205-655-2396 It’s a problem everyone faces at some point in their bathroom or kitchen: a clogged sink. Worse, you may see food scraps, soap scum, or bathroom waste in the water. These are clear signs your drains are clogged. Fortunately, here are four ways to protect your home drains and plumbing system.
1. Toss Out Any Food Scraps
Food waste is one of the main reasons for clogged kitchen drains. While it’s tempting to dump any leftovers or coffee grounds in the garbage disposal, these scraps build up over time and clog the drain pipe. Before rinsing your dishes, throw away any leftover food in the garbage.
If you use the garbage disposal, always run hot water with it to remove gunk.
2. Never Pour Oil and Grease Down the Drain
Similarly, if you cook something that leaves a lot of oil or grease residue, never pour these down the drain. As fatty substances, oil, and cooking grease congeals. Once this happens, it is difficult to remove unless professionals do it for you.
Instead, pour any grease into a sealable container. Once it cools, throw it away in the garbage.
3. Use Natural Cleaning Solutions
Not everyone is comfortable using chemical drain cleaners. One easy, sustainable way to keep drains clean is with a natural cleaning solution. For example, baking soda and vinegar can do wonders for your drain and remove minor clogs.
First, pour boiling water down the drain with a quarter cup of baking soda. Leave it running with hot water for twenty minutes. Then, turn off the running water, and add one cup of white vinegar with one cup of hot water. Let this sit for another twenty minutes to flush your drains.
4. Cover Bathroom Drains with a Mesh Screen
Showering and shaving often leave a lot of hair trapped in the bathroom drains. While you cannot prevent hair from falling off your body, you can protect your drain with a wire mesh screen. These devices are cheap, DIY solutions to cover the drain and prevent clogs in the bathroom sinks.
Wilbur’s is Here to Help!
If these solutions don’t work, or you’re experiencing a severe drain clog, call us at 205-655-2396. Our expert plumbers clean your drains with the best tools, products, and industry knowledge to finish the job fast and efficiently. We’re there whenever you need us with financing options available.
