Regularly maintaining your drains will reduce the chances of blockage. Drain maintenance can remove odors and prevent issues, which saves you money on repairs. Following several tips for maintaining your plumbing can keep your pipes healthy and running smoothly.
1. Look for the Big Drain Blockers Daily
The four substances that block drains most often are cooking grease, hair, coffee grounds, and soap scum. Collect grease to let it cool and throw it in the garbage along with coffee grounds to keep debris from collecting in your pipes. A strainer can catch soap scum and hair in your tub and prevent buildup as long as you empty it daily.
2. Clean Your Drains Weekly
Grease and other particles can stick to the sides of your pipes and create slow drains. Boiling a pot of water once a week can help dislodge the debris and keep your drains clear. Pour half of the boiling water down the drain, and after five minutes, pour the rest of the water inside.
3. Your Seasonal Drain Maintenance
About once a year, you can do a natural flush for your drains. It’s helpful to do this right before the holidays. Pour boiling water down the drain and wait five minutes before doing it again. After the water, pour baking soda and white vinegar down the drain to allow the chemical reaction to dislodge debris.
4. Your Waste Disposal Unit Maintenance
Your waste disposal unit usually connects to your plumbing, which may allow debris to block your drains. Ice cubes and cut orange peels can sharpen the blades and dislodge debris at the same time. Orange peels that are too big can jam your disposal, so cut them to size.
5. Avoid Using Chemical Drain Cleaners
Chemical drain cleaners effectively clean your pipes, but many chemicals in the products are corrosive. The harsh chemicals can burn away the lining of your pipes while destroying the blockage. Damage to the pipes can crack or burst them and cause leaking, which leads to costly repairs.
6. Watch What You Flush Down the Toilet
To prevent costly blockages in your plumbing, only flush human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Don’t flush anything else, even when items say they’re flushable. A clog in your toilet can form if you flush too much toilet paper at once.
7. Know the Location of Your Stopcock
The stopcock turns your water supply off from the main to prevent more damage from a leak or clog. Knowing where the valve is during an emergency can save you time and money. Debris can clog and weaken the pipe, so shutting off the water can protect your home.
Knowing ways to maintain your drains can prevent issues from becoming expensive problems. Your drains can suffer from wear and tear, and debris can clog your plumbing quickly. If you need help maintaining your drains in Fountain Valley, CA, call us at Carlson Plumbing today to schedule an appointment.
