Prevention is the best cure, even when it comes to home drains. Clogged drains are best avoided by adopting everyday habits that reduce the chance of clogging, while performing more arduous drain cleaning tasks at regular intervals.
The material of the plumbing pipes is also a big factor when it comes to preventing drain clogs. Certain materials in drains accumulate more debris, like food particles and soap and chemical residue on the inner surface of the drain lines. Older iron pipes also rust, which over time causes clogs and even fractures in home drains. If you live in an old home where the piping is galvanized or cast iron, you may want to consider a replacement in order to upgrade to drains made of ABS plastic, since these materials are the least likely to clog and will not rust.
Regardless of the material of your drain pipes, there’s a lot you can do to avoid drain clogs. Preventing clogged plumbing begins with awareness of little habits that over time cause clogging. Another important step to remember is performing regular drain maintenance that goes a long way in preventing blocked drains.
Tips to Prevent Clogged Drains:
Every Day:
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- Make sure all your sinks and tubs have stoppers and clean them regularly
- Never pour cooking grease down the drain
- Never place potato peels or citrus rinds in the garbage disposal
Once a Week:
- Fill up the sink all the way to the top, then remove the stopper. This will perform a simple flush of the drain line with the sheer weight and volume of the water mass
Once a Month:
- Pour baking soda and vinegar down fixtures. This will help loosen any build up inside pipes. Pour a half cup of baking soda down the drain followed by one cup of vinegar. Cover the drain and let the mixture sit for 10 minutes. It is normal to hear fizzing. After 10 minutes, rinse with hot water. If needed, repeat these steps.
Once Every Three Months:
- A simple clogged drain prevention task involves checking the stoppers in all sinks and tubs and removing buildup of organic material
- Perform a thorough flush by simultaneously filling all sinks and bathtubs in your home to the brim with water. At once, remove all stoppers, and the mass of water will flush even drains running underneath the house (you may need the help of a few friends for this one!)
What If I Still Get a Clog?
Unfortunately, drain clogs can hardly be avoided forever, even though the frequency can be reduced with the above measures. If your drain clogs and there is no sewage back-up present, go to the plunger first – minor drain clogs can often be cleared simply with a plunger. Pouring baking soda and vinegar down the drain, or a chemical drain cleaner also does the trick in some cases. If the mainline is clogged, you can try a few DIY tricks, but the safest solution is to call a professional plumber such as 1-800-anytyme. Contact us via our contact form or call (760) 477-0072 to speak with a member of our team today.