Does one of your drains always seem to clog? Can’t figure out the best way to keep your pipes clear? Four Seasons Plumbing offers the following guidelines for proper drain maintenance.
“A lot of our clients are worried about what they can and cannot put down their drains,” says Max Rose, owner of Four Seasons Plumbing. “The truth is—excluding grease, oils and chemicals—a properly designed and installed system will take just about anything you can fit down the drain. If you are experiencing issues with normal use, I recommend having a plumbing professional do an inspection, but in the meantime here are some dos and don’ts you can follow.”
Do use a drain guard.
Whether it’s in the kitchen sink or the bathtub, a drain guard can catch the bigger pieces of debris that tend to cause clogs.
Don’t flush everything.
Body waste and toilet paper are the only things that should be flushed. Paper towels, cotton balls and even “flushable” wipes should not be disposed of in the toilet.
Do use a bacteria waste eliminator
for preventative maintenance.
Bacteria and enzyme drain additives are safe, effective and great for septic systems.
Don’t pour grease or fat down drains.
It may go down the drain as a liquid, but once it cools off, these fats solidify, causing blockages in pipes. It’s best to wait until the grease or oil has cooled into a solid and then dispose of it in the trash.
Do flush with hot water.
Periodically fill the tub and/or kitchen sink about halfway with hot water and pull the plug. This will move the hot water down the plumbing and help clear lingering debris.
Don’t use commercial drain cleaners.
Store-bought drain cleaners contain caustic chemicals that can be harmful to both your health and your plumbing. These cleaners may help remedy a clogged or slow-draining sink or tub, but it can erode pipes in the process.
Following these tips can help keep your drain and pipes clear and working well. But should you need drain repair, or even a check up on them, contact your trusted plumber today!
