Clogs and backups in your plumbing system never happen at a good time. While we enjoy seeing you, there are things you can do to avoid most clogs. With a little preventative care and effort, you can save yourself time and money in the future.
Here are three steps to keep the water flowing:
- Clean and clear your pipes.
Hair, lint, and other matter build up in drains over time. At least once a month, give your pipes a good cleaning. You can use a natural, non-corrosive drain cleaner to clear away grit and grime. You can also pour a little baking soda into the drain and follow with hot water, which will also counteract odors. Keep your sinks’ pop-up stoppers clean of hair and debris as well.
If you’ve had a clog or backup in the past, there could be an underlying reason. Schedule a drain cleaning and plumbing inspection to fix the issue and prevent future expenses. We offer a one-year “Stay Clear” Guarantee for added peace of mind.
- Be careful what you put down the drain.
The most important thing is to simply block debris from entering pipes wherever you can. Hair is the most common cause of a clog, especially in the bathroom. This can be prevented for a few dollars by using a simple mesh drain screen in your tubs and showers. You can also use a lint catcher on your washing machine hose to prevent debris from entering your pipes from there.
It’s also important to be careful what you put down the drain. The worst offender is kitchen grease. When it cools, it congeals and adheres to your pipes. Instead of dumping it down the drain, collect it in a container for disposal in your trash. Same goes for anything that might solidify like grout, cement, paint, glue, etc. Similarly, while it may be convenient to put food and coffee grounds down your sink, it’s a risky business. When possible, collect the waste and compost it instead. Always run water for at least 15-30 seconds after you’re done using your garbage disposal, and clean it regularly by throwing in some ice cubes.
Also, don’t throw anything but toilet paper down the toilet. This includes dental floss, hair, baby wipes, and cotton swabs! Not only is it bad for the environment, but these can get caught in your pipes and start a clog.
- Take care of your drains.
Preventative maintenance for your plumbing system can be as simple as flushing them with hot water on a weekly basis. Hot water breaks up oils and clears away potential clogs. You can add baking soda and then vinegar to give it an extra boost. Once a month, use a natural, non-corrosive drain cleaner. These products use bacteria or enzymes to clear away grit and grime without toxic chemicals. Don’t forget to regularly clean hair traps and sink stoppers as well.
Sometimes, despite all your best efforts, you might encounter a clog or a backup. Never fear, just give us a call!
