In 2016 alone, Americans spent over $ 250 million on drain cleaner agents.

Clogged drains are the most common plumbing issue. Whether it’s a blockage on your main pipe or at the kitchen sink, chances are, you have encountered a clogged drain at some point.

When facing a clog, you will notice changes in how water drains which may be combined with foul smells. If the problem is left unattended, major damage might result which might be expensive to fix.

In this article, we will look at some easy plumbing maintenance techniques to prevent your drain from clogging.

Collect Waste at the Sink

Any solid particles that get into your pipes can cause trouble later on even if they appear to be tiny and harmless.

As they build up, the flow of water within the pipes will slow down making it easier for more particles to get caught at the clogged section.

When dirty dishes are piled on the sink for cleaning, ensure that you collect all food remnants. Have a container in place to store such waste. You should do this even if you have a food disposer.

In addition, make sure that all the grease is wiped from the utensils before washing. Grease is actually one of the leading causes of clogged sinks. When it is warm, it will flow well into the pipes.

However, as it starts to cool, it will begin solidifying and form a clog. It will then start blocking the flow of water and trap other materials.

Have a jar in place to collect the grease before throwing it into the trash.

Bacteria for Plumbing Maintenance

There are many chemicals available in the market that can unclog drains. However, they also come with their own problems.

Top on the list is that they corrode pipes. The more you use them, the greater the corrosion which in turn reduces the lifespan of your pipes.

 When clogs occur, the causing agent most of the time is organic matter. Fortunately, there are noncorrosive bacterial drain cleaners that will not damage your pipes. You can get it in liquid or in granular form.

All you have to do is flush it through the drain and it will consume the organic matter.

These bacterial drain cleaners will also not affect the bacteria in your septic tank. To ensure they work well, use the bacterial cleaners when the drains will not be in use.

Use a Lint Catcher on your Washing Machine Hose

Little pieces of fabric, facial tissue, lint, and sometimes a sock can get through your washing machines drain hose and cause a blockage.

To prevent such clogs, put lint trap at the end of the drain hose. Such mesh lint traps are available at hardware stores and home centers. Try holding it in place using a zip tie.

You should check your trap regularly and replace it when it is full. Alternatively, you can also use an old nylon stocking.

Catch Hair and Debris Before It Reaches down the Drain

It is often the things you suspect least that will cause your drain to clog. Little bits of hair and even foam from soap can instigate a clog.

Rather than finding ways to unclog the drain, you are better of preventing such elements from getting into your drains in the first place.

You can do this using a mesh screen that is placed above your sink stopper or replace your stopper altogether with one that has an inbuilt screen.

With the latter, water flow may be obscured as particles caught increase. Therefore, you will have to remove it regularly so that you can clear it.

Do Not over Estimate Your Toilet’s Capacity

Do not let the thunderous flow of your toilet fool you into thinking it is invincible. At times people flush down personal effects. They may make it past the toilet drain, but they probably won’t make it to the sewer.

As more and more of these materials get caught up within the pipes, they may cause major plumbing problems.

Since these materials do not decompose quickly, they also add an extra burden to water treatment facilities.

To protect the environment and yourself from serious clogs, avoid using the toilet as a waste disposal pit.

If your toilet shows signs of clogging, call up a professional plumbing service immediately.

Run Hot Water Through the Sink After Each Use

Even if you wipe and collect the grease off your utensils, it may not be possible to get it all out. The buildup of such oils under the sink will slow down water drainage and lead to clogs.

Once you are done doing the dishes, pour hot water down the drain. This will keep the greases and oils in food products flowing further into the drain.

Throw Baking Soda into the Drain

Do this if you need to get rid of foul odors from your sink. Baking soda is also quite effective in clearing clogs. However, for the best results, wash it down with hot water.

Pour a Glass of Vinegar into the Drain

Vinegar is an excellent cleaning agent. The acetic acid content in it makes it a great organic solvent.

Once you have poured it down the drain, wait for half an hour then wash it down with very hot water. This method will remove all the buildup of organic matter in your pipes.

If you have been having regular clogs, try using a mixture of baking soda, salt, and vinegar. Use this method overnight in order to get the best results. Chase the mixture down with hot water early in the morning.

Do Not Wait for Your Main Drain to Block

The key to preventing your main drain from blocking is proper maintenance of the interior network. Avoid letting any inappropriate substances down the drain and clear minor clogs regularly.

However, if you have had consistent clogs, it may be time for professional plumbing maintenance.

KP Plumbing is a leading plumber in Walnut, CA. We have a team of competent staff and utilize the latest leak detecting technology to nip problems in the bud. Check out our services to see how we can be of help to you.