The best way to keep drains clog-free is to be careful about what goes into them. Obvious, right? Since no one’s perfect, slow or clogged drains are bound to happen. Your first best step for preventing drain clogs is to have them professionally inspected and cleaned. After that, use these five preventative tips to keep drain clogs at bay.
Tip #1: Collect Grease instead of dumping it in the sink. If your kitchen sink drain has grease build-up already, about a tablespoon of liquid dish detergent and a large volume of boiling water will usually do the trick. Squirt the detergent in the drain, and then add the boiling water a little bit at a time. You may need to repeat the process if the build-up is substantial.
Tip #2: Slow and Blocked bathroom sinks and tubs are different from kitchen drain clogs. Simple table salt is an effective ingredient. Put one tablespoon of salt in the drain then add ¼ cup of plain white vinegar. Let sit for an hour. Run hot water to clear out the loosened debris. Repeat if necessary.
Tip #3: To Prevent Drain Clogs from happening in the first place, once a week put hot water down your kitchen and bathroom drains. When cleaning up after meals, run hot water into the drain to prevent accumulated grease and/or hard water deposits. At least once a week, add ½ cup of baking soda and ½ cup of white vinegar, followed by boiling hot water.
Tip #4: Use Screens or drain gates to cover openings and minimize hair and soap scum problems. It’s an easy task – most filters and screens are simply laid in place.
Tip #5: Watch What You Flush. Lots of people are tempted to use the toilet as a wastebasket, but just because something flushes away doesn’t mean it makes it to the main sewer. If it gets snagged or trapped along the way, it won’t be long before clogs appear.
To schedule maintenance service or learn more about keeping your drains clear and clean, contact Bradbury Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning today!
