Autumn is when most people get involved with various activities and prepare for the fall holidays, which means lots of meals and drain usage. Fall is also a perfect time to give your drains some extra care and maintenance with the tips below.
Snake Your Drains
Remove built-up hair and other debris from your tub, shower, and sink to increase water flow. This can be done with a plastic stick tool that can be purchased locally at hardware stores. However, if you have a persistent drain problem, it’s best to hire a plumbing professional to use a proper drain snake.
Clean Your Drain Strainers
See if your drain strainers are worn or damaged. If you don’t have any strainers on your drains, fall is a good time to buy some. These strainers are designed to keep hair, food, and other debris out of your drain lines.
Get Rid of Chemical Drain Cleaners
Most over-the-counter drain cleaners promise more than what’s delivered. Some of these cleaners also contain toxic chemicals that can damage drain lines over time. If you need to break down debris and clear your drains, call a plumber instead.
Try Easy Home Remedies
There are some easy, more natural remedies you can use to clean your drains between professional cleanings. One of these is a mixture of vinegar and water. Baking soda works well, too. Mix either vinegar or baking soda with hot water and pour it down your drains at least once a month. If you have drain odors, squeeze a lemon and let the juice flow through your drains.
Clear Away Leaves
Clear away accumulated leaves and debris after storms. With outdoor drains, debris from storms can block drain flow and cause issues with drainage. Avoid these issues by using a broom or rake to remove leaves and other debris after storms or after high winds. Outdoor drains can also be protected with drain covers that still allow water to pass through.
Don’t Let Grease or Oil Get Into Your Drains
After you cook a nice meal for the fall holidays, avoid pouring the grease and oil down the drain. These liquids solidify as they go down your drains and cool off, which increases the likelihood of clogs over time. Reduce this risk by disposing leftover oil and grease in the trash.
Regular drain care will keep your drains working their best. Contact PHD Plumbing in Yuma, AZ, to schedule a drain cleaning for your home this fall.