How to Prevent Clogged Drains
Clogged drains can be a real nuisance and cause problems for your plumbing fixtures and system in the long run. While a lot of sources talk about what to do in the event of a clog, few talk about how you can prevent clogs and blockages in the first place. At Crawford, we believe it is important to learn how you can maintain your fixtures and take the right preventative steps to prevent major issues. To help you get started, here is a guide on how you can prevent clogged drains!
1. Garbage Disposal: Don’t Put These Items Down the Drain
The garbage disposal is a useful appliance—with just a flick of a switch it can pulverize food scraps in a matter of seconds. However, not everything should be put in the disposal as it can damage the drain and block it. Here are some things that absolutely do not belong in your disposal:
- Coffee grounds
- Grease
- Egg shells
- Large animal bones
- Potatoes
- Oatmeal
- Fruit pits
Small animal bones, most fruits and vegetable scraps are fine to put in your disposal. Pro tip: If you’re confused whether you should put a certain item in the disposal or trash, the safest choice is the trash.
2. Shower Drains: Use a Hair Catcher
Shower drains usually clog up because hair and soap scum are causing the blockage. If your drain ever ends up becoming clogged, you can pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain and follow it up with hot water. You can also fashion a drain snake or hook using the wiring from a coat hanger (or just use a plunger). However, in order to prevent hair from clogging up your drain, consider using a hair catcher. It’s essentially a rubber or plastic strainer that allows water to flow to the drain easily while preventing foreign objects (like hair) from clogging it up. This hair catcher can be purchased from your nearest home improvement store and its cost range is between $5-$10.
3. Toilets: Not Toilet Paper? Don’t Flush it!
Foreign objects like wipes (even “flushable” ones), paper towels, diapers, cat litter, and grease do not belong in your toilet drain. Do not flush these objects down the toilet as they can wreak havoc on your pipes and clog your toilet drain. The only thing that is acceptable to flush in your toilet is toilet paper.
Pro tip: If you have young children who might put random objects like toys in the toilet, get a toilet lid lock! This device is an effective way to child proof your bathroom.
Want more tips on how you can prevent clogged drains around your home? Get in touch with the professionals at Crawford! Call us today at 469-294-1757 or schedule a service with us on our website! Whether you need your HVAC unit serviced or plumbing system inspected, our team of expert technicians will be more than happy to assist you!
