Taking good care of your drains is key to keeping your plumbing system healthy and long-lasting. If you ignore this important job, you might end up with blocked drains, messy overflows, and expensive repairs. Here’s a list of helpful tips and activities you should avoid when it comes to drain care.
Do These Things:
- Use a Drain Strainer: This simple tool can catch food, hair, and other stuff before it goes down your drain and causes a blockage.
- Flush with Hot Water: Every week, run hot water down your drains. This helps break up any gunk that’s built up.
- Try a Plunger: If a drain gets blocked, a plunger might be able to fix it. Make sure you use the right type for the job (for example, a sink plunger for a sink, a toilet plunger for a toilet).
- Use Natural Drain Cleaners: If you want to use a drain cleaner, go for a natural option like baking soda and vinegar. They’re safe and won’t harm your pipes.
- Call a Licensed Plumber: If you keep having problems with your drains or other plumbing issues, it’s time to call a professional. They can figure out what’s wrong and suggest a solution that fits your specific situation.
Don’t Do These Things:
- Don’t Pour Grease Down the Drain: Grease can harden and create tough clogs. Instead, let it cool and then throw it away in the trash.
- Don’t Flush Non-flushable Items: Things like wipes, pads, and dental floss should never be flushed. They can stick in your pipes and cause blockages.
- Don’t Use Chemical Drain Cleaners: These can be harsh and may damage your pipes over time. They’re also bad for the environment.
- Don’t Forget Regular Maintenance: Keeping up with regular drain care is key to avoiding clogs and keeping your plumbing in good shape. Don’t wait until something goes wrong to start looking after your drains.
- Don’t Try Major Repairs Yourself: It might be tempting to save money by doing big repairs yourself, but these are best left to the professionals. If you try to fix something without the right skills and tools, you might make the problem worse and it could end up costing you more.
By following these tips, you can keep your plumbing system working well for a long time. Remember, it’s better to prevent problems before they happen, so make sure you’re taking care of your drains regularly.