Don’t let a clogged drain rain on your parade. They aren’t just a nuisance; clogged drains can actually lead to a variety of other plumbing problems and, if left unchecked, could result in costly repair work. So how can you avoid a clogged drain in your St. Paul home? Here are a few tips!
A Clean Drain is a Happy Drain
Since working drains are such everyday occurrences they are often forgotten about, and this is when a clogged drain can occur. With our busy lives, they tend to be “out of sight, out of mind” when we think of home cleaning. But, keeping a drain clean of debris is essential to your family’s health and comfort. If you are pretty mindful of what goes down your drains, you really shouldn’t need to clear them too often, just every month or so.
Not all Drains are the Same
Some drains need to be checked on a more regular basis. For instance, bathtub, shower and bathroom sink drains need to be checked more often because those are the spots where hair becomes a problem. Hair down the drain is one of the top culprits of a clogged drain. Brush your hair immediately before showering or taking a bath to catch any hair that might have ended up down the drain.
Get Keen on Mesh Screens
Place mesh screens over all of your drains if you can, but especially bathtub or shower and kitchen sink drains to catch hair, food particles and more. This is a simple yet effective solution to the clogged drain problem.
When in Doubt, Throw it Out
We’ve all done it. But, flushing or forcing materials down any drain can cause a clogged drain. Here is just a short list of the many things that should NOT be put down a drain:
• Coffee grounds
• Baby wipes, napkins
• Grease, fats and oils
• Glue
• Kitty litter
• Gum
• Cotton balls and other cotton products
• Hair
• The list goes on and on!
Preventative Measures
There are a few things you can do daily to keep clogged drains at bay. One is, after doing the dishes or preparing dinner, run hot water in your kitchen sink to make sure your drain is totally clear. You can also pour a half cup of baking soda followed by a half cup of vinegar every couple of days to keep them clear.
Do you need help with a clogged drain in St. Paul? Call All Ways Drains at 612-922-9422 or contact us to get a Free Estimate.