Preventing clogged drains can be easy with Roto-Rooter’s simple preventative tips designed to help you avoid a potential plumbing problem. From your kitchen sink and showers to your garbage disposal and toilets, follow these helpful steps throughout your home to help keep your drains clear and to avoid a clog:
YOUR KITCHEN SINK
Whether it is scrapes of fibrous waste that can easily tangle or dense food that can cause an immediate clog – be cautious of what you put down your sink. Avoid throwing thick or sticky items in your sink that don’t grind well in the disposal. Throw excess food scraps in the garbage rather than down your kitchen sink.
When using your garbage disposal, always run a steady stream of water down your drain. The consistent flow of water will help to move any waste down the drain more quickly. See our helpful tips when using your garbage disposal for more information about disposal maintenance and important DIY information.
Cooking grease should always be thrown out in your trash. Never pour excess cooking grease down the drain. Grease can stick to the inside of your pipes which can lead to a clogged sink drain. Drain strainers can also help to prevent food scraps going down your drain and causing a potential clog.
Pour boiling water down your drain every week to help to clean out your home’s drainage system if you use the sink a lot.
YOUR BATHROOM
Excess hair and soap scum can often cause a clogged drain. Using a screen or drain grate that covers the shower or tub’s drain opening can help to minimize potential clogs. Remember to also clean these grates out regularly so they can continue to be most effective.
Be cautious of what you flush down the toilet. Remember to always be mindful of what you put down your toilet, sink and shower. Dense paper products like paper towels or baby wipes are not supposed to be flushed and can easily clog your entire drain and sewer system, even if they are labeled “flushable.” Pipes are narrow and clogs can occur easily when products are flushed that aren’t intended to be.
MAINTENANCE TIPS
Maintenance is key when preventing clogged drainage systems. Annual routine service and inspection by your local Roto-Rooter professional can help to keep your plumbing running at peak performance.
Prevent clogged drains with this simple maintenance solution to remember at home:
Pour a cup of baking soda down the drain followed by a cup of vinegar and let it sit for 15-30 minutes. This combination is an effective cleaning potion for your drain trap while the baking soda also helps to absorb odors. Rinse out the drainpipes by letting very hot water stream down your sink drain for a couple of minutes. Repeat this process every few months for best results.
CALL IN THE PLUMBING PROFESSIONALS
Whether you have a clogged drain that needs immediate attention or maybe you are looking for helpful preventative DIY steps to keep your home’s plumbing and drains in tip-top shape, your local Roto-Rooter plumbing professional is here to help. Roto-Rooter is here to assist you with all of your residential plumbing needs.