Keeping Your Home's Drains And Plumbing Flowing Freely
Plumbing issues have the potential to cause major disruptions for life in your home. However, if you are like many other homeowners, you may be making a series of minor mistakes that could be increasing the risk of your plumbing encountering serious problems.
Ensure Drain Strainers Are Flush Against The Drain's Opening
Homeowners will often use drain strainers as a way of limiting the number of large materials that are able to enter the plumbing through the drain. Unfortunately, a common mistake with these strainers can be failing to keep them flush against the surface of the drain. If there are small gaps between the drain's opening and the strainer, it will be far easier for relatively large items to enter the plumbing system. When you put the strainers in place, you will have to be mindful to make sure that it is completely flush against the drain's opening all the way around.
Clean Out The Drains Every Few Months
Failing to clean the drains can be another mistake that people will make with their plumbing. Over time, there can bacteria, solid materials, and other substances collecting in the drains. In addition to reducing the flow of water through the drains, this issue will also contribute to the development of foul odors. Regularly cleaning and flushing the drains will be a necessary step for preventing these issues with your plumbing. While you will be able to greatly improve the condition of your drains by using a plumbing-safe drain cleaner and flushing them every few months, you will eventually want to invest in having the drains professionally cleaned. This will ensure that many of the most stubborn materials in the drains that you may not be able to reach are removed.
Never Pour Oil Down The Kitchen Sink
When cooking, it can be common for people to need to use oil. Unfortunately, oil can be among the most damaging substances that you put down your drains. The oil can be extremely sticky, which can lead to it trapping solid materials as they flow through the pipes. Furthermore, the residue of the grease can cause clogs itself if it starts to collect along narrow sections of the plumbing system. When you are needing to dispose of cooking oil, pouring it in a container that can be thrown away or taken to a grease recycling center can be the safest option for allowing you to effectively dispose of this cooking byproduct without endangering your plumbing.
Talk to a local plumber today for more tips on how to keep your home's drains and plumbing clear.
