Do you hate dealing with nasty clogs, sink backups, and water damage? We can’t say we blame you. Save yourself a headache and costly repairs by following these tips to maintain your drains and help prevent clogs.
Use a Drain Strainer
Drain strainers are affordable, easy to use, and effective for reducing the frequency of blockages in your sinks and showers. You can pick up drain strainers at your local hardware or kitchen store. Pop one in the shower drain to prevent hair from going down the drain and clogging it up, and always keep a drain strainer in your kitchen sink to catch small bits of food and other debris.
Don’t Use Your Garburator as a Trash Can
Most people do not use their garburators properly, which often results in nasty drain blockages. Garburators are not designed to dispose of large food scraps, they are only meant to be used for the very small bits of food that accidentally end up being washed down the drain. We do not generally recommend using garburators at all (instead, use that drain strainer and don’t let solids go down the drain), but if you do prefer to use one, be mindful of how you’re using it. Avoid putting vegetable peels, eggshells, coffee grounds, and other large food scraps into your garburator.
Don’t Pour Fat, Grease, or Oil Down the Drain
Many people think it’s okay to pour cooking oils and fats down the drain because they are liquid, but they can actually cause big problems in your pipes. While oils, fats, and grease are liquid when they are still warm from cooking, they become solids that will cause blockages in your pipes once they cool down. Instead of pouring oils and fats down the drain, pour them into a can or jar, then toss the whole container into the trash.
Be Careful What You Flush
When it comes to your toilet, a good rule to follow is to never flush anything but toilet paper and waste. Don’t even flush so-called “flushable” products, such as kitty litter or baby wipes. While many of these products may say “flushable” right on the package, they can still take a long time to break down full and cause blockages in your pipes.
Avoid Liquid Drain Cleaner
You may be surprised to find out that plumbers do not recommend using store-bought drain cleaning liquids. Store-bought drain cleaners contain corrosive chemicals that eat through clogs, but they can also corrode pipes and lead to leaks over time. Instead, get a good plunger and learn how to use it. For really stubborn clogs that can’t be taken care of with a plunger, call the team at JJ&A Mechanical to come and clean your drains using specialized equipment that will not damage your pipes.
Got a clog you just can’t get rid of? The team at JJ&A is highly skilled and equipped with drain cleaning equipment and cameras to ensure that your drains get flowing again. Trust us to get the job done right. Contact us today to book service or get a free estimate.