Preventative Measures for Avoiding Drain Blockages

Posted by Nearly Services on November 3rd, 2023

Introduction   

Clogged drains are a nuisance that no homeowner wants to deal with. While minor clogs can often be cleared with some simple DIY drain cleaning, an ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure when it comes to drain blockages. Implementing small, easy habitual changes can go a long way towards preventing gunk, grime, and debris from building up and creating clogged drains. Read on for tips on how to proactively avoid drain clogs through simple preventative measures. drain cleaning service

Use Drain Strainers and Catchers 

One of the easiest ways to stop future clogs is by using sink drain strainers and catchers. Strainers fit into kitchen sink drains to catch food scraps and particles while allowing water to pass through. This prevents food debris from accumulating in pipes. Likewise, hair catchers placed over shower and bathroom sinks trap hair before it can go down the drain. Clean out strainers and catchers regularly by removing the gunk and rinsing them off. This simple habit stops particles and hair from even entering pipes where they can cause blockages.

Pour Hot Water Down Drains Weekly 

Get into a routine of pouring hot water down bathroom and kitchen sinks weekly. Make this part of your cleaning regimen. The hot water will melt away any grease or soap scum building up along pipe walls before it can accumulate and cause flow problems. Mixing in some baking soda and vinegar periodically as you pour the hot water will boost its grime-fighting properties. This simple routine maintenance helps drains flow smoothly and not get slowed by gradual gunk and buildup over time.

Be Mindful of What Goes Down Drains 

You can avoid many clogs by being mindful of what is washed down your drains. Hair, grease, flour, rice, pasta, eggshells and other food items can easily get stuck and collect in pipes. Avoid letting such things go down in the first place. Wipe excess grease from pans using paper towels before washing. Collect food scraps and rinse off dishes prior to using the garbage disposal. Catch hair with drain screens. You’d be surprised how quickly small particles that go down the drain daily can build up when they aren’t filtered out. Being vigilant about what goes into sinks and tubs prevents blockages down the road.

Use a Drain Auger Monthly 

Invest in a plastic drain auger or metal “zip-it” style tool to swish down your drains monthly. Gently insert the auger and twist it around pipes to hook hair and other debris before pulling it out. This will remove some of the gunk before it can accumulate and cause a mass clog. Target bathroom sink and shower drains as well as kitchen sinks. Just be gentle not to scratch pipes when swirling the auger. Doing this monthly maintenance helps keep ahead of debris buildup.

Don’t Rely On Harsh Chemical Cleaners 

It may be tempting to use harsh chemical drain cleaners regularly, but this can actually damage pipes over time. Drain cleaners contain strong acids and caustic compounds that eat away at clogs chemically. However, they also degrade pipe walls and plastic fittings with extended use. This makes pipes more prone to cracks and leaks down the road. Reserve chemical drain cleaners only for venturing occasional very bad clogs, rather than as routine maintenance. Opt for milder solutions like baking soda and vinegar instead to avoid erosion.

In summary, being proactive and implementing these simple preventative measures will go a long way towards maintaining free-flowing drains and avoiding major clogged pipe headaches. A little consistency pays off through smoothly running drains that don’t overflow or back up.