When plumbing systems work right, they make life immeasurably easier for homeowners, carrying away water and waste without making you spare a second thought. When something goes wrong, however, clogs and other issues can affect your drains, requiring you to consult with a plumber to fix the issue. The following five tips will help you maintain clear pipes. 

A Plumber’s 5 Tips for Avoiding Drain Clogs

1. Watch What You Flush

Your home’s septic system is made to handle certain types of waste—mainly organic materials and toilet paper. Anything else, including hygienic products, pills, and paper towels, can create masses in the pipes that eventually block liquid from flowing through them. Those items should all be thrown in the trash.

2. Be Wary of the Garbage Disposal

The disposal isn’t a magic solution for getting rid of all waste. It’s only equipped to handle certain kinds of garbage like meat scraps and small bones; anything fibrous can get tangled up, creating plumbing issues. In particular, never pour grease or oil down the drain. It will eventually solidify, causing clogs. 

3. Perform DIY Maintenance

Every few months, clear your pipes of gunk. These include pouring vinegar down the sinks, followed by steaming water to melt any coagulated grease. In particular, if you notice bad odors coming from any of your pipes, taking these steps will help remove them.

4. Pump the System Occasionally

Septic tanks can’t hold an infinite amount of gunk inside them. When they start to overflow, their function of filtering grease and waste from the water will be compromised. The solution is to have professional technicians visit your home every three to five years to pump it out, saving you from expensive issues in the long run.

5. Use Drain Screens

Hair and other small debris can also cause trouble in the pipes. For this reason, it’s smart to keep them out of the drains by placing wire-mesh screens over most of the drains in your house, including the shower and sink. 

If you need a professional plumber to assist with toilet repairs, drain cleaning, remodeling projects, and other needs, contact the experts at Cox Construction and Plumbing. Located in Waynesboro, VA, they have over 30 years of experience in solving a wide variety of plumbing-related issues. Learn more about their services by visiting them online or call (540) 943-8723 to schedule a service.