Drains may seem small and insignificant–just a way for waste and water to drain out of your home, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s important to take care of your drains and keep them clear, allowing for water to flow freely so you don’t experience backups and leaks.
When you become a homeowner, one of the first things you learn is how expensive home maintenance is. Repairs that may not have been your responsibility when renting are suddenly entirely yours to take care of and pay for. That’s why preventative maintenance is so important! You don’t want to deal with damaging and costly consequences of not keeping up with big-ticket items like your plumbing system.
One way you can prevent backups and damage to your pipes is by taking care of your drains. When you keep your drains clear of debris and anything that doesn’t belong, you preserve the condition of your plumbing system and make dealing with a clog, backup, or leak way less likely! Here are three easy ways you can take care of your drains without the help of a plumber.
1. Be Careful What You Flush
It can be misleading when products are labeled “flushable” but aren’t. The fact is, most items that advertise they can be flushed are not able to be broken down quickly enough to prevent clogging. This includes so-called “flushable” wipes, as well as sanitary items like tampons. When someone calls in a clogged toilet, a buildup of these items is often the culprit. The only things you should EVER flush down the toilet are human waste and toilet paper. Anything else, and we see a clogged toilet in your future.
2. Properly Dispose of Cooking Oil
Cooking oil may not seem dangerous for your plumbing system, but as it cools, it hardens and coats the sides of your pipes. Over time, buildup of oil, fat, and grease in your pipes creates a clog that needs professional attention. If you have excess cooking oil after you make a meal, pour it into a sealable container or bag and throw it in the trash. Pouring it down your drain is a surefire way to cause plumbing trouble.
3. Use Drain Catchers
Have you ever showered where the water doesn’t fully go down the drain and instead builds up around your feet? This happens when there isn’t enough space in your pipes for the water to flow quickly and fully drain before new water goes in. How does that happen?
When you shower, some of your hair naturally falls out and may wash away down the drain. The problem is that this hair will get stuck somewhere on the way down and cause, you guessed it, a clog. The key is protecting your drain from those loose strands of hair during a shower or bath. Drain catchers do just that–they catch those strands of hair so you can toss them in the trash later.
Additionally, if you’ve ever used a bath bomb or bath salts in the water, the debris from those items can be harmful to your pipes, as well. A drain catcher will catch any debris and prevent it from causing trouble in your pipes.
We Can Help You Take Care of Your Drains!
By following these three preventative measures, you will be able to prevent clogs and backups from disrupting your daily life (and bank account). At All County Sewer and Drain, our experts will be able to keep your plumbing system in good health with inspections and other preventative maintenance measures. We are here for any plumbing need, whether residential or commercial! Visit our website or call now at (718) 550-5956 if you experience any plumbing issues!
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