Proper Drain Maintenance And How To Remove Clogs

Proper drain maintenance can reduce the number of clogs in the system. When the system clogs, the wastewater will not go through the pipes like it should. This can create a series of issues in the system. The easiest way to lower the risk of clogs is to know what you can and cannot put in the drains, while also knowing how to remove any clogs in the unfortunate event that you do get them.

Allowed Items to Flush Down the Drain

All the drains are connected to the plumbing system in the house, which consists of a complex series of pipes. The size of the pipes were designed with flushing wastewater. This means there is certain things that you should never send into the system:

• Coffee grounds

• Kitty litter

• Paint, paint thinner, or stain

• Egg shells

• Grease or oil

• Tampons or feminine products

The items above will not break down or pass through the pipes. Over time, a clog will form in the system and the drains will not work as efficiently. The water may drain very slowly or not at all. The clog must be removed in order for the system to flush properly. Unless the sink has a disposal installed inside of it, food should never be dumped into the drains.

Removing Clogs That Have Formed

When you have a clogged drain, you can try several different ways to unclog it. The first thing you should try is dumping boiling hot water down the drain. Some materials may break down with the hot water being poured on it. There are also products that you can purchase in store that can loosen up the clogs. If the problem persists, you can use a small plunger to dislodge it. This usually works unless the clog is deep in the pipes. Plumbing snakes are the best way to reach and remove the hard to find clogs. The water should start flowing through the system again once the clog is removed. Any clog that cannot be removed may require the assistance of a professional plumber.

Conclusion

Failure to take perform drain maintenance can result in damage that requires a plumber to repair. Stick to flushing only water or approved liquids through sinks without disposables attached to them. Only flush wastewater or toilet paper down toilets. By following these guidelines, you should not have any issues with the drains in your home.