Clogged drains are a common household issue that can lead to unpleasant odors, slow drainage, and even significant water damage if left untreated. While it might seem inconvenient, preventing clogged drains requires consistent maintenance and attention. Hence, it’s essential to understand the causes of clogs and implement preventive measures to save time and money and avoid the frustration of dealing with a backed-up sink, shower, or toilet.
Below are the practical tips and tricks on how to prevent clogged drains in your home.
Be Mindful of What Goes Down the Drain:
One of the primary reasons for clogged drains is the improper disposal of materials down sinks and toilets. Many people are unaware of how harmful certain substances can be for plumbing systems. In the kitchen, for example, grease, oil, and fat should never be poured down the drain. These substances may be liquid when hot, but they quickly solidify as they cool, leading to blockages. Instead, collect grease in a container and dispose of it in the trash once it solidifies.
Moreover, in bathrooms, hair and soap scum are the main culprits of drain clogs. To prevent this, use drain guards to catch hair and other debris before they enter the pipes. Lastly, clean the guards regularly to ensure they’re effective in the long run.
Avoid Using Chemical Drain Cleaners:
While chemical drain cleaners may offer a quick fix for slow or clogged drains, they can cause long-term damage to your pipes. These chemicals are highly corrosive and can erode pipes over time, leading to leaks and costly repairs.
Instead, opt for natural solutions like a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. This combination creates a fizzing reaction that can help break up minor clogs. After letting the mixture sit for a few minutes, flush it with hot water to clear the drain.
However, for more stubborn clogs, it’s essential to contact professionals you know can handle it. If your plumbing issues seem complicated or persist despite your efforts, consulting an expert ensures the problem is resolved efficiently and safely.
Use Hot Water Regularly to Flush Drains:
Hot water is a simple yet effective way to maintain clear drains. Flushing your drains with hot water once a week can help dissolve any buildup of grease, soap scum, or other debris that may be accumulating along the walls of your pipes.
When using hot water for this purpose, run the tap for several minutes to ensure the water reaches all drain areas. For kitchen sinks, this method works particularly well after dishwashing, as the hot water can help break down any remaining grease or food particles.
Install Drain Screens:
Drain screens are inexpensive and highly effective at preventing clogs. These small mesh covers fit over drain openings and catch debris such as food scraps, hair, and soap residue. By preventing these materials from entering your pipes, drain screens can significantly reduce the risk of clogs.
Also, drain screens are particularly beneficial in kitchens and showers, where debris tends to accumulate most. Remember to clean them regularly to maintain their effectiveness.
Regularly Clean Sink and Shower Drains:
Routine cleaning of your sink and shower drains can prevent clogs from forming. Over time, soap scum, hair, and food particles can build up along the walls of your pipes, even if you’re careful about what you put down the drain.
To clean your drains, remove any visible debris from the surface. Next, pour a baking soda and vinegar mixture down the drain, followed by hot water. You can also use a plumber’s snake or a drain auger for deeper cleaning. Regular cleaning is also important in homes with older plumbing systems that are more prone to blockages.
Dispose of Food Waste Properly:
Garbage disposals can handle minor food scraps, but large pieces of food, fibrous vegetables, and starchy items like potato peels can lead to clogs. It’s best to scrape plates into the trash or compost bin before rinsing them in the sink.
Furthermore, coffee grounds and eggshells are other common kitchen culprits. These items may seem harmless, but they can clump together and create blockages in your pipes. Therefore, it’s best to dispose of these materials in the trash or compost to avoid clogs in your garbage disposal and kitchen drain.
Maintain Your Garbage Disposal:
Your garbage disposal plays a vital role in preventing kitchen drain clogs, but it requires regular maintenance to function properly. Always run cold water while using the disposal to help flush food particles through the pipes. Cold water solidifies any grease, making it easier for the disposal to break down.
To keep your garbage disposal clean, you can grind small citrus peels or ice cubes. The acidity in citrus can help break down grease buildup, while ice cubes can help sharpen the disposal blades and clear debris.
Schedule Regular Professional Drain Cleaning:
Even with regular maintenance, your drains may still accumulate residue over time. Scheduling professional drain cleaning once a year can help remove stubborn buildup and prevent larger issues from arising.
Plumbing professionals also have the tools and expertise to thoroughly evaluate your plumbing system, clean your pipes and address any potential problem areas. This preventive measure can extend the life of your plumbing system and save you from costly repairs in the future.
Final Thoughts:
Preventing clogged drains requires ongoing effort and attention to what goes down your sinks, toilets, and showers. By being mindful of the materials you dispose of and implementing regular maintenance routines, you can avoid the inconvenience and potential damage caused by clogged drains. Lastly, implement these tips and tricks to maintain a clear and efficient plumbing system, and keep your home safe from the frustrations of blocked drains.
Disclaimer:
CBD:
Qrius does not provide medical advice.
The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act) outlaws the recreational use of cannabis products in India. CBD oil, manufactured under a license issued by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, can be legally used in India for medicinal purposes only with a prescription, subject to specific conditions. Kindly refer to the legalities here.
The information on this website is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Gambling:
As per the Public Gambling Act of 1867, all Indian states, except Goa, Daman, and Sikkim, prohibit gambling. Land-based casinos are legalized in Goa and Daman under the Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act 1976. In Sikkim, land-based casinos, online gambling, and e-gaming (games of chance) are legalized under the Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Rules 2009. Only some Indian states have legalized online/regular lotteries, subject to state laws. Refer to the legalities here. Horse racing and betting on horse racing, including online betting, is permitted only in licensed premises in select states. Refer to the 1996 Supreme Court judgment for more information.
This article does not endorse or express the views of Qrius and/or its staff.
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