Plumbing issues are every Waldorf homeowner’s worst nightmare. Not only do clogged toilets or overflowing drains cause a major headache for homeowners, but these types of issues can also end up costing hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in repairs. To avoid costly professional drain cleaning services, check out our top seven ways to help avoid future plumbing disasters by keeping drains clean and unclogged.
1) Don’t Dispose of Food Waste in the Sink!
The most common cause of a clogged kitchen drain is almost always large quantities of food being washed down the drain. Although these types of clogs can sometimes be removed with liquid drain clearing products, large build-ups of food may require the expertise of professional drain cleaning services, which can cause damage to pipes in addition to being quite a large expense for homeowners on a budget.
2) Install Drain Guards or Strainers in Problem Areas
Although throwing food down the kitchen sink is an easily avoidable scenario, some other drains around the house may be more difficult to protect. Think about this: When taking a shower, do you collect every stray hair that falls from your head? Of course not!
That’s why it’s important to install drain covers or strainers in “high-risk” areas like the bathtub or kitchen sink. These strainers can help to catch what you can’t (we’re only human, after all) and avoid the high cost of hiring professional drain cleaning services to pick up the pieces. Additionally, homeowners with long hair should consider brushing their hair before taking a shower to reduce the risk of clogging the drains.
3) Go Easy on the TP
If the popular children’s book “Everyone Poops” has done its due diligence in teaching us one thing, it’s that everyone poops! Although most humans feel much better after clearing out their own pipes, the same cannot always be said for the pipes in your home. To avoid the drain cleaning that everyone dreads so much, remember to go easy on the toilet paper every time you go number two to save yourself and your drains from having a bad day.
4) Stick to a Routine Drain Cleaning Schedule
Even when taking all the right precautions to keep drains clear and clog-free, this sensitive home system often requires a weekly drain cleaning schedule to keep pipes free of soap scum, mildew, and hard water buildup.
Follow these weekly drain cleaning instructions for best results:
- Boil a large pot of water
- Mix a couple of tablespoons of baking soda in one cup of white vinegar and immediately pour the solution down the drain
- Allow the solution to sit in the drain for 5-10 minutes before rinsing
- After the allotted time, pour half of the water down the drain
- Wait 5-10 minutes
- Pour the remaining hot water down the drain
Following these simple steps will help maintain a healthy drainage system and avoid costly plumbing repairs in the future.
5) Install a Garbage Disposal
Although the jury is out on whether or not garbage disposals are really that beneficial when it comes to keeping drains clear, installing a garbage disposal in your kitchen sink can help to break down food that is often the culprit when it comes to clogged drains.
Even with the assistance of the garbage disposal, homeowners should still avoid flushing the following items down the sink:
- Eggshells
- Coffee Grounds
- Oil, grease, or butter
- Pasta and Rice
- Flour
- Produce stickers
6) When In Doubt, Throw it Out!
If you’re considering tossing something in the toilet or down the drink and you think twice about it – trust your instincts! If you’re considering that something may be bad for your pipes, it most likely is, and things like sanitary products, plastic wrappers, paper towels, and cigarettes can easily clog a sink or toilet, leading to costly professional drain cleaning and plumbing. When in doubt, make sure you toss these items in the garbage bin or find an alternative disposal method to keep pipes clean and unclogged.
7) Avoid Washing Pets Inside
Even with the assistance of drain guards or strainers, bathing pets in the bathtub can lead to a massive clogging issue with the amount of pet hair that’s shed during bathtime. When the weather permits, pets should be bathed outside, especially large dogs or dogs with long hair. If this is not an option, homeowners should consider enlisting the help of a professional bathing and grooming service to help preserve their pipes.
The Best Plumbing Services in Waldorf
The easiest way to deal with a clogged drain is to avoid it! By following these simple tips and tricks, homeowners can save hundreds by avoiding having to call our Waldorf professional plumbing service team for drain cleaning today — 301-645-1759!
