Keeping your drains in good condition saves money and prevents the stress of unexpected plumbing issues. When drains work as they should, you can avoid clogs, backups and costly repairs. By adopting a few simple habits to stop clogs from forming, you can protect your home and wallet while extending the life of your plumbing system.
Use Strainers to Block Debris
Strainers are an inexpensive solution to an everyday problem. These relatively cheap tools help keep hair, food particles and waste out of your home’s pipes to prevent blockages. Install these in the kitchen sink, showers and tubs so that they can catch everything that starts to go down a drain. Clean the strainers frequently, so you don’t have to worry about water backing up if they collect too much debris.
Avoid Pouring Grease and Oil Down Drains
Grease, cooking oil and fat go down the drain as liquids but solidify when they cool, causing a sticky buildup in your home’s pipes. This causes massive blockages over time that might need professional cleaning. Allow the grease to cool off and then dispose of it in a sealable container.
Coffee grounds, starchy foods and fibrous vegetables also don’t go inside your drains or garbage disposal. Putting these things in the trash or compost keeps your home’s pipes clear and minimizes the possibility of obstructions.
Flush Pipes With Hot Water Weekly
Hot water serves as an effective and easy means of keeping drains clean. Pour hot water down your sink and shower drains once a week to help dissolve minor blockage and grease. Mix in a little dish soap to help dissolve oils. These simple practices help prevent blockages from taking hold and work to keep your home’s plumbing in the best condition.
Rinse Sink Regularly
The brief time used to flush your sinks after dishwashing and brushing your teeth would easily wash away remains. Food and soapy grime, as well as remains left from toothpaste, can easily pile up in pipes and create an obstruction. That quick rinse eliminates all these materials and maintains a free-flowing state in the pipes.
Set Up a Regular Professional Checkup
Even with the best habits, professional inspections are a must. Plumbers have the right equipment and expertise to detect problems that may not be obvious to you, like clogs in the making or small leaks. Regular maintenance ensures these issues don’t become large repairs. Scheduling annual or biannual checkups keeps your plumbing system running efficiently and will help you save money.
If you live in Granada Hills, CA and need quality drain cleaning services, contact Turbo Plumbing & Rooter.