There’s never a good time to experience a clogged drain or a sink that’s backing up. These problems will stop you in your tracks, making it impossible to wash dishes, shower, or do laundry. To avoid these plumbing issues, try using some of these helpful tips this fall.
Flush Your Drains
Modern low-flow toilets and faucets are wonderful when it comes to saving water and money, but they don’t always help keep drains clear. The low volume of water isn’t strong enough to get rid of debris that’s collecting in your pipes. Fill your sinks and tubs with hot water, and then release it into the drains. For your toilets, fill a large bucket with water. Dump it into the toilets as you flush them.
Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
This is a drain-cleaning technique your grandmother may have utilized, but it’s still quite effective. Pour one cup of baking soda into your drain. Follow this with one cup of vinegar. You’ll immediately see it fizzing. This is the result of a chemical reaction that can help break down buildup in the pipes and freshen the drains. Leave it to sit for 30 minutes before running any water. When you do, start with hot water.
Dispose of Grease Properly
It may not seem like a big deal to rinse grease down the drain, but this hot liquid will solidify once it cools down. The thick gel that it turns into will stick to the walls of your pipes. It’ll build up over time and collect debris until the drain clogs.
Instead, collect your grease in a container. Once it solidifies, scrape it into your trash. You can simplify this even more by using a container you can throw away, like an old food container that whipped cream or margarine comes in.
Clean the Drain Stoppers
Routinely cleaning your drain stoppers is an effective way to avoid clogged drains. These stoppers collect soap scum and hair, which clogs drains over time. You can also use a specially designed hair catcher over your drains during your shower or when draining the tub.
Use Bacterial Drain Cleaners
Use bacterial drain cleaners monthly as part of your drain maintenance. They aren’t corrosive like chemical drain cleaners. Instead, they’re biodegradable and not likely to damage pipes.
Once you incorporate these tips into your routine, you’ll be able to enjoy healthier drains and pipes. While these tips can be helpful, there are times when professional cleaning is required. If you do experience issues requiring drain cleaning services, reach out to EcoWorks in Beaumont, TX for help.
