How To Keep Your Drain From Clogging

Clogged drains are annoying to deal with, time-consuming, and can be costly. Professional plumbers are experts at their jobs, and can help you when emergencies arise, but ideally you can prevent the need for urgent services. Here are some simple tips to keep your drain from clogging:

The first thing you can do to prevent drain clogs is to watch what you put in it. Major culprits are grease and coffee for kitchen sinks. These are so common, and many people don't realize that they contribute significantly to clogs, so they continue to wreak havoc. To avoid this, save your old grease in a jar or similar container then simply throw it in the trash. Toss coffee grounds into the compost pile or trash as well. 

Clean Drains Regularly

While you can prevent large amounts of grease from going down your drain, sometimes foods will have a high amount of oil residue that is impossible to pinpoint. This is why it is a good idea to simply turn on hot water after using the sink and let it run for a few minutes. This makes the oils continue down the pipes instead of cooling, congealing, and building up on the inside of your drain system.

If problems persist, you may need to resort to pouring salt, vinegar, baking soda, and boiling water down the drain. The procedure involves mixing the ingredients together, pouring them down, and chasing the concoction with another round of hot water. And for garbage disposals, try using simple vinegar and ice. Pour the two down the drain, turn the disposal on, and let the acidic vinegar and cold ice (which turns to shards) scrape the grease and scum off your drain system. This can keep everything smelling great and save you an afternoon waiting for your sink to be repaired.

Get Regular Maintenance

The methods above are more natural than harsh chemicals. Many drain chemicals have lye and other ingredients that can be dangerous. However, to really protect your drain, have a professional plumber perform regular maintenance. This can save you a lot of hassle down the road

By watching what you put in your drain, cleaning it regularly, and calling in plumbers to perform regular maintenance, you can prevent clogs. Sometimes, however, wear and tear causes your drain to stop up anyway. In these situations, it is always a good idea to call your trusted professional plumber. One company that provides this service is Shanks A & G Plumbing & Heating Ltd.

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