As a homeowner, a clogged drain can ruin your day. You go to take a shower and the water starts pooling around your feet. Or you’re washing dishes and sudsy water backs up in the sink. It’s annoying, inconvenient, and can even cause damage if left unchecked.
Luckily, many drain clogs can be prevented with some simple habits. Keep reading!
React Quickly If a Drain Seems Sluggish
Do you notice the bathroom sink is suddenly draining slower? Does the tub make a gurgling sound when you pull the plug? Don’t ignore these signs of potential trouble. A mild clog can worsen quickly if not addressed.
At the first sign of a slow drain, take action. Try pouring very hot water down the drain to dissolve buildup. Use a plunger to loosen debris. If it’s still sluggish, call a plumber right away. The sooner they can clear the clog, the better.
A major sewer line clog is an emergency. Sewage backing up into your home can cause extensive damage and health hazards. Professionals have cameras to inspect pipes and hydro-jetters to thoroughly clear blockages. Don’t attempt to DIY major sewage issues.
Waiting to call for help can turn an easy fix into a costly mess. Get ahead of clogs before they become huge problems.
Prevent Laundry Room Clogs By Catching Lint
Does your washing machine drain slowly or make gurgling noises? Is the laundry room floor wet after you wash clothes? Lint buildup is likely the culprit.
Though lint seems harmless, it accumulates over time. As more sticks to pipes, it restricts water flow. Eventually, it totally clogs up the line.
Stop lint in its tracks by using a drain screen or filter. Install one on your washing machine’s drain line. It catches fuzzy lint before it goes down the pipe. Just clean the filter regularly.
You can also loop an old nylon stocking around the drain line. The lint will collect in the stocking instead of the pipe. Remember to replace it often.
With a filter, laundry drains stay lint-free. No more annoying clogs!
Don’t Pour Fat, Oil or Grease Down Drains
What’s the number one rule for keeping drains clear? Don’t pour fats, oils and grease down them!
Grease seems like a liquid when hot. But as it cools, it hardens into a thick solid that coats pipe walls. Food scraps then stick to the grease, forming an eventual clog.
Instead of pouring bacon grease down the drain, have a special can ready. Let grease cool and harden, then toss the can in the trash. Use paper towels to wipe plates before washing to absorb excess grease.
Following this simple rule keeps pipes gunk-free. No more grease-caused clogs!
Avoid Clogs by Not Flushing Certain Things
What shouldn’t you flush down toilets or drains? Some surprising things!
Flushing stuff like diapers, kitty litter or cotton balls seems convenient. But these items don’t break down like toilet paper. They’ll get stuck and cause clogs.
Greasy, starchy foods like rice and pasta can also stick together and create obstructions. And beware of flushing “flushable” wipes—they usually aren’t actually flushable!
Remember, drains and toilets aren’t trash cans. Only flush human waste and toilet paper. Dispose of other items properly to keep pipes clear.
Let Pros Handle Major Sewer Line Clogs
Some clogs require calling in the experts, like major sewer line backups. Don’t mess around with raw sewage flooding your home—get help immediately.
Plumbers have heavy duty hydro-jetters that can blast through years of built-up gunk in pipes.
