Kitchen and bathroom sinks and showers get a lot of use. Eventually, hair, food residue, and other materials will create a clog. While some of these can be handled by homeowners using a plunger, others require the help of a plumber to clear. To avoid this issue occurring in the first place, consider implementing the following preventative measures into your daily routine.

How to Avoid a Clogged Drain

1. Use a Drain Strainer

Small, affordable, and readily stocked at any home improvement or general store, drain strainers catch large bits of food and dirt that would otherwise create a clog in your pipes. Drain strainers are available in a variety of materials, designs, and mesh sizes, so it’s easy to find one that fits the size of the sink and your decor. 

2. Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners

If the water in your sink starts receding slowly, don’t rely on a chemical drain cleaner to fix it. Chemical cleaners use corrosive acids to break down the contents of a clog and, unfortunately, they often eat away at the piping as well.

When there’s an over-reliance on chemical cleaners, plumbers often find particles of corroded metal piping in the clogs themselves. While it’s better to fix a clog in its early stages, a plunger or drain snake is the best tool for the job. 

3. Comb Hair Before Showering

For showers and tubs, hair is one of, if not the biggest, contributor to clogs, and most of it accumulates while you’re bathing. The easiest way to minimize the amount that slips into the drain is by combing or brushing your hair before you start washing it. You should also use a strainer in the shower or tub. 

When a clogged drain does occur,  trust Wild West Plumbing & Drain Service to fix the problem. Based in Kalispell, MT, this family-owned and -operated plumbing company is trusted by residents and business owners alike. No matter how tough the clog, their plumbers have innovative tools to both diagnose and clear it up. If you need more than basic unclogging, they’re also available for drain cleaning, repiping, and remodeling. A list of their plumbing services is on their website. Call (406) 752-1244 to schedule service.