Keeping Your Drains Clear

Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing problems homeowners face. From food scraps falling down the kitchen sink to hair from the shower creeping its way into your plumbing system, multiple daily tasks can take a toll on the state of your drains.

Today, we’re here to share the complete guide to caring for and maintaining your home’s drains. While drains are rarely thought about until something goes wrong, it’s crucial to keep them in good condition to ensure a fully functioning plumbing system for your home. Keep reading to learn more about the basics of drain maintenance!

Watch What Goes Down the Drain

Your drains are constantly put to the test when subjected to soap scum, accumulated hair, dirt, debris, and more. While your drains are sturdy enough to handle a wide range of substances, you should steer clear of those that pose a clogging threat.

It’s crucial to remember to keep fats, oils, and grease far from your drains. Oily substances such as these will eventually solidify, cling to the pipe’s internal walls, and start to build a tough-to-remove clog. To avoid an out-of-order drain altogether, discard excess oils, fats, and grease into an old milk carton and throw it in the trash.

In addition to these oily substances, there are a few other items that can wreak havoc on your plumbing system. Keep your drains safe from harm’s way by preventing these clog inducing items from sneaking in:

Eggshells
Coffee grounds
Produce stickers
Cotton balls
Paper towels

Cleaning Your Drains

Most homeowners don’t add drain cleaning to their weekly chore list, but it’s key to maintaining a smoothly running plumbing system! While it can be tempting to pick up a convenient chemical drain cleaning solution at the grocery store, our experts advise otherwise.

Store-bought drain cleaners are often marketed as a fast, efficient solution to clearing drain clogs. However, the commercials don’t tell you that the harsh chemicals in the cleaner can also eat away at your pipes. It’s best to leave the harsh drain cleaners at the grocery store. Don’t worry; you aren’t doomed to clogged, stinky drains! Multiple DIY drain cleaning solutions can be used to keep your plumbing system clean and intact.

Grabbing a pot of hot (not boiling!) water and pouring it down the drain is a simple yet effective clog clearing technique. Alternatively, baking soda and vinegar can be used together as a monthly treatment to combat clogs. Simply pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain and follow with a half cup of vinegar. Cover the drain and allow for the mixture to sit overnight. You’ll then be left with clean and clear drains!

Set Bathrooms Up for Success

Most drain clogs occur in either the kitchen or bathroom due to the heavy traffic in these areas. If your home has a frequently used bathroom or you have multiple family members, you’ll want to make certain as many precautionary steps are taken to prevent a nasty drain clog.

To protect your shower from a stubborn hair clog, invest in hair traps for your drains. Hair traps can be added to showers or bathtubs and act as an extra level of protection from clogs. Just make sure to remove all accumulated hair and throw it in the trash at the end of every shower.

While you may be strict in following flushing guidelines, guests or other members of your household may choose the convenience of a quick flush over making the trek to the trash can. We suggest adding a bathroom wastebasket to encourage all family members to flush appropriate items and trash others.

Drain Cleaning Professionals

If your drains have fallen victim to a stubborn clog, you know who to call! Our team at Albright's Mechanical Services is here to provide high-quality drain cleaning services and premier customer care. You can trust that your home will be in great hands with our plumbing experts. Give us a call at (410) 834-0148 or complete our contact form for more information.