The start of a new year often inspires us to improve our habits, and that includes how we care for our homes. While you’re setting resolutions for yourself, don’t forget about your plumbing system. This year, resolve to keep your drains flowing freely with these simple and effective techniques.
Develop a Prevention Mindset
Think of your drains as a vital pathway in your home plumbing system. Keeping them clear starts with mindful habits. Don’t pour grease or oil down the kitchen sink, as these substances can solidify and create stubborn blockages. Instead, collect them in a separate container for disposal. In the bathroom, a drain strainer is an indispensable tool. It keeps hair and soap scum from clogging the pipes.
Turn Up the Heat
Hot water is a surprisingly effective drain cleaner. Make it a weekly ritual to pour a kettle full of boiling water down your drains. This helps to melt away grease and soap buildup, so your drains can flow smoothly. For an extra boost, add a cup of baking soda to the drain before pouring the hot water. The baking soda will fizz and create a natural cleaning action to help to dislodge any stubborn debris.
Harness Nature’s Cleaning Power
Harsh chemical drain cleaners can be damaging to your pipes and the environment. Instead, opt for harmless natural cleaning solutions that can be equally effective. A mixture of baking soda and white vinegar is a powerful combination that can tackle most clogs. Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar. Let the mixture fizz for about 30 minutes, then flush with hot water.
Try the Enzyme Approach
Enzyme cleaners are a relatively new innovation in drain care. These cleaners use natural enzymes to break down organic matter, such as hair, grease, and food scraps. They are safe for your pipes and the environment and can be used regularly to prevent clogs from forming. You can find enzyme cleaners at most hardware stores or online. They are definitely worth trying.
Meet the Drain Snake, Your Plumbing Ally
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, clogs happen. That’s where a drain snake comes in handy. It’s a long, flexible auger that you insert into the drain to break up or retrieve the blockage. Drain snakes come in different sizes and styles, so choose one that’s appropriate for the type of drain you’re working with. You can find drain snakes at most hardware stores.
Call in the Experts
Even with the best preventive measures and DIY solutions, stubborn clogs can sometimes occur. If you’ve tried all the methods above, and your drain is still clogged, it’s time to call in a professional plumber. They have specialized tools and expertise to tackle even the toughest clogs and make sure your drains are clear.
By incorporating these simple yet effective techniques into your drain care routine, you can keep your drains flowing freely and avoid frustrating clogs. Start the new year with these drain care resolutions, and enjoy a year of smooth-running plumbing by calling PHD Plumbing in Yuma, AZ.