5 Tips For Preventing Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing problems. They tend to occur at the most inconvenient times and can be quite a pain. While it may not be possible to avoid every drain clog, it is possible to dramatically reduce them. Here are five helpful tips for preventing clogged drains:
Don't Dump Grease in Your Drain
Many people pour leftover cooking grease down the drain without thinking twice about it. They might assume that since it is technically a liquid, it will not clog the drain. However, grease actually solidifies in your pipes. Whenever you have leftover grease to get rid of, just put it in a jar and throw it away in the trash.
Clean Your Pop-Up Stopper
A pop-up stopper on your sink prevent hair, soap, and other gunk from getting down in your drains and causing clogs. However, if there is too much buildup in this pop-up stopper, it can cause your sink to take a long time to drain. That's why it is important to periodically remove this pop-up stopper and clean it with soap and water.
Teach Your Kids Not to Flush Too Much Toilet Paper
If you have kids in the house, they might flush too much toilet paper at once and clog up the toilet. Teach your kids to only flush a few sheets of toilet paper at a time.
Watch What You Put in Your Garbage Disposal
A garbage disposal is a useful appliance to have in the kitchen. However, if you throw the wrong items down the disposal, it can lead to major clogs. Avoid throwing fibrous materials, like corn husks and onion skins, down the disposal because they can block the drains. If you have large pieces of food to throw in the garbage disposal, cut them up first into smaller pieces. It's also a good idea to clean your garbage disposal with dish soap and cold water several times a week.
Install a Mesh Screen in Your Shower Drain
Hair and soap can accumulate in your shower drain over time and cause clogs. One way to avoid this problem is to install a mesh screen in your shower drain. It will catch hair and soap before they reach the drain.
If you follow these helpful tips, you can reduce clogged drains. However, if you still get a clog, you should contact a plumber like http://www.smedleyservice.com as soon as possible.