Of all the household mishaps that can arise, clogged drains are one of the most common and frustrating. While there are several old wives’ tales about how to fix plumbing issues, it’s not always easy to guess what methods are effective and which might make the problem worse. However, by following this helpful guide, you can save yourself the time, money, and stress that accompany most system back-ups.

Do:

Use a trap or screen.

While it might seem primitive, one of the easiest ways to keep blockages from forming in your drains is to stop them with a physical barrier. You can pick up a variety of these traps or screens from a hardware supply store and place them over your kitchen or bathroom drain openings. Once the trap has collected a sizable amount of stray hair or food scraps, turn off the water and dump the debris in the trash.

Call a professional.

If your kitchen sink starts draining slower than usual, first attempt to remove any obstructions at the opening of the drain by hand or try running hot water down the pipe. However, if these don’t work, abandon your DIY attempts and contact a professional. Sticking sharp objects down drains can scratch and damage the piping. Meanwhile, putting your hand down the garbage disposal could easily result in a gash.

Don’t:

Pour grease, fats, or oil down the drain.

The next time you make bacon, hamburgers, and other greasy foods, avoid pouring the fat down the drain. These substances will solidify once they cool, forming a stubborn blockage inside your plumbing system. Instead, pour the grease or oil into a container until it stiffens and then throw it out.

Use chemical drain cleaners.

Although they might seem like a quick fix for clogged drains, these store-bought cleaners contain corrosive chemicals that not only burn and dissolve clogs but also eat away at the inside of your pipes. Instead of resorting to these harsh products, enlist the help of a professional drain cleaner.

Fed up with clogged drains around the house? Get in touch with Taylor’s Drain & Sewer Service of Lincoln, NE. They offer reliable drain inspection and water jetting services to clear your plumbing system quickly and safely. For more information on their skills, including septic and grease trap pumping, visit the website. Or call (402) 474-5213 to schedule an appointment.