Few things are more annoying than a backed-up, flooded drain. Not only is it a soggy mess, but repairing completely blocked pipes can be downright expensive. As per experts in the field The Relining Company, no one wants problematic plumbing to drain their wallet. Luckily, many common clogs can be prevented through attentive home care and drain maintenance. Read on for tips to keep water flowing freely and avoid pricey blocked drains repair.
Hair Clogs - Lint's Evil Cousin
Forget lint traps in the laundry room – hair is the ultimate drain clogging culprit in bathrooms. Showers and tubs allow easy access for loose strands to make their way down drains.
Once inside pipes, hair binds together with soap scum, catches other debris, and snowballs into a stubborn clog. No amount of Drano can dissolve these wads of matted hair. The drain eventually seals shut. To restrain loose hairs, install mesh drain covers over shower and tub drains. They won't block water flow but will catch hairs before they disappear down the pipe. Empty and clean out the catcher regularly.
Use drain catchers in sinks too. Pull them out and discard hair after brushing or styling to grab strands near the source. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of clog-busting.
Kitchen Grease Buildup - Slippery Slope
In kitchen drains, grease, oil and fat are the prime suspects for causing slow-flowing or obstructed pipes. When greasy liquid cools, it coats drain walls and solidifies into a thick layer of sticky gunk. Yuck. Grease clogs worsen over time as layers continue accumulating. Avoid pouring fats, oils or greasy sauces down the kitchen sink - they belong in the trash can.
Use strainers in sink drains to catch food particles. Scrape plates thoroughly before washing to remove greasy residue. Run very hot water while washing oily dishes to flush pipes.
And remember to never pour grease down outdoor storm drains either. No one wants to pollute the environment or cause neighborhood sewer issues.
Organic Debris - Natural Doesn't Mean Harmless
Food scraps and other organic matter quickly rot into a dense, impassible mass when trapped in drains. Fruit and vegetable peels, eggshells, coffee grounds – you name it. Avoid treating drains like mini garbage disposals - put food waste and scraps in the compost bin or trash where they belong. Use drain screens to catch what slips through when rinsing dishes. For tubs and bathroom sinks, stray hair and soap scum provide sticky bonds for loose organic debris to cling to. So keep drains hair-free and de-gunk with regular cleanings.
Repeat Clog Offenders
Drains that have clogged once are prime candidates for a rerun clog. Pipe walls retain sticky residues that easily snag the usual suspects like hair and grease passing through.
After unclogging pipes, do a deep cleaning rinse by boiling water or flushing bleach. Then set a reminder to de-gunk drains regularly with baking soda or vinegar to prevent encore clogs.
An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of plumbing bills. Save yourself the headache and take steps to keep drains clear. Your wallet will thank you.
