Homeowners often call a plumber to provide drain cleaning services to help clear stubborn clogs. While a clogged drain can be inconvenient, it can also result in severe water damage in your home. There are several ways to spot clogs, prevent them from happening, and keep your drains running smoothly.

What Your Plumber Wants You to Know About Clog Prevention

1. Perform Regular Drain Cleaning

Most drain blockages don't happen all at once, and material builds up slowly over time on the sides of the pipe. You may notice that your drain is draining more slowly, and there may be debris that is trapped on the surface of your drain. Regularly cleaning out the drain can dislodge the debris before it can solidify into a fully-formed clog. Clean your drain by running hot water down it frequently, and occasionally clean it out with baking soda and vinegar, followed by more hot water. Avoid harsher drain cleaning chemicals, since these can damage plumbing and septic systems.

2. Be Careful What You Wash Down the Drain

In bathroom sinks and kitchen sinks without garbage disposals, the only material that should go down the drain is water. Discard other solid waste in your garbage can before rinsing off dishes or other homewares. Food debris and hair will get caught on the sides of the pipe and create build-up, while cooking grease can clog a pipe entirely when it hardens. If you do have a garbage disposal, don't put anything into it that will absorb water, like rice or pasta. These foods will expand when water enters the disposal, clogging it, and making it difficult for food and other materials to process through.

3. Use Drain Covers

To make sure nothing is going down your drain that could potentially be harmful, install drain covers and keep them in place whenever you're using the sink. Clean them out regularly to allow the water to flow freely and rinse away any debris that might have gotten into the drain. These especially helpful in keeping hair out of your shower drain and small food particles from getting into your kitchen sink. If you begin to notice issues with any of your drains of plumbing, contact a professional about drain cleaning services.

If you have a clog and need drain cleaning, choose Plumb Magic in Jefferson City, MO. For over 30 years, they've offered Cole County fast, reliable service, including everything from basic plumbing repairs and installation to water heater and water softener treatment. To schedule, call (573) 761-0551 or send a message online.