Blocked drains are one of those annoying household problems that can go from mild inconvenience to full-on disaster in no time. From foul smells to water backing up where it shouldn’t, clogged drains can throw a wrench in your day.
The good news? With a little care and attention, you can keep your drains flowing freely. Here’s everything you need to know about maintaining your drains and avoiding blockages.
Why Do Drains Get Blocked?
Before we dive into the tips, let’s talk about why drains get clogged in the first place.Â
The usual suspects include:
- Hair: It seems harmless, but clumps of hair love to stick to soap scum and form nasty blockages.
- Grease and Oil: Pouring cooking grease down the sink might seem convenient, but as it cools, it hardens and clogs pipes.
- Food Scraps: Even with a garbage disposal, some things—like coffee grounds or eggshells—just aren’t drain-friendly.
- Foreign Objects: Anything from wipes to kids’ toys can end up in the drain and cause chaos.
Understanding what’s going down your drains is the first step to keeping them clear.
Tips to Keep Your Drains Clear
1. Use Drain Strainers
Think of drain strainers as the first line of defence. These simple tools sit over your sink, shower, or bathtub drain and catch hair, food, and debris before they go down the pipe. Just empty them regularly to keep them effective.
2. Be Mindful of What Goes Down the Sink
Your sink isn’t a garbage can. Avoid pouring grease, coffee grounds, or starchy foods like rice and pasta down the drain. Instead, scrape plates into the trash or compost bin before rinsing.
For grease, let it cool and harden, then toss it in the trash. It’s a small step that can save you from a massive clog.
3. Flush Your Drains with Hot Water
Every week or so, pour a kettle of boiling water down your drains. This helps clear out grease or soap buildup and keeps things moving. Just be careful not to use boiling water if you have PVC pipes, as it can cause damage.
What to Do If Your Drains Are Already Slow
Sometimes, even with the best habits, drains can slow down.Â
Here’s how to deal with it:
- Try a Plunger: It’s not just for toilets! A few strong plunges can help dislodge minor clogs in sinks or tubs.
- DIY Baking Soda and Vinegar Fix: Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar. Let it fizz for 10 to 15 minutes, then flush with hot water.
If these tricks don’t work, it might be time to call a blocked drain specialist like Curran Plumbing.
Why Regular Maintenance Matters
Blocked drains aren’t just a hassle—they can lead to bigger problems like burst pipes or water damage.Â
Regular maintenance can:
- Save You Money: Catching issues early prevents costly repairs.
- Protect Your Home: Avoid the mess and stress of overflowing sinks or toilets.
- Keep Things Flowing: A little effort now and then keeps your drains working smoothly.
When to Call the Professionals
If you’ve tried everything and your drains are still clogged, it’s time to call in the pros. Persistent blockages can signal a deeper issue, like tree roots invading your pipes or significant buildup further down the line.
Professional plumbers use tools like high-pressure jetters and cameras to find and fix the problem efficiently. They can also give you tips to keep your drains clear in the future.
Make Drain Care a Habit
Maintaining clear drains isn’t about one-time fixes—it’s about building good habits. By being mindful of what goes down your drains and scheduling regular maintenance, you can save yourself the hassle of dealing with blockages.
When in doubt, remember that the Curran Plumbing team is here to help. From routine drain cleaning to tackling tough blockages, we’ve got your back.
Need help with a clogged drain? Contact us today for fast, reliable service.
