A clogged drain can be a big issue — no matter when or where the clog occurs you know the solution will be expensive, time-consuming and a major headache. There is often little choice but to use harmful chemicals or call a professional plumber.
However, the professionals at ServiceOne Plumbing, one of Orlando’s leading AC and plumbing companies, shares the following simple tips to help maintain your pipes and keep your home’s drains running free and easy:
Simple Plumbing Tips:
- Place mesh screens over all of your drains – especially bathtub or shower drains – to catch hair, food particles, and other gunk.
- Brush your hair immediately before showering or taking a bath to help remove the majority of loose hair. The hair is caught in the brush and disposed of in the trash rather than down your drain.
- Wash pets outside when the weather is warm enough and consider using a washtub instead of your bathtub or shower. That way you can empty it outside and avoid pouring pet hair down your drain.
- Reduce your dependence on the garbage disposal and start a compost bin. Not only does this help save water and energy, but you’re putting fewer solid, sticky substances down the drain to potentially create a clog.
- Buy a quality plunger and a drain snake and learn how to use them. Sometimes clogs will just happen, no matter how much we try to avoid them, but you can save yourself a lot of money by handling small clogs yourself.
- Don’t treat your kitchen drain like a garbage can! Place larger items in the trash.
Things You Should Never Put Down the Drain:
- Grease, fats, or oils from cooking
- Coffee grounds
- Meat, poultry, and fish bones
- Egg shells
- Pasta, rice, and breads
- Gum
- Fruit and Veggie Stickers
- Hair.
- Baby wipes, napkins, paper towels, and other paper products.
- Cotton balls, cotton swabs, cigarette butts, fabric softener/dryer sheets, or similar fibrous materials
- Cat litter
- Other “flushable” products
- Band-Aids and dental floss
- Razors, blades, syringes, needles, etc. .
- Prescription medications, lotions, and cosmetics.
- Paint, paint solvents, nail polish, or nail polish remover
- Motor oil, transmission fluid, anti-freeze, etc.
- Bleach and other anti-bacterial cleaners.
In conclusion, despite the homeowner’s best efforts, drains clog and plumbing issues do happen. “No matter what the plumbing problem, ServiceOne employs licensed experts who know just what to do in any situation,” said Gouty. “We want people to know that we are not just an AC company, plumbing is a mainstay of our business and we stand by our work.”