There’s nothing more aggravating than a clogged drain. Now you have to deal with potential flooding, the inability to use your sink, shower, or bathtub, possible damage to your piping, and scheduling a plumbing appointment to unclog the drain. However, the best method for unclogging drains is to keep them from clogging in the first place. And, it’s as simple as a few preventative measures and a little DIY. Consider these four tips from the plumbers at Sunshine Plumbing and Gas to get you started on keeping drains clear.
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Keep Drains Clear
It can be easy to wash something down the drain and forget it. But, depending on what it is, out of sight, out of mind may not be what’s actually happening. Everyday items such as cooking grease and coffee grinds can sit in a sink drain, accumulating particles that will result in a clog down the road.
Instead of disposing of these wastes in the sink, collect cooking grease in a jar or can and toss it out once it’s cooled down. Coffee grounds can go straight in the garbage, or for an environmentally friendly solution, can be tossed in with your mulch.
Install Drain Strainers
Drain strainers clear out food particles and help prevent clogs in the first place. Ensure that you’re regularly cleaning the drain, so that food in the catcher doesn’t get soggy and wash away. Regular cleanings also prevent additional food oils from being added to the drains. For shower drains, use a drain screen to keep hair and soap scum from escaping into your drains. Clean these often as well. Hair can act as a catch-all for soap scum and body oils, creating an unwanted pool of water while you’re showering.
Try A Homemade Drain Cleaner
Starting simple, make sure to rinse kitchen sink drains with hot water after use and while running the garbage disposal. Hot water breaks down oils from food, helping them pass through the plumbing system. To keep drains clean and smelling fresh, occasionally toss some baking soda down the drain and rinse with water. Vinegar is also an excellent natural drain cleaner. Just pour a cup of vinegar down the drain and allow it to sit for 30 minutes before rinsing. For an all-purpose shower, sink, and bath drain cleaner, prepare a half cup of salt and a half cup of baking soda and pour it down the drain. Add a half cup of vinegar and allow to sit for one minute. Flush the mixture away with two quarts of boiling water for a clean drain.
Trust The Professionals
When all else fails, and you end up with a clog on your hand, it’s best to contact a professional plumbing company. While store-bought cleaners may boast a deep cleaning power, the ingredients can be hazardous for your health when not used properly. A qualified plumber will be able to provide deep and effective drain cleaning and repairs. Our plumbers in Ocala offer various plumbing services, including 24/7 emergency plumbing services, garbage disposal maintenance, and can even help with water conservation.