Clogs don’t develop overnight. Much of the time, these obstructions are built up slowly from such things as soap scum, grease, hair, and leftover food. When water starts to drain slower than usual, the issue is already on its way. The good news is that a few simple habits can make a major difference to ensure that your drains flow freely and that your plumbing bills stay low.
Watch for What Goes Down
The ideal situation is for you to never have to unclog the drain. You can do this by paying attention to what you’re allowing to go down your sinks and tubs. When you are cooking in the kitchen, scrape all your food scraps into the trash or a compost bin instead of allowing them to go down your drains.
Even just a little bit of grease can cling to the insides of your pipes. This substance can congeal and catch other debris over time like a net. Rather than dumping it down the drain, store grease in a jar and toss it when it is cool enough.
In the bathroom, you can help curb the amount of hair that winds up in the tub by brushing your hair before you step into the shower. A few stray hairs won’t clog your drain overnight, but when combined with soap and shampoo, they begin to adhere to the walls of the pipes. Drain screens can also be a major help.
Hot Water Can Make a Difference
Pouring hot water down the drain once or twice a week can help the buildup dissolve and keep things moving steadily. This one is particularly effective for bathroom and kitchen sinks, especially after you’ve been washing up greasy pans. Do not use boiling water, as it may harm older pipes. But hot tap water from a kettle or the hot water running for a minute can help keep sludge from sticking.
Try Natural Cleaners Every Once in a While
Some people pour a chemical drain cleaner down their sinks or tubs as soon as they show signs of sluggishness, but that can be worse than taking no action. And if you use them too often, such chemicals can damage your pipes. To clear them less aggressively, use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar every few weeks. Add 1/2 cup of baking soda then 1 cup of vinegar. Allow it to fizz and sit for 15 minutes. Then, rinse with warm water. It’s not going to fix a full blockage, but it can prevent some minor buildup from taking shape into a clog.
In some cases, a clog will be so far down that DIY fixes won’t work. If your drain is backing up or gurgling, even after you’ve tried prevention tactics, it may be time to bring in a plumber. Professional drain cleaning devices can eliminate obstructions deep within the system and make your plumbing flow like new. If you need to schedule drain cleaning services for your Helena, MT home, call Big Sky Plumbing & Heating.