Tips to Prevent Drain Clogs

Preventing Clogs

Preventing clogs is the first step in avoiding the hassle and expense of a serious plumbing problem.

For beginners, setup your defenses. For instance, use drain covers to catch hair, soap scum, and other debris before it can go down the drains. Garbage disposals and grease traps are also your best friend in combatting blockages in your drain line. Remember to care for these devices, regularly cleaning them and performing routine maintenance.

Don’t over-rely on these devices though. You have to do your part as well. Be mindful of what you put down your drains. Avoid pouring grease, oil, coffee grounds, and other food waste down your kitchen sink. In the bathroom, make sure to trash personal hygiene products and avoid flushing anything besides toilet paper. Finally, consider brushing your hair before getting in the shower.

Clearing Clogs

You will be using your drain line for years if not decades to come, and no amount of reasonable preventative measures can eliminate the risk of blockages. After all, you can’t prevent everything from going down the drains. If you do experience a clog, don't panic. There are many things you can do to clear a clog before it becomes a major plumbing issue.

The most simple way to relieve a blocked drain is by flushing it with some hot water. We do NOT recommend boiling water as it may damage your plumbing fixtures. Another solution is a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Sprinkle some baking soda into the clogged drain and follow it with vinegar. The ensuing chemical reaction can help dissolve buildup in the drains.

If the blockage is stubborn, then it might be time to pull out a plunger or drain snake as well as some elbow grease. These tools are great for dislodging larger blockages. Granted, they tend to leave residue in the drain line, and that remaining deposit can act as the starting point of the next clog.

If all else fails, it's time to call in the experts. A professional plumber can use specialized tools and techniques to clear even the most stubborn clogs. Hydro-jetting drain cleaning, for instance, involves video technology to pinpoint the blockage and highly-pressurized water to thoroughly scour the gunk and muck away.

Hire the professionals.

Are you looking for a uniformed plumber to get at the root of your clogged drain? Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Morgantown to schedule a convenient appointment or request an emergency clogged drain line repair today.