Tips to Prevent Drain Clogs

When you live in a household with multiple people, you are bound to experience a drain clog from time to time. However, this can become exasperating when it happens often. What could be causing these frequent blockages and how can you prevent them?

Guard Your Drain

Use a mesh screen or drain grate to catch foreign objects you do not want in your drains. For instance, coffee grounds, hair and soap scum. In most cases, these can be installed with ease; simply place the screen or grate over the drain.

Flush Your Sinks

After each use of your kitchen sink, run hot water to help flush oils down the drain. Otherwise, these substances can build up in the pipes and lead to drain clogs. Each week, add some baking soda in with your hot water rinse to help remove any odors.

For a more intense cleaning, use a cup of vinegar to break down the grime that has accumulated in your drain and pipes. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then wash it down with running hot water.

Keep Hair Out

Hair can be a major culprit of drain clogs. Brushing your hair before showering can help to remove some of the loose strands. Mesh screens can also be used in the bathtub to collect hair. There are larger drain covers available if you will also be collecting pet hair!

What Should Never Be Washed Down the Drain?

While the list is extensive, these are a handful of the items that can lead to clogs and blockages when put down the drain:

• Cooking grease
• Bones and egg shells
• Paper products
• Dental floss
• Pasta and rice
• Produce stickers

Many people attempt to unclog their own drains, but many of these instances require professional help. Let the team at M.J. Fahy & Sons clear any blockages in your sink or bathtub, so you don’t have to worry. Contact us today to learn more about our residential plumbing services!