Clogged drains and blocked plumbing is a hassle, and it is not something anyone looks forward to having to deal with. A clogged sewer line can be messy, and in worst case scenarios can result in damage to the plumbing system or water damage to your home. There are a few ways to combat clogged drains and prevent serious plumbing blockages.
Fill Your Sink and Drain It
According to some experts, the key to preventing clogs from happening is to fill each sink in the home full with water and then let them drain 1-2 time per month. This can also be done if you experience issues with the drain in the bathtub.
Filling and then draining all of the water creates pressure in the pipes, which works to flush out the plumbing system. As the water drains, experts say that it removes debris that has settled in the pipes, preventing a clog. In the kitchen, in order to get fat, oil or grease off of the sides of the pipes, pour a kettle full of boiled water down the drain.
Know What Can and Cannot Go Down
A number of things can make their way down the drain that shouldn’t – things like supposedly “flushable” pre-moistened wipes, feminine hygiene products, diapers, and food. None of these products disintegrates after they have been flushed or fallen down the drain, meaning they get stuck in the pipes of your home and can cause plumbing blockages and clogged drains.
The number one thing to remember is that nothing should go down the drain but water, human waste, and degradable toilet paper. The plumbing systems in homes are not meant to handle anything else, and if these get sent down the drain on a regular basis, it can become very costly.
Know When to Call a Plumber
If you are experiencing a plumbing blockage that requires a sewer cleanout or clogged drain repair, have the number of a trusted licensed plumber handy. While your first line of defence should always be a plunger, and there are some methods that you can do to try and unblock the pipe yourself, it is less of a headache and safer for your plumbing system, in the long run, to rely on a professional.