Plumbing fixtures can be easy to forget until there’s an issue with them. Fortunately, being proactive about your drains can stop many issues from occurring in the first place. From utilizing common preventative tools like drain stoppers to understanding what items to keep out of your drains, you can follow a few simple steps and avoid a major headache later.
Address the Source of the Problem
While you want to get rid of routine clogs as quickly as possible, a sewer line that gets clogged over and over again can actually be a sign of deeper issues. Enlist the help of an experienced plumber to provide a visual assessment as well as a more detailed inspection using a camera. Joe the Plumber can look at your lines and recommend how to solve your clogged sewer pipes for good. We offer a range of sewer line services, including maintenance and replacement.
Utilize Harmless Products
Many common drain cleaners contain chemicals that can corrode your pipes and harm the environment. Fortunately, bacteria-based drain cleaners can prevent clogs before they begin. These drain and trap cleaners are non-corrosive and can fight the buildup of grease, food particles, hair, and more.
Get Rid of Grease the Right Way
Since grease is more liquid while it’s warm and firms up as it cools, you should never pour grease down your drain. In addition to clogging your pipes, grease can trap other particles in the drain, causing an even worse clog. When you have grease left over from cooking, put it aside in a container that can’t melt and throw it out.
Protect Your Drains with a Stopper
One of the easiest ways to prevent clogged drains is by placing a regular or pop-up stopper in them. In your kitchen drain, this will catch food particles. In your bathroom drain, the stopper will keep hair from entering the drain and clogging it. Just clear the stopper regularly to keep it from attracting mold or bacteria.
Flush Your Pipes
A DIY solution can keep your drains clear as long as you do it somewhat regularly, before they are completely clogged. Fill a container with a few gallons of water and flush it down in large quantities. In bathtubs and sinks, be sure to follow the same process with warm water.
Dispose of Food Scraps Properly
If you have a garbage disposal in your sink, be sure to run water as you use it to grind up food scraps. Food that shouldn’t go into your disposal includes thick, sticky, or tough items like coffee grounds, onion skins, potato peels or skins, pasta, and eggshells. If you don’t have a garbage disposal, be sure to thoroughly scrape your plates into the garbage before bringing them to the sink.
Schedule a Drain Inspection
Even when you follow the proper steps, your drains may become clogged from time to time. When you need drain unclogging and other plumbing services, turn to Joe the Plumber! We are the plumber trusted by residential and commercial clients throughout Houston, Tomball, Cypress, Katy, Spring, and Magnolia. We are here to provide all the plumbing services you need, from plumbing maintenance to occasional plumbing repair to emergency plumbing. In short, we’re here whenever you need us!
Call us today to schedule an inspection or make an appointment for drain cleaning services.
