Clogged drains can be a nuisance. You may notice some signs when your drains are blocked. Your sinks' drains may not have proper water flow, your toilets may not flush correctly, and your drains may produce a strange gurgling sound. Also, a foul smell might emanate from your drains or puddles of water can collect around your sinks and shower.
Ignoring minor clogs can lead to severe blockages that may cause your entire plumbing system to malfunction. This issue can lead to costly repairs or water damage.
Here are ways you can prevent your drains from clogging.
Use a Drain Strainer
Drain strainers are affordable plumbing fixtures that prevent large particles such as coffee grounds from passing into your drains. The filters have small perforations that allow water to seep through but not solid matter. You can use the fixtures to protect your showers, bathtubs, and kitchen sinks. You should regularly clean the strainers to eliminate the accumulated debris and improve efficient water flow.
There are different sink strainers such as the back nut strainer, plate strainer, double cup strainer, flange strainer, basket strainer, and stopper strainer. Each type of strainer has advantages that make it suitable for various drains. For instance, the stopper strainer can perform two functions—it can prevent water flow down the drains when turned off and can also keep larger debris from seeping into your drainage system.
Avoid Pouring Grease into Your Drains
Pouring grease is one of the leading causes of blocked drains. While grease is a liquid like water, it's more viscous, making it easily stick to the inner layer of your plumbing system. Also, warm grease might flow easily down your drains, but it eventually cools in the pipes, leading to severe clogs. Moreover, other debris, such as hair, can stick to the grease and further block your draining system.
You can use another container to contain the grease, cover its top, and get rid of it with your other garbage.
Clean Your Drains Regularly
You should regularly clean your drains. You can call your plumber to do the job for you as they have the experience and tools for proper drain cleaning. Also, you can pour hot water down your drains regularly. The heat will melt any accumulated grease in your pipes and kill harmful bacteria. However, you should avoid using harsh chemicals on your drains as they can corrode your pipes.
Also, the chemicals can interfere with the delicate balance of bacteria in your system, leading to foul odors. Professional drain cleaning will promote faster and more efficient drainage and boost your drain's life.
Contact a plumber for more information.
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