What do plumbers recommend to keep drains clean?
Keeping your drains clean is all about taking a few smart steps to prevent problems before they start. Focusing on these 10 practical tips can help you avoid clogs and maintain your plumbing system. Neglecting these tips could lead to costly repairs, unpleasant odors, and even health hazards.
1. Use Drain Strainers
Seriously, these little guys are lifesavers. Pop ’em in your kitchen and bathroom sinks, and watch how they catch all that gunk before it can cause trouble. It’s like a bouncer for your pipes! Use them in your bathtub, too, to prevent bathtub drain clogs.
2. Be Careful About What You Put Down the Drain
Your drain isn’t a garbage disposal (even if you have one). Grease, coffee grounds, and last night’s leftovers? They belong in the trash, not your kitchen sink drain. And in the bathroom, stick to flushing the three P’s: pee, poop, and (toilet) paper. Those “flushable” wipes? Not so flushable after all.
3. Flush Drains with Hot Water Regularly
Regularly treating your drains to a nice hot or boiling water flush, like once a week, is a proactive step. It’s like a spa day for your pipes, melting away any built-up gunk and preventing potential clogs.
4. Clean Drains with Baking Soda and White Vinegar
Remember that volcano experiment from grade school? Your drains will love it, too! Add half a cup of baking soda, then pour a cup of vinegar in to the drain and let it sit for 30 minutes, then rinse with hot water. It’s a great cleaning agent for your pipes.
5. Use Enzyme Cleaners Monthly
Once a month, grab some enzyme-based cleaners. These little guys eat through all the organic gunk in your pipes, preventing clogs and keeping your drains clean and odor-free. It’s like having a tiny cleanup crew working 24/7.
6. Use Your Garbage Disposal Properly
If you’ve got one, use it wisely! Always run water while it’s on, and feed it slowly. It’s not an all-you-can-eat buffet! And skip the tough stuff like celery or potato peels; they’re like kryptonite for your disposal. Always use cold water when you are using the disposal; it’s more effective at keeping grease from melting in the drain and then solidifying further down the pipe.
7. Address Slow Drains Quickly
Notice your sink taking forever to empty? It’s important to take action promptly. Use a plunger or drain snake clean out the clog before it gets worse. If you can’t beat it, call in the pros before it turns into a full-blown crisis. Your quick response can prevent a major problem.
8. Clean Pop-Up Drain Stoppers and Drain Covers Regularly
Those little stoppers in your sink and tub are secret hair magnets. Give them a good clean regularly. It’s gross, but it’s better than dealing with a clogged drain later.
9. Install Drain Guards for Extra Protection
Think of these as upgraded strainers. They catch even more gunk while still letting water through. If you’re constantly battling clogs, these might be your new heroes.
10. Schedule Regular Inspections
Even with all your DIY efforts, it’s wise to have a pro take a look once in a while. Think of it like a check-up for your pipes. They might catch something you missed before it becomes a big (and expensive) problem. Of course, if you do have an emergency or a bigger issue you aren’t able to address, it’s time to call the pros.
To schedule a drain cleaning appointment or for all your plumbing needs, call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Melbourne. We’re your Punctual Plumber, and we’ll be there on time to take care of it.