Clogged drains are one of the most common residential plumbing issues. Fortunately, they can also be prevented in most cases. From the kitchen to the laundry room, here are some simple tips you can implement around your household to keep buildup from accumulating in your drains.

How to Avoid Clogged Drains

1. Keep Grease Out of the Kitchen Sink

Kitchen oils, lard, and other types of grease can be disastrous for pipes. Although they may slide down your drain without issue, as they cool, they coagulate. This leads to a sticky substance that can catch further grime, leading to a complete blockage. Collect your oils in a coffee can and throw them away instead.

2. Use a Lint Trap in Your Washer

Lint from your clothing can make its way into the drain from your washing machine. Over time, this can clog the drain. You can prevent the problem with this simple residential plumbing fix: install a mesh lint trap over your machine’s drain hose. These items can typically be found at hardware or home improvement stores.

3. Install Screens in Shower Drains

Like lint in your washing machine, hair can accumulate in your shower drains. The result is a sluggish drain that may cause water to pool when you’re taking a shower. Fix the issue by inserting screens over the drain to catch hair and small bits of soap.

4. Only Flush Toilet Tissue

While bathroom items such as dental floss may flush just fine, these and other items can cause clogs further down the pipes. For this reason, you should only flush what’s intended: toilet tissue. Dispose of all other items in a designated wastebasket.

5. Perform Regular Drain Maintenance

You can keep your residential plumbing in good working order by caring for your drains. In the kitchen, run hot water down the drain after you’ve done the dishes to help wash away any small food particles. You can also pour a small amount of baking soda down your drains and follow it with hot water for a simple and effective cleaning agent.

 

While these tricks can help you maintain clean drains, there’s always the possibility a clog can occur. No matter which residential plumbing issue you’re facing, the team from PROfetick Plumbing can help. Serving homes and businesses in Lexington, KY, and the surrounding areas, these experts specialize in maintenance, repairs, and installations for all your plumbing fixtures. Schedule service by calling (859) 263-5727 or sending them a message online.