If you’ve ever had to deal with a plumbing clog before, you know that they’re more than inconvenient: they’re also smelly and unsanitary and sometimes lead to worse problems, like leaks and sewage backup! The good news is that there are multiple ways that you can easily avoid clogged drains in your home. We’ve compiled six of the best suggestions below.
#1 If It’s Not Human Waste or Toilet Paper, Don’t Flush It
Many people make the mistake of using their toilet like a spare wastebasket. On top of that, due to toilet paper shortages, a growing number of folks have been flushing “substitutes” like paper towels and personal wipes, which are notorious clog-causers both in homes and in city sewers. The combination of these factors can create a perfect storm in many households for severe blockages
While it may seem convenient to use the toilet as an extra trash can, your plumbing system is only designed to flush human waste and toilet tissue. Toilet tissue is crafted to break down better than facial tissues, napkins, or other paper-related trash. For clog-free drains, you’ll also want to avoid flushing baby wipes, cotton swabs, and feminine hygiene products.
#2 Limit What Goes Down Your Garbage Disposal
While most people avoid processing hard items such as bones and corn cobs in their kitchen garbage disposals, many don’t realize the harm of sending foods such as pasta, potatoes, rice, and coffee ground through this appliance. While your garbage disposal can make quick work of these soft foods, these items do their damage when they get into your drains.
Pasta and rice expand when exposed to water and can stick to pipes. Coffee grounds tend to cling in clumps to pipe walls. When relatively large amounts of items like these enter your plumbing system, there is a significant potential for a clog.
#3 Avoid Pouring Grease Down Drains
Not into saving grease drippings for later recipes? You’re not alone. Many people do their hearts a favor and simply dump animal fats down the drain. While this is healthier than consuming the grease, it isn’t a “healthy” option for your drains.
Grease hardens when it cools, and it can combine with wads of hair and other debris in your plumbing system to create a clogged mess. Rather than pouring grease, oils, and fat down your drains, collect it in an empty can or jar and throw it into the trash bin to avoid this issue.
#4 Steer Clear of Pouring Paint, Grout, and Mortar Mix Down Drains
Married to a DIY home improvement maven? Make sure that she remembers to clean dorty tools away from drains. Pouring excess paint, grout, and mortar mix down drains looks viable since water dilutes these mixtures. However, these substances harden in drains to quickly cause clogs that are expensive to clean. Get rid of these building by-products by washing tools in a bucket with water. After the water and the particulates separate, dump the water on the ground and throw the sediment into the garbage.
#5 Use Drain Guards
Even if you’ve trained your three-year-old not to put trash down your drains, debris may still find a way into your plumbing system. When you wash your hair in the shower or comb your hair over the sink, your drains can become clogged with hair over time. Food particles that get rinsed away in your dishwasher often get trapped in drains. Lint and hair can also clog your drains when you wash your clothes. Installing drain guards helps to trap dirt, lint, and hair before they get into your plumbing system through your sink, dishwasher, and washing machine.
#6 Get Periodic Professional Drain Cleaning Services
Can’t get your family to comply with your household’s clean-drain guidelines? Call in the professionals. Licensed plumbing companies such as (256) 304-8883 offer drain cleaning services that give your pipes the makeover that they deserve.
Bottom Line
Foul odors from drains and standing water around showers and sinks are just some signs that your drains may be clogged. To keep your home clean and hygienic, you’ll want to prevent clogged drains that can lead to water-damaged surfaces and the spread of mold growth and germs. Get peace of mind that your plumbing system is working optimally with (256) 304-8883 in Decatur, Alabama. Besides cleaning drains, our skilled plumbers also detect plumbing leaks and replace old, damaged pipes. Contact us today to get started: Jackson Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.