major blockages by collecting debris and food particles over time. If you accidentally put oil or grease down your drain, immediately pour boiling water down to melt the grease and flush it down the pipes.
2. Use a Strainer On All You Drains
One of the best ways to prevent accidents is by covering your kitchen and bathroom drains with strainers or screens. In your kitchen sink, this will prevent unwanted food particles from going down the drain, which is incredibly important if you don’t have a garbage disposal.
In the bathroom, you need a strainer in the sink, tub, and shower to keep hair, soap scum, and toothpaste from clogging up your pipes. Over time, hair lost while showing and grooming can form massive blockages.
3. Understand That Your Garbage Disposal Isn’t the Answer to Everything
Having a garbage disposal is a fantastic luxury and can help prevent drain clogs. However, it isn’t the answer to everything. In fact, if used improperly, it can create major clogs.
For example, certain foods will clog your garbage disposal and create blockages further down the pipe. Particularly problematic foods include:
- Banana peels
- Potato skins
- Rice, grains, pasta (anything that swells with water)
- Oils and grease
- Fruit pits
- Bones
- And more
Some of these foods can even damage your garbage disposal. Learn how to keep drains from clogging by learning which foods should be kept clear of your garbage disposal.
4. Do General Drain Cleanings
To prevent drain clogs, regularly clean your pipes by pouring boiling water down each sink in the house. This will help break down things like grease, soap scum, and other substances. However, it would also be a good idea to invest in a maintenance drain cleaner, such as those with enzymes that eat away organic materials.
5. Don’t Abuse Your Toilet
One of the most important tips on how to stop drains from clogging is to make sure un-flushable items aren’t being flushed. For example, while toilet paper is designed to break apart and smoothly go down your toilet drain, paper towels are not. The same can be said for wet wipes, Q-tips, and facial tissues.
Is It Too Late to Prevent Drain Clogs?
We hope we helped you understand more about how to prevent clogged drains and what makes drains clog. However, if you’re already facing a blockage, it might be too late to talk about how to prevent drain clogs. There are certain blockages that even the best products can’t handle.
You might need to call in professionals to get your pipes running smoothly. We’re here for you.
Check out our drain cleaning services to see how we can help. We will come to you at any time of day or night and provide fast, reliable services.
