A blocked drain is terrible news no matter where it happens in the house. A clogged drain can cause water to back up and overflow, leading to severe water damage. And if the drain is in the kitchen, you could also be dealing with some pretty nasty smells. But drain cleaning doesn’t have to be a dreaded task-here are some tips for making it as quick and painless as possible!
Regularly Clean Your Drains
It makes sense that routine cleanings help avoid blockages since the preventive measure is the first step in clearing drains.
Focus on your waste disposal in the kitchen by half-filling an ice cube tray with vinegar and half-full with water. Put some ice cubes in the garbage disposal after freezing the tray so they may be ground. You may even use salt for a more thorough clean that removes oil and other impurities.
There are several DIY drain cleaning techniques, but some of these solutions do more harm than good. Avoid any Coca-Cola-based approach since the phosphoric acid in the soda may potentially harm your pipes.
Avoid Pouring Down Your Grease In The Drain
Grease is among the worst materials to throw down your drain. Warm grease drips down your drain and thickens to create a blockage when it cools in the pipe.
Then other things start to jam it up, and before you realize it, there is a huge obstruction. Avoiding dumping oil or grease down your drain is the best action. Simply keep a container nearby to collect grease, and when it fills, toss it in the garbage. You may also purchase a jar made specifically to store bacon grease for later use if you like cooking with leftover bacon grease.
Avoid Throwing Certain Foods Down The Drain
Certain foods should never go down your drain. Coffee grounds, eggshells, and starchy vegetables like potatoes can all cause drain problems. Coffee grounds expand when wet and block drain passages, eggshells become gluey and adhere to drain walls, and potatoes form mush that can clog pipes.
Use a Sink Strainer
A drain strainer is a small metal or plastic disk with a mesh center that fits over your drain to catch food and other debris before it goes down the drain.
You can find sink strainers at most hardware stores. Be sure to clean out your drain strainer regularly, so it doesn’t become a breeding ground for bacteria.
Use Hot Water to Flush Your Drains
Hot water helps to melt away grease and soap scum that can build up in your drains and cause blockages.
Pour a pot of boiling water down your drain weekly to keep it clear and free-flowing. You can also add a cup of baking soda to the pot of water for an extra cleaning boost.
Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners
Chemical drain cleaners are harsh and can damage your pipes. They can also be dangerous to use, so it’s best to avoid them if possible.
If you must use a chemical drain cleaner, always follow the directions on the label and never mix two different drain cleaners.
Don’t Use The Toilet As A Trash Can.
It might be tempting to flush a variety of personal care items. After all, there is a sizable drain hole, and things often go down without incident. Dental floss may travel down the toilet drain, but it does not guarantee it will reach the main sewer. It could become tangled up in anything in your pipes and cause a blockage.
Aside from putting an unwanted load on the wastewater treatment plant, many of these materials take a long time to disintegrate and may block drains. Don’t put trash in the toilet, please. Both the environment and your drains benefit from it.
Get Drain Cleaning Services From A Professional
Even with the drain cleaning tips above, it’s still a good idea to get your drain cleaned by a professional every few months. It is especially true if you have a lot of people in your household or live in an area with hard water.
A professional drain cleaning company will have the proper tools and equipment to clean your drain quickly and thoroughly. They will also be able to identify any potential problems with your drain and make necessary repairs.
When it comes time to choose a drain cleaning company, be sure to do your research. Ask for referrals from friends and family, and read online reviews.
Choose a company that is licensed, insured, and experienced. You should also make sure they use eco-friendly drain cleaning products.
Conclusion
Keeping your drain clean is vital for your home’s function and appearance. Use the drain cleaning tips above to keep your drain flowing freely. And don’t forget to schedule drain cleaning services from a professional every few months! If you’re wondering how long it takes to clean the drain, read it here: https://boboates.com/long-drain-cleaning-take-complete/.
If you have any concerns about using drain cleaners, or if your drain is still clogged after trying these tips, contact a drain cleaning professional for assistance.
