Clogged drains are a common plumbing problem in many homes. The blockages attract bugs, cause sewage backups, and leave bad smells trapped in the house. Modifying a few bad habits and taking additional steps, as outlined below, will keep the passages clear.

How to Prevent Drain Blockages

1. Watch What You Pour Down Kitchen Sinks

Even if you have a garbage disposal, there are some items that shouldn’t be thrown down the kitchen sink. Cooking oil and grease are prime examples. The liquids harden as they cool, coating the inner lining of drains. Egg shells and used coffee grounds clump together in drains, too, and can’t be pulverized in the disposal. Cooked pasta expands and turns into a paste-like residue that sticks to the inner linings. Pour cooking oil and grease into containers for disposal. Throw the other items directly into the trash to prevent plumbing problems. 

2. Pour Hot Water Down Drains

After washing dishes, microscopic food residue and traces of oil can end up in drains. In the bathroom, soap scum can settle in the channels after you bathe. To prevent buildup that eventually causes clogs, run hot water down drains for a few minutes once a week. The steam and heat will help break up and flush the residue down the drain. 

3. Don’t Let Kids Play in the Bathroom

Young children are often drawn to watching water whoosh down the toilet after flushing. Many youngsters are eager to see their toys spin around in the whirlpool. Plumbing technicians often field requests to retrieve toys trapped in drain pipes. Apart from supervised bathtime, little ones shouldn’t be allowed to play in bathrooms. To discourage bad behavior, put child safety locks on toilet seats. 

If you have a clog, using chemical-based drain cleaners can damage pipes. To avoid the need for expensive repairs, contact the team at Niebuhr Plumbing & Heating in La Crosse, WI, for help. Founded in 1900, the company has established a reputation as an industry leader in the Coulee Region. The technicians will safely extract blockages and tend to your other plumbing needs. Their dedication has earned the company the distinction of Best Plumber® in La Crosse County, WI, in 2019. To schedule plumbing services and get warranty details, call (608) 782-1700. Learn more about the team’s customer commitment online, and find announcements on Facebook.