Dealing with clogged drains is something no homeowner wants to face. It’s inconvenient, sometimes costly, and can significantly disrupt your day-to-day life. Fortunately, there are straightforward steps you can take to maintain clean and clear drains throughout your home. Let’s review how to keep drains clean so that you can avoid those dreaded blockages.
1. Regularly Flush Your Drains With Hot Water
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to keep your drains clean is by flushing them with hot water each week. Hot water helps dissolve substances like oil and grease that might accumulate in your kitchen sink or bathroom drains. For an added cleaning boost, periodically sprinkle a little dish soap down the drain before pouring boiling water to break down grease and soap scum effectively. Just make sure that your particular plumbing system can handle hot water without damage.
2. Baking Soda and Vinegar: A Dynamic Duo
Combining baking soda and vinegar can work wonders for your drains. Start by pouring half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by an equal amount of plain white vinegar. This mixture creates a fizzing action that helps to loosen stubborn clogs and residue. After letting it sit for an hour, you’ll want to flush the drain with very hot water to rinse away the loosened substances.
3. Install Hair Screens on Shower Drains
Hair is a primary culprit in creating blockages, especially in shower drains. One of the easiest ways to keep your drains clean and unclogged is to install a simple hair screen or drain stopper in your shower. These devices can catch hair before it enters your plumbing system. This small step can prevent significant clogs and save you from needing professional plumbing services.
4. Be Mindful of What Goes Down Your Kitchen Sink
The kitchen sink is prone to clogging from food particles, cooking grease, and soap deposits. Always use a drain stopper or a strainer to catch solid materials. Never pour grease down the drain, as it can solidify and create giant clogs over time. Instead, dispose of grease in a trash can or a designated grease bin. For daily maintenance, rinse kitchen drains with hot water after each use.
5. Clean Your Garbage Disposal Properly
Your garbage disposal does a great job of handling waste, but it also needs regular maintenance. Run cold water through your disposal every time you use it to prevent grease build-up. You can also grind a few ice cubes and a slice of lemon or a small amount of liquid dish soap once a week to keep the blades sharp and the disposal smelling fresh.
6. Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners
Harsh chemicals can provide a quick fix for clogged drains, but they often cause more harm than good. These solutions can eat away at your pipes, leading to leaks and structural damage over time. Instead, opt for gentler methods like the baking soda and vinegar mix or hot water treatments. If you face a stubborn clog that home remedies can’t fix, it’s better to call a professional plumber.
7. Schedule Regular Professional Drain Cleaning
As you can see, there are many ways to keep your drains clean and unclogged. However, even with the best preventive measures, your drains might need a professional touch to remain in top condition. Regularly scheduling a service call with a trusted plumber can keep your plumbing system running smoothly and prevent unexpected problems. This is particularly crucial if you frequently experience slow drains or minor clogs.
The Importance of How to Keep Drains Clean
Understanding the significance of maintaining clean and unclogged drains is the first step toward a proactive approach. A clogged drain is more than just a roadblock in your day-to-day routine; it can cause your plumbing system to malfunction, lead to water damage, and pose potential health risks. A neglected drain can also accumulate substantial costs in the form of emergency plumber services and, in severe cases, structural damage repairs.
Neglecting regular drain maintenance can lead to various problems, such as:
- Slow drainage and standing water.
- Foul odors from the accumulating gunk.
- Structural damage from leaks and corrosion.
- Infestation of pests and harmful bacteria due to unclean conditions.
By adopting easy habits and knowing how to keep drains clean, you can actively prevent these issues and guarantee smooth, uninterrupted water flow throughout your home.
Prevention Is Better Than Reaction
Instead of waiting for a clog to happen and reacting with panic, it’s smarter to stay one step ahead with a little regular prevention. Prevention methods are straightforward, typically require household items, and can be easily incorporated into your weekly cleaning routine. Most of the ways to keep your drains clean are simple and easy to implement. They also help in stopping the accumulation of gunk and can save you time, effort, and a lot of plumbing agony down the line.
Keep Your Home’s Plumbing Healthy!
By learning how to keep drains clean and following the above tips, you can effectively maintain your drains and minimize the risk of clogs. Simple actions like using hot water and baking soda or installing preventive tools can make a significant difference. Remember, keeping your drains clear isn’t just a nuisance prevention strategy; it’s crucial for the health of your plumbing system.
If you need help beyond these simple maintenance tips, Big Brothers Home Services offers comprehensive drain cleaning in Salt Lake City, UT. Our team is equipped to handle everything from routine maintenance to emergency repairs. Don’t let a clogged drain disrupt your life — schedule a service with us today!
And remember, if you’re caught in a situation that requires immediate attention, we’re here to assist as your reliable Salt Lake City emergency plumber.
