Maintaining a clean and free-flowing drain is an important part of plumbing upkeep. Not only are clogged drains annoying, but left uncorrected, they can also lead to further damage due to backups or flooding. Thankfully, there are simple ways to maintain clean drains, so your water runs freely and you don’t have to call a plumber as often. 

Do:

Install a drain filter.

A drain filter catches debris before it becomes a clog. While installing a filter doesn’t give you license to throw anything you want down the drain, it’s a helpful way to keep it clear. Be sure to remove and empty the filter at least once a week to ensure it doesn’t clog. 

Run cold water when the disposal is on.

The garbage disposal breaks down food, so it passes through the pipes easily, but it needs running water to work properly. Let the cold water run for an additional few seconds after you turn off the disposal to flush the drain line and keep the blades free of food particles. 

Don't:

Put oil and grease down the disposal.

The garbage disposal is good for disposing of food scraps only. Putting oil and grease down the disposal will cause them to solidify, potentially creating a clog. It’s best to put grease and oil in a sealed container and throw it away in the trash.

Use chemical clog removers.

While chemical clog removers are said to remove clogs from drains, they are powerful enough to erode your pipes, leaving them weak and compromised. Using these products may help you in the short term, but they can lead to major damages that need expensive repairs from a professional plumber down the road. 

With the right care and maintenance, you can keep your home’s plumbing system running smoothly, but not everything can be prevented. When you need a plumber, contact Steve’s Plumbing & Heating in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. For over 85 years, they have helped Wood County residents with both plumbing and HVAC repairs and maintenance. Visit their website to learn more about their plumbers and HVAC technicians, and call (715) 421-1800 to schedule an inspection today.