Preventing Clogged Drains

Clogged drains are a nuisance and they can also lead to expensive repairs and bad smells. Fortunately, there are many easy ways to prevent drain clogs from happening in the first place. 

Most clogs are caused by food scraps, grease, soap scum, laundry lint, and other debris that goes down the drain. You can prevent these clogs by following these simple tips: 

1. Keep Hair Away From Your Drains 

Hair: People shed nonstop, and when it goes down the drain, it often clumps together and creates a hard-to-reach clog. If left untreated, this can eventually cause water to back up into your home and lead to costly damage. 

Fats, Oils & Grease: These can solidify in your pipes and catch everything else that’s trying to pass through, leading to an even bigger clog. Paper Products: Toilet paper, “flushable” wipes and tampons are another common culprit that can quickly wreak havoc on your plumbing system. 

The first step to preventing these blockages is to teach everyone in your household what can and cannot go down the drain. You can also use preventive cleaning methods like enzymatic cleaners and vinegar to keep the pipes in good condition. If all else fails, a professional plumber can usually resolve the problem with more heavy-duty tools like drain snakes and power augers. They can also use pipe inspection cameras to identify the root of the clog so it can be fixed once and for all. 

2. Clean Your Stoppers Regularly 

It’s best to prevent clogs before they start. By performing some simple routine maintenance, you can skip unpleasant odors and expensive plumbing services. 

Using a hair catcher in bathtubs and showers, regularly cleaning out pop-up drain stoppers in bathroom sinks and disposing of cooking grease properly, can help reduce the amount of gunk that enters your pipes. This debris can build up and clog your drains over time. 

Another easy, inexpensive way to avoid clogs is to pour a cup of vinegar down your kitchen drain and rinse it thoroughly with hot water. Vinegar is a natural cleaner and deodorizer that can cut through the gunk in your pipes. 

Finally, it’s important to recognize when it’s time to call a professional. If you notice slow drainage or clogs that can’t be cleared with DIY solutions, contact a plumber for help. They have the tools and equipment necessary to clear even the most stubborn clogs and weaken your pipe framework. 

3. Use A Hair Catcher In The Shower 

A clogged shower drain is a nightmare that no homeowner wants to face. However, there are some simple ways to prevent this issue from happening in the first place.

Using a hair catcher in the shower is a simple and powerful method for preventing undesirable hair from getting away from down your channel. These gadgets, which seem to be a sifter, fit directly over the channel and trap the hair as it is flushed away. They can be bought on the web or at most tool shops.

Another effective way to prevent shower drain clogs is by regularly flushing your drains. To do this, pour a full bottle of white vinegar down the drain and wait about 15 minutes. You can also use boiling water or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. This will help to clear away any buildup of gunk that is clinging to the inside of your pipes. This is a great DIY solution to try before calling in a plumber! 

4. Keep Your Drains Clean 

There’s nothing worse than hopping into the shower after a long day and realizing that your toilet, bathtub or sink are completely clogged with water and sewage. The best way to prevent this is by becoming a savvy homeowner and learning how to spot the warning signs that drains are going bad. 

This includes things like smelly odors and gurgling sounds coming from the drainage system. If you do notice any of these symptoms, call a plumber before the issue gets too serious. Websites such as https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-canberra/blocked-drains-canberra/ will have all the information you need for plumbing problems. 

To help prevent clogs, try to keep the four main problem items out of your drains: cooking grease, coffee grounds, hair and soap scum. You can do this by collecting cooking grease in old jars or tins, throwing out coffee grounds and using a hair trap in your bathroom. Also, flushing your drains once a week by pouring boiling water down the drain and allowing it to sit undisturbed for about 20 minutes can help too.