How to Prevent Drain Clogs

There’s nothing more frustrating or inconvenient than dealing with drain clogs. Not only can this type of plumbing issue pop up unexpectedly, it can be hard to determine what to do once it has occurred.

That said, it is always better to prevent an issue from happening before one takes place. Here are three tips for keeping your drains clean.

Tip #1: Don’t Dump Cooking Grease Down the Drain

One of the biggest plumbing mistakes most people make is dumping cooking grease down the drain or directly into the garbage disposal. While it isn’t a big deal when the grease is hot, eventually it cools and sticks to the side of the pipes. Other debris and items can then get stuck in the congealed fat and create a major clog.

Instead, wipe out pans and containers with paper towels and toss them away. Some households even utilize an old jar or other collection containers and dispose of  it when it is full. The choice is up to you, but the end result is still the same: keep that cooking grease out of your drain!

Tip #2: Use Traps to Catch Hair Before It Goes Down the Drain

While having a gorgeous mane may seem like a good idea, but hair clogs can be detrimental to your  plumbing. Help combat this problem by using a special mesh drain screen. These inexpensive and easy-to-install little strainers are designed to let water flow through while still catching loose hair strands while  preventing clogs. It’s also important to remember to clean out these traps regularly to prevent backups above the screen.

Tip #3: Avoid Flushing Personal Care Products

Personal care products such as cotton swabs, dental floss, makeup applicators and feminine hygiene products may seem innocent enough to send down the drain. But the truth is, they can easily get caught and cause major clogs. In fact, baby wipes and makeup remover wipes are also a big giant no-no when it comes to your home’s plumbing. While it might seem tempting to flush them, placing these items in the wastebasket instead is a better choice.

Of course, if you find yourself in a situation with a major drain clog, it is  time to call in a professional.

Looking for a knowledgeable and courteous plumbing company to help with a clogged drain? Our team at Terry’s Plumbing can help. Give us a call today at (412) 364-9114.