Because What Goes Down Should Never Come Back Up
No one likes sitting in traffic. We all have places to go and people to see. But nevertheless, you are stuck.
Clogged drains are like the traffic jams of plumbing. They hold everything up and, when left untreated, can wreak havoc on your pipes. The last thing you want to do is have a clogged drain during the summer. Since the heat amplifies smells, a somewhat foul-smelling drain during the winter is a putrid drain during the summer. And who needs to deal with that when you’re supposed to be soaking up the sun and hitting the beach?
This month, we’re going to share the different ways to prevent clogged drains at home. Much like UV light filtration systems keep your air smelling fresh and clean, you can (and should!) show the same regard for your drains. By being mindful of what should and shouldn’t go down the drain, you can keep your plumbing running as smoothly as possible for as long as possible.
Here’s What to Do (and What Not to Do!)
- Avoid putting food, coffee grounds and grease down the kitchen drain. Make sure you properly dispose of food in the garbage or use the garbage disposal (see tip No. 8 for more information on garbage disposals.) Your kitchen sink should also have a drain strainer to prevent unwanted items from sneaking down the drain. Grease should never go down the drain because, once it cools, it can cling to the inside of your pipes and cause clogs. Pour the grease into a sealable container and dispose of it in the garbage after it cools.
- Clean the stoppers periodically. It’s not the most pleasant thing to do, but it definitely helps prevent clogs. Every week or so, pull out the pop-up stopper in your bathroom sink and give it a good cleaning.
- Use a hair catcher in the shower to prevent hair from going down the drain. Hair is one of the main causes of drain clogs. Not only is it disgusting to remove a large amount of hair, but it also smells bad. A hair catcher is the best way to keep that hair above the drain and out of your plumbing.
- Brush your hair before you take a shower. Some people have way more hair than others. If you’re the type to shed a lot of hair each day, try to brush your hair before hopping into the shower. Even if you do have a hair catcher in the shower, it’s always better to minimize the amount of hair as much as possible.
- Only flush waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Feminine hygiene products and other items should always go in the trash. Toilets are designed to handle toilet paper and human waste. If you put anything else in the toilet, you’re taking a chance and increasing the likelihood of a clog.
- Schedule a drain cleaning. If you notice one or several of your home’s drains are slowing down, we highly suggest scheduling a professional drain cleaning. Doing so will not only speed up your pipes and get everything working smoothly again, but it also will prevent major repairs down the line. It’s much better to pay for a drain cleaning than for an entire repiping job that stemmed from an untreated clog. At Miller’s, we use specialized equipment to quickly locate and clear clogged drains. Our approach is completely natural and chemical-free to protect your pipes.
- Flush drains regularly. Each week, we recommend flushing your tub and sinks to remove any built-up debris. Fill a bucket with hot water and slowly pour it down the drains. You also can pour water into the toilet, but make sure you flush it repeatedly while doing this to wash away any debris.
- Use the garbage disposal correctly. Food remnants, such as banana peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, pasta, nuts and potato skins, should never go down the garbage disposal. Also, make sure you run a steady stream of cold water whenever using the disposal.
- Avoid the use of chemical cleaners. There’s a reason why off-the-shelf products are cheaper than a professional drain cleaning. The chemicals found in many store-bought drain cleaners will eat away at your pipes. So even if the product gets rid of the clog, you’re just swapping out one problem for another. We will always recommend professional drain cleaning as the safest and most efficient approach. But if you are going to use a store-bought product, make sure it’s a non-corrosive drain cleaner.
- Teach your children what can and cannot go down the drain. You can be extremely diligent with your plumbing. But if the kids aren’t on board, your good habits go right down the drain (pun intended!). Remind children of things that shouldn’t go down the drain, such as hair, food and that toy they flushed down the toilet because they were afraid to tell you about it!
Get Your Drains Squeaky Clean With Miller’s
Don’t let a clogged drain get in the way of your summer relaxation. By following these tips, you can keep your drains working as fast and reliably as they’re supposed to. When you need assistance with a clogged drain, a slow-moving drain or a smelly drain, our plumbers are here to help. We know the ins and outs of residential and commercial drains and will be happy to get yours working like new again.
Whether you need drain cleaning or ductless AC repair, Miller’s is your one-stop solution proudly serving Norfolk, VA, and the surrounding areas. To schedule service for your home or business, contact us online or call Miller’s Heating & Air Conditioning at 757.623.6600 today!