Pro Tips: How To Avoid Clogged Drains
You know the signs: the drain is slower than usual and you don't want to think about what may be down there.
Clearing Slow Drains
You know the signs: the drain is slower than usual and you don't want to think about what may be down there. But don’t worry! With just a few simple pro-tips, you can safely unclog any slow drain at home with minimal effort.
Next, pour a half-cup of baking soda into the drain. This will help break down any gunk that's built up in there. For even better results, combine the baking soda with equal parts white vinegar. This combination creates a powerful fizz that really gets the job done. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes before flushing it down with some boiling water.
Now that the drain is free of blockages, it's time to take preventive measures. Use a drain guard or a strainer to catch any errant pieces of food or anything else that could get caught in the drain and lead to a clog down the line.
Causes of Clogged Drains
Clogged drains can be caused by a variety of factors - some more serious than others. Hair and food scraps are probably the most common occurrences in your home, but they’re not the only culprits.
Grease and oil are a frequent culprit of clogged drains. Since these substances form a thick substance when mixed with water, it's important not to pour them down your sinks. Instead, you should discard them in the bin or any other sealed container.
On the other hand, small objects such as jewelry, toys and even sunscreen can be sources of drain clog. As such, always keep an eye out for any items falling into the sink. A drain guard will help you catch anything before it reaches the drain.
How to Prevent Clogged Drains
You can prevent a lot of the hassle that comes with clogged drains if you just keep these simple tips in mind:
- Avoid pouring grease, oil and food scraps down the sink;
- When dealing with large food scraps, run hot water through the drain afterwards to flush anything that may have gotten stuck;
- Install a Drain Guard or strainers in your sinks in order to capture any errant items before they can reach the drain;
- When dealing with hot water, always wait a few minutes before flushing it down the drain to allow the water to cool down;
- Be mindful of what you’re putting in your sink, and remember that small items such as jewelry can easily cause a clog.
By following these simple tips, you can easily avoid the hassle of clogged drains in your home. Of course, as a homeowner, it’s still important to keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary. If you ever notice any signs of a clog, be sure to act fast before the drainage issue can get any worse.
