How to Properly Maintain Your Drains

You may not think about it very often, but your home’s drains are expected to deal with a lot. Food waste, hair, and excess household products all make their way through your drains on a regular basis. Unfortunately, they can only handle so much. If you fail to provide regular maintenance, it won’t be long before you are saddled with a problem that only a professional plumbing contractor in Pasadena can solve. To reduce the number of times you have to call your trusty plumber, here are the key aspects of drain maintenance that you can do yourself. Below are ways you can maintain your drains.

Use a Drain Screen

Hair and other debris can pose a serious problem for your drains. To prevent major clogs, use a mesh drain screen or another device designed to catch hair and other debris. Clear the screen as needed.

Do Not Put Grease Down the Drain

If you are cooking with greasier ingredients, such as bacon, sausage, or oils, then the leftover grease should never go down your drain. As the oils cool, they will coat the inner lining of your pipes. Over time, this can create a serious blockage.

To prevent this, keep an old coffee can or other re-sealable containers under your sink. Pour leftover grease into this container and allow it to cool. Once the container is full, dispose of it in the garbage. Alternatively, if you strain the oils beforehand and keep the container in the fridge, you can reuse it as an alternative to pure lard.

Watch What You Flush

Your toilet is only designed to handle human waste and toilet paper. Dental floss, feminine hygiene products, and other paper products should never be flushed.

Run Hot Water Down the Drain

To help clear materials that may cling to the inner lining of your drains, flush your drains with hot water after each use. Boiling a couple of cups of water in a kettle is an effective way to have hot water ready for use if you don’t want to just run the hot water until it is warm enough.

Use Baking Soda to Clear Minor Blockages

To give your pipes a minor cleaning, try using baking soda. Throw a few tablespoons down the drain, and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Then flush the drain with piping hot water for the best effect.

Use Vinegar to Remove Build-Up

The acid in vinegar does a great job of removing moderate organic build-up. To help clear a minor blockage and clean your pipes, put one cup of vinegar down your drain. Allow it to sit for thirty minutes, and then flush the drain with hot water.

Use a Bacterial Drain Cleaner

Experts suggest using a bacterial drain cleaner every month. These are a more environmentally-friendly option than chemical drain cleaners and work just as well. By addressing your drains before clogs are serious, you can prevent major inconveniences in your household.

Clear Your P-Trap at Regular Intervals

For those who are a little handier, have a look at the visible pipe under your sink. You may notice the u-shaped section. This is called the “p-trap.” You can clear it out whenever you see signs of a possible clog. Just remember to turn off your water and place a bucket under the pipe before you remove it.

Professional Maintenance

Even if you treat your pipes with care, serious clogs and other issues can sometimes occur. If you’ve tried using baking soda, vinegar, or a bacterial drain cleaner with no relief, then it is time to contact your local plumber through New Generation Plumbing. As a top drain repair in Pasadena, they’ll ensure that they maintain your drains, that they are clean and well-maintained, taking the headache off your hands.