Ever struggled with a sink that won’t drain?
Plumbing isn’t everyone’s forte. Replacing a pipe, for example, requires plumbing knowledge and training.
However, basic drain maintenance can guarantee you won’t end up with a rusty pipe or a clogged sink.
The good news is you don’t have to be an expert plumber to perform these basic tasks. Read on to discover basic drain maintenance tips you can do on your own:
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Preventative Drain Maintenance
Proper drain cleaning and maintenance starts with preventive care. As doctors tell their patients: prevention is better than a cure.
Start by keeping a few items away from the drain.
Don’t dump coffee grounds because they can clump. Eggshells shouldn’t go down either because they can break into smaller pieces. These pieces then hook on other items and this creates a blockage.
Of course, try to keep hair from going down the drain too. Make it a habit to pick up hair from the floor and dispose of it in the trash bin. Hair easily gets tangled and can clump with other debris, clogging your drain quickly.
If your drainpipe has a P-trap, open it up every month and remove the gunk that accumulated on it. This ensures your sink won’t clog any time soon.
Regular Chemical Cleaning
At least every week or so, pour a bit of vinegar and baking soda down the drain. This will help flush out food and debris blocking the pipes. The mixture will also clean the lining of the pipes.
You can also use soda crystals. Dissolve these in hot water and slowly pour down your drain. This is a good method of removing built-up fats and grease along your drain pipes.
Make it a point to also use commercial drain maintenance products. These products help clean your pipes and will keep your drain from clogging.
Hot water is another good method of cleaning out your drain. However, proceed with caution. Hot water is only great for steel pipes because it could melt or degrade PVC pipes.
Professional Drain Maintenance Services
At the end of the day, you will need to hire professionals for a monthly drain service. They have the proper equipment and training to check your drain. They can spot areas that need immediate repairs and maintenance.
Hiring professionals for maintenance is a lot cheaper than putting it off until something breaks. They can provide proper insight and tips to help you prolong the life of your drain and pipes. Professionals can also point out or sell the best drain cleaner for maintenance use.
Keep Up With Proper Drain Maintenance Today
Taking care of your drain will prevent clogs and instances of food or garbage shooting back up. You’ll be able to regularly use your drain without worry. It’s all about following these basic tips to keep your drain in good, functional shape.
Enjoyed our quick guide to drain maintenance?
If you did, why not check out our other home maintenance guides today? Learn even more tips to properly take care of your home, right here!
