Simple Drain Tips Every Homeowner (and Business Owner) Should Know
When it comes to your home’s plumbing, a little prevention goes a long way. One of the biggest culprits behind clogged pipes is what ends up going down the drain. By being mindful of what you rinse, flush, or wash away, you can avoid headaches (and costly repairs) down the road.
Watch What You Put Down the Drain
Grease and oils: Cooking oils and grease solidify as they cool, sticking to the inside of your pipes and creating stubborn clogs. Instead of rinsing them down the sink, collect grease in a sealable container and toss it in the trash once it cools. You can also wipe excess grease from pans and dishes with a paper towel before washing.
Hair: Hair is a common drain-clogger in bathroom sinks and showers. Using a drain cover or strainer can help catch hair while still allowing water to flow freely.
Food scraps: If you don’t have a garbage disposal, scrape plates clean before rinsing them. Large food scraps can easily cause blockages if they make their way into the drain.
Other debris: Toilets aren’t trash cans! Avoid flushing sanitary products, wipes, cotton balls, or other foreign objects. Items like ashes, sawdust, packaging peanuts, broken ceramics, and glass should always be disposed of in a sealed bag in the garbage, never down the drain.
Keep Up with Regular Maintenance
Baking soda and vinegar: For minor clogs or to help prevent buildup, try a simple baking soda and vinegar flush. Pour a quarter cup of baking soda, followed by a cup of white vinegar, down the drain. Let it fizz for about 15 minutes, then flush with warm water. Doing this monthly can help keep things clear.
Drain cleaning products: Enzymatic or probiotic drain cleaners can be used periodically to break down organic matter and help prevent clogs from forming.
Consider Your Drain Type
Bathroom sinks and showers: These drains are prone to hair and soap scum buildup. Remove hair monthly using a drain tool or bent wire hanger, clean pop-up stoppers, and run warm water to rinse.
Outdoor drains and gutters: Clear these at least twice a year to remove leaves, twigs, and other debris that can lead to clogs and flooding.
Know When to Call the Drain Team at Dave’s World
If you’re dealing with persistent clogs or slow drainage even after regular maintenance, it’s best to call in a professional. Catching the problem early can help you avoid bigger, more expensive repairs later.
Preventative Maintenance for Homes and Businesses
Whether it’s your home or your business, regular drain maintenance can save you time, money, and stress. Our drain team at Dave’s World offers preventative maintenance designed to keep your plumbing system running smoothly and reduce the chance of unexpected backups or costly downtime.
Ready to schedule a preventative maintenance visit? Contact us today and let our team help you stay ahead of plumbing problems, so your drains keep flowing and your day keeps running.
