Unfortunately, most homeowners experience the inconvenience of blocked drains at least once in their lifetimes. Besides being so unsightly, blocked drains can be a health hazard and even cost a fortune to fix if not addressed early enough.
The most common culprits behind clogged drains include poor pipe installations, broken pipes, grease buildup, hair, leaves, and toiletries. Thankfully, you can clear clogged drains without incurring exorbitant costs and even avoid blockages altogether.
Install A Drain Strainer
Kitchen sinks are highly vulnerable to small debris from leftover food. When mixed with cooking grease, these food particles can build up over time and block your drainage. An easy way to fix this is to install a drain strainer above your sink’s opening.
As implied by the name, drain strainers separate small-sized debris from the water, effectively preventing them from going down the drain. Drain filters are quite affordable, and you can get one for your kitchen sink or shower at a hardware store near you.
Pour Boiling Water Down The Drain
Even the most cautious homeowners get a little debris in their drains occasionally. This is perfectly understandable, considering some foreign particles are too small or slippery. Pouring boiling water down the drain is perhaps one of the oldest tricks in the book.
Boiling water is excellent at melting grease, breaking down soap scum and clearing any other fine particles that may be blocking your pipes. For even better results, mix hot water with enough detergent.
Perform Regular Pipe Inspections
Like most other home issues, the ultimate solution to your drainage problems is to consult a professional. A plumbing contractor will have the right tools and expertise to identify drainage issues that may not be immediately evident, especially to the untrained eye. To avoid expensive fixes caused by years of neglect, consider getting regular plumbing checkups – ideally every 2 to 3 years.
Use A Plunger
If a single tool could be the poster child for unclogging blocked drains, it would be the plunger. Plungers are highly inexpensive, and you can find one at your local hardware store. While most people are familiar with the cup plunger (used in kitchens), plungers come in various styles, including:
Cup Plunger Cup plungers are the most common type of plunger and an invaluable tool for unclogging kitchen sinks.
Flange Plunger Suitable for unclogging toilets, the flange plunger also functions as a squeegee so you can clean the inside of your toilet bowl in one movement.
Tiered Plunger The tiered plunger is a hybrid of the cup and flange plunger. It can unclog both toilets and sinks.
Conclusion
An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure; learning to avoid clogging your drain can save you immense amounts of time and repair costs. Use these tips to help clear and prevent your drains from blocking.
