No one likes dealing with a blocked drain. It’s messy, it’s smelly, and it’s a huge inconvenience. Fortunately, you can do a few things to avoid having to call a plumber to clear your drain. Here are Precision Plumbing’s five tips for avoiding a blocked drain:
1. Use stoppers and filters.
Stoppers and filters help catch hair, food scraps, and other debris before they can build up and cause a blockage. Be sure to empty your pin or filter regularly, so it doesn’t become overwhelmed and cause a backup.
If you have a garbage disposal, be careful what you put down. Avoid putting fibrous or starchy foods in, as they’re difficult to break down and can cause clogs. Also, avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain, which can solidify and cause a blockage. If you end up with a clog, there are a few things you can do to try and clear it.
One way is to pour boiling water down the drain. This can help break up the clog so it can be flushed out. Another option is to use a plunger to try and dislodge the clog. If neither of these options works, you may need to call a plumber to come and take care of the problem.
2. Don't pour grease down the drain.
Grease may seem like it goes down the drain just fine when it’s hot, but it quickly solidifies as it cools. As the grease builds up, it will eventually create a blockage. Pour used cooking oil into an old coffee can or jar and dispose of it in the trash instead.
If you have already poured grease down the drain, you can try to remove it by running a pot of boiling water, followed by a cup of baking soda. Let this sit for a few minutes, then flush with hot water. You may need to repeat this process a few times. If the grease is still there, you may need to call a plumber.
Another way to prevent grease buildup is to pour a cup of vinegar down the drain weekly. The vinegar will help break down the grease and keep your drains clear.
3. Use hot water periodically.
a pot of boiling water down your drain every few weeks will help to melt away any grease or soap scum that has built up and is in danger of causing a blockage. Just be careful not to do this too often, as hot water can damage some types of pipes over time.
If you have a slow drain, there are a few things you can do to try and fix it. First, pour a pot of boiling water down the drain to help melt away any grease or soap scum that may be causing the problem. If that doesn’t work, try using a plunger or a plumbing snake to clear the blockage. If those methods don’t work, you may need to call a plumber.
4. Avoid letting hair enter the drain.
Hair is one of the most common causes of blocked drains because it can quickly build up and create clogs. To prevent hair from going down the drain in the first place, install strainers in your sinks and baths and clean them regularly. You can also try coating your gutters with petroleum jelly, which will help catch any stray hairs before they can enter the pipe.
If you find yourself with a clogged drain, there are a few simple ways to clear it without having to call a professional. First, try running boiling water down the drain for several minutes. If that doesn’t work, you can try using a plunger or a plumber’s snake. If neither of those methods does the trick, you may need to use a chemical drain cleaner. Follow the instructions carefully and use gloves and eye protection, as these products can be pretty acidic.
5. Watch what you flush (or don't flush).
The only things that should be flushed down the toilet are human waste and toilet paper—nothing else! Disposable wipes, feminine hygiene products, paper towels, and other items may say that they’re “flushable,” but they’re not; they’ll just end up causing a blockage further down the line. Put them in the trash instead.
In addition to being bad for your plumbing, flushing anything other than human waste and toilet paper can also be bad for the environment. When wipes and other items don’t break down properly, they can end up in sewage treatment facilities, where they can clog pipes and cause problems. So, do your part to keep things flowing smoothly by only flushing the things that are meant to be washed!
Conclusion:
Following these simple tips, you can help keep your drains clear and avoid costly repairs or replacements due to blocked pipes. Precision Plumbing is always here to help if you end up with a clog, but we’d much rather see you avoid that situation altogether! Call us today if you have any questions about plumbing maintenance or repairs; we’re happy to help however we can.
Precision Plumbing is Calgary’s premier plumbing company, specializing in drain cleaning, repairs, and replacements. We’re here to help you keep your drains flowing freely! Contact us today for all your plumbing needs!
