While they’re fairly common, clogged sinks can be a challenge. From water backups to leaks, clogs often require the help of a plumber. As with other household problems, it’s more cost-effective to prevent issues rather than repair them. Here are a few drain cleaning tips to keep your plumbing system in good shape. 

How to Maintain Your Sink Drains

1. Bleach Cleaning

While bleach won’t help you get rid clogs, it can help prevent them. It’s a powerful disinfectant that sanitizes the sink and kills most germs. To use it, put a drain stopper in your sink and fill it with bleach. Then, allow it to sit for one hour. Finally, pour water into the sink and let it go down the drains. This process will eliminate foul odors and get rid of some of the debris. Bleach is better for your pipes than chemical cleaners.

2. Clear the Grease

Grease buildup is a common contributor to clogs in kitchen sinks. Mix liquid dish detergent with boiling water, and pour it down your kitchen sink. Grease-cutting detergent will remove the grease from the inside of your pipes, helping to prevent clogs.

3. Be Mindful of What You Pour Down the Drains

Even if you have a garbage disposal, avoid washing grease and cooking oil down the drain. Coffee grounds, rice, egg shells, and onion layers should also be kept out of the sink because they can damage the disposal unit and stick to the pipes, creating a blockage.

4. Use a Drain Cover

In bathrooms, hair can clog the drains. Place covers in your bathroom sink, tub, and shower to catch hair before it goes down the pipes and requires you to hire a drain cleaning expert. Clean the drain cover out regularly to ensure proper drainage. 

When you need drain cleaning services, contact Cox Construction & Plumbing. Serving the Shenandoah Valley area and Augusta County, VA, for over 30 years, the technicians at this family-owned company provide top-notch services at affordable prices. To learn more about their drain cleaning services, visit them online or call (540) 943-8723.