When it comes to keeping your kitchen and bathroom drains clean, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure—and luckily, it's pretty easy, too. Just a bit of cleaning and attention can help prevent clogged drains and unwanted odors from soap scum and debris that tends to build up with day-to-day use.
1. Be Conscious of What Goes Down the Drain.
The best thing you can do to keep your drains clean is to be mindful of what goes down them. Never pour oil, fat, or grease down the sink, and don't let solids go down the drain. Things like coffee grounds, eggshells, vegetable scraps, and rice can cause blockages in your kitchen sink, and hair is a common cause of blocked shower and bath drains. If you have a garbage disposal, make sure you're using it correctly; run cold water before and while it's turned on, and don't put starchy foods, oils, or hard scraps (like bones) in the disposal.
2. Install a Sink Strainer.
Of course, it can be hard to stop every little thing that goes down the drain when you're doing the dishes or washing your hair, so use a sink strainer to catch all the little bits and pieces and strands of hair that can build up in a drain. There are many different styles of strainers and hair catchers for sinks and showers, but even a simple mesh strainer can go a long way to protect your kitchen sink, shower, or bath pipes from clogging.
3. Avoid Harsh Drain Cleaners
Even if your drain isn't clogged, it's a good idea to give it a quick clean once every few months to help clear it out. However, many chemical drain cleaners are harsh and corrosive, and can actually do more harm to your pipes than good. So it's best to stick what you've got on hand: water! Pouring hot water down your kitchen drain can help loosen up and flush out oils and debris in your pipes. You can also pour some baking soda down the drain along with it to deodorize and help flush things out.
4. Drains Keep Clogging? Leave It To a Pro.
If your drains are frequently clogging, gurgling, or emitting foul odors, you might need a professional drain cleaning to get things moving again. Give us a call at 607-777-9974 or contact us for professional, no-hassle plumbing and drain cleaning services you can count on.
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