Clogged drains are not that uncommon. But sadly, many of the issues that create drain clogs can easily be avoided. You need to understand what causes clogs and how to eliminate these issues to avoid the nasty surprise of water backing up in your sink, tub, or shower. Fortunately, the list is not long, and the changes you need to make to your lifestyle are by no means drastic. With a few tips from your trusted plumber and a little care, you can prevent almost every type of clogged drain and flood of dirty water in your home.
Kitchen Sink Drain Killers
Most homes have a garbage disposal in the kitchen sink. And contrary to popular belief, it is not a magical device that can grind up everything from meat bones to entire pieces of fruit or vegetables. And it is not able to transport oil and grease to some distant realm, far from your home’s drain and sewer lines. Instead, your disposal is meant only to grind up small bits of food waste that are rinsed off of dishes and cookware. All other, larger solid waste should be placed in a trash receptacle.
Grease is an entirely different issue, all its own. Grease and oil from cooking should be placed in a jar or other container and thrown away with your garbage. When grease is poured down a drain, even with hot water running, some of the oil or grease adheres to the inside of the drain line and dries into a sticky residue. Over time, more and more grease accumulates and begins to snag the waste particles washed down the sink. And soon, you are noticing that the sink drain is not clearing as quickly as it once did. And that is because you have a nasty clog of grease and debris in the drain line.
To avoid kitchen drain clogs, throw all food pieces in the trash, and never rinse grease or oil down the sink. Of course, some amount of oil and grease will find its way into the drain as you rinse and wash dishes and cookware. To reduce the accumulation in the drainpipe, pour boiling water down the drain once a week to melt and flush away the residue and debris stuck to it.
Bathroom Sink Drain Killers
Bathroom sinks also see a certain amount of oil from bathing products like moisturizing soap and makeup. This oil also clings to the inside of the drain pipes to create a sticky residue. And when stray hairs and beard trimmings get washed down the sink, you have the beginning of a drain clog. The best solution for your bathroom sink is a small mesh screen that will stop hair and other debris from washing into the drain pipe. Flushing the drain with boiling water regularly will help to eliminate the residue and any clog issues.
Shower And Tub Drain Killers
Your tub and shower drains face the same issues as your bathroom sink drains, but on a larger scale. So the solution is the same. Place a small mesh screen in the tub or shower drain to catch all of the dirt particles and hair you are washing away. It is especially important if you have pets that you are bathing at home. Pet hair will cause clogging issues almost overnight. And again, a pot of boiling water is the best way to remove the clog starting residue found inside every drain pipe.
If you are experiencing many serious drain clogs, the best solution is to call (214) 388-8838 to schedule a professional drain cleaning. A Flow Plumbing licensed plumber will professionally clean all of your home’s drains using only high-pressure water. And the process is so successful that we offer a complete warranty on our work and the safety of the process for your home’s drainpipes.
