When your kitchen sink backs up, your shower is plagued by standing water, or your toilet starts to back up, you could go from feeling frustrated to distressed, if not outright panicked. Clogged drains are more than a hassle; they can leave your home lacking essential functionality.
When your drain is already clogged, the best option is to call your preferred residential plumber for a quick fix. However, there are several steps you can take to prevent future issues and maintain your plumbing. These are as follows:
Use Drain Covers
Kitchen sink drains are pretty much wide open, primarily as a means of accommodating chunks of food waste that need to be broken down in a garbage disposal. Other drains, like those in bathroom sinks, have built-in stoppers that prevent large items from passing into pipes.
For sinks, tubs, and showers alike, you’ll find there are a variety of covers to help you limit what goes down the drain. Mesh strainers and covers will catch most food, hair, and other items that could cause clogs, all while allowing water to pass through.
Restrict What Goes Into the Drain
Whether you choose to use mesh covers or not, you’ll still need to be careful about what ends up in your sinks and ends up in the pipes. It’s not enough to catch items like food chunks, hair, and foreign objects like utensils.
Some of the most common culprits when it comes to drain clogs are non-solids like grease and soap scum that can build up over time, effectively choking the pipes. Drain strainers can help catch greasy food scraps and soap bar slivers that could become lodged in pipes. You can also dispose of these in sealing containers that you can toss in the trash.
Clean Regularly
You don’t necessarily need to snake the pipes or rely on chemical drain cleaners to keep your plumbing clean. Drain cleaning could be as easy as flushing pipes with extra hot water after doing dishes or taking a shower.
You should also clean sinks, tubs, and toilets regularly to prevent buildup on surfaces and in pipes. Avoid harsh cleansers that could damage some pipes, and consider natural degreasers like vinegar and lemon juice. If all else fails, consider calling in professionals to clean and service plumbing that isn’t draining properly.
When to Call a Plumbing Professional for Drain Clog Removal
At some point, when you’re dealing with clogged drains for too long, you may need professional help. If undesirable odors and gurgling sounds are emanating from drains, you could be dealing with a sewer issue like root intrusion that requires immediate, professional attention.
You should also contact a professional for common clogging issues like frequent and repeated backups, clogs you can’t fix alone, and instances of hazardous materials clogging pipes.
If you’re dealing with the persistent issues that come from severely clogged drains, contact the experienced team at Baethke Plumbing now to restore function and maintain healthy pipes!
