Clogged drains are never fun or opportune, and they’re always unexpected. Sometimes they can even require professional plumbing services to unclog. Fortunately, most clogging incidents are preventable if you take the necessary precautions. Learn more about the do’s and don’ts of proper drain usage below. 

Do: 

Use drain filters.

These are inexpensive mesh covers—also called screens or protectors—that you can place right over the drain openings. They are designed to filter solid items from liquid and catch them before they enter the drain line. Placing them over tub, shower, and sink drain openings can prevent hair and solid foods, like pasta or rice, from building up in your plumbing and clogging it. 

Run cold water when the disposal is on.

If you have a garbage disposal installed in your kitchen sink, be sure to run cold water while you’re using it to grind up waste. This will help keep any food, oil, and grease solid so that they can be easily washed away into your septic tank. Using hot water can cause them to become mushy and stick to your pipes, which can lead to a buildup and a clog. 

Don’t: 

Throw greasy or solid food items down the drain.

This is especially true if you don’t have a garbage disposal. Greasy or oily items like cooking oil or excess hamburger grease can slowly congeal in your pipes and build up over time. If you throw other solid food items in after them, like potato peels or coffee grounds, they can get stuck on the congealed grease or oil and obstruct your drain line. 

Use the drain as a garbage can. 

It may be convenient to flush cotton swabs or dental floss in the toilet, but these items can build up in your pipes and cause a clog or even a burst. Also, these materials may not decompose quickly—or at all if they’re plastic items, like adhesive bandages—so they can easily get stuck and remain in your pipes for a long time. Keep your pipes clear by tossing them in the trash. 

 

Heeding the above advice can go a long way in preventing your drain from clogging. But sometimes clogs happen, and if they happen to you, contact A+ Family Plumbing in Onalaska, WI, for 24/7 plumbing services. Whether you need your water heater repaired or your pipes replaced, this plumbing services company has the tools and experience to get the job done. They serve both commercial and residential clients. Give them a call at (608) 783-5558 or visit them online for more information.