You can prevent clogged drains from ruining your day and possibly damaging household piping with a few key drain cleaning tips. As with many things in life, preventative maintenance keeps drains clear and sidesteps unpleasant issues such as severe drain clogs and burst pipes. Clogged drains also waste water and contribute to higher energy bills.

Use the following drain cleaning tips to keep drains clear of food particles, grease, oil, hair, skin flakes, soap, and more:

• Hot Water: Boil pots of water and pour them down kitchen and bathroom sinks. You may also fill sinks with hot water and let them drain. The water helps break up tough clogs to keep drains clear. Add white vinegar to the water for additional drain cleaning action.

• Baking Soda & Vinegar: Create a fizzy drain cleaning mixture by combining 1/2 cup of baking soda with 1/3 cup of white vinegar. Pour the mixture down your drains as soon as it starts bubbling. Allow the mixture to stand for about an hour before flushing the drains with hot water.

• Enzyme Cleaners: Use living enzyme cultures to break down organic matter clogging your drains. Add these natural cleaners to your drains about once a month. They can also be used to deodorize your garbage disposal.

• Dish Detergent: Mix 1/4 cup of liquid dish detergent with 1/4 cup of hot water to loosen toilet clogs. Pour the mixture into your toilet before you plunge to make the process easier.

• Washing Soda: Pour a cup of washing soda down a clogged drain and let it stand for about an hour. Follow with one cup of baking soda and three cups of hot water. Do not use washing soda if you have PVC pipes, as the substance is caustic and will damage the plastic.

Tackle severe clogs by contacting the experienced team at Taylor’s Drain & Sewer Service. The Lincoln, NE-based rooter service provides drain cleaning, sewer cleaning, and septic pumping among other services that keep your home functional. Call (402) 474-5213 or visit their website to learn more. You can also follow the drain cleaning service on Google+ for additional tips and tricks.