4 Tips for Avoiding Drain Blockages

Clogged drains are one of the most common household plumbing problems homeowners experience. It’s frustrating and can lead to other, more serious issues if not taken care of quickly.

Often a drain blockage can seem to come out of nowhere (and often at the most inconvenient times) when really it’s been building up and growing for a long time. There are so many things that can contribute to a clog, it’s important to take some preventive steps to try to avoid the problem altogether.

Here are four things you can do to help keep your drain problems at a minimum!

1. Only Let Water Down the Drain

The most important rule for avoiding drain problems is to try to only put water down the pipes if at all possible. Anything beyond water, (food, oil, fats, or other debris) has the potential to build up along the pipes and block the way.

Even if you think something is safe to put down the drain there could still be issues when combined with other circumstances. So it’s a good idea to avoid those to prevent any potential problem by just sticking to water.

2. Fully Clean Drain Out

Keeping basically every substance out of the drain is near impossible, especially when there is more than one person living in the home. This is why it’s so important to fully clean out your drains on a regular basis.

Even just running a little extra water after showering or doing the dishes can have a big impact on how clear the drain is.

Get more information here about fixing and cleaning drain clogs on your own.

3. Use Proper Tools

When you’re cleaning out your drains, the tools you use make a huge difference in your success.

The first line of defense should be a drain strainer that catches the excess debris from even going down in the first place. After that, you should avoid harsh chemicals as they can have a negative impact on the strength of the pipes after extended use.

4. Get Regular Inspections

One of the most important things you can do for your plumbing system is to hire a professional plumber to come and inspect your system on a regular basis. A lot of plumbing problems stay hidden until it’s too late and there are major negative consequences.

A plumber has the tools and ability to look at your system and find the problems hidden deep!

Tips to Avoid Drain Blockage

Plumbing problems can become all-consuming if not dealt with quickly. The consequences of a system that isn’t functioning bleed into every area of daily life and can have major detrimental effects on your home.

Keeping up on these tips can help you avoid a drain blockage and keep the water moving freely through your plumbing system. The extra time and effort will be well worth it when you don’t have to shut down your plumbing to deal with these issues and can continue to benefit from indoor water.

If you’re interested in learning more about home maintenance and repairs, check out our other articles today!