Drain Cleaning Tips: Ways to Prevent Clogged Drains

One of the most annoying home plumbing problems is a slow or clogged drain. Homeowners often assume that clogs are simply a part of life, and they must deal with them a few times a year no matter what. Sometimes a basic sink plunger will clear the clog; other times the homeowner must summon a licensed plumber to handle it. Whatever the solution, the problem itself seems impossible to avoid.

However there are ways you can significantly reduce drain clogs throughout your kitchen and bathroom. Below are some tips to assist avoiding clogged drains and cut down on the number of calls you make to clear up blocked drainpipes. Whenever you need professional assistance, trust Red Cap Plumbing for drain cleaning in Tampa and the surrounding areas.

Basic tips for cleaner drains

• Do not pour liquid FOG down drains: “FOG” in this case stands for fat, oil, and grease. Many people pour their extra bacon grease down the drain in liquid form without realizing their mistake. But when the bacon grease cools down, it turns into a solid that is waxy and sticks to the lining of drainpipes. It doesn’t take long for the buildup to begin to reduce the volume inside the drainpipe, leading to higher water pressure and eventually thick clogs. To avoid this, pour out all liquid FOG into a separate receptacle and remove it to the standard trash.
• Never use the garbage disposal for actual garbage: This applies to all drains, but people are more likely to throw inorganic waste into the garbage disposal, falsely thinking that it can safely handle it. Anything that you can’t chew with your teeth shouldn’t go into the disposal. Inorganic material can ruin the components of the disposal, but more damaging is that it can become stuck down in the p-trap of the drainpipe (the curved section under the sink) and create blockage. This includes some food waste products as well, think potato skins, corn husks and banana peels.
• Use drain covers for bathroom sinks and showers: Hair easily goes down the drains in the bathroom, and this is one of the major sources for clogs. If you keep drain covers on the sink and shower drains, it will reduce the amount of hair that enters the drainpipes and slow down the development of clogs.
• Schedule regular drain cleaning: Organic deposits such as food and hair, as well as other deposits such as soap scum, will begin to accumulate inside the drains slowly, even with precautions. The best way to have this threat eliminated is to have annual drain cleaning from professionals. Plumbers will use professional equipment to clear out the drains restoring the inside of the pipes to like-new condition. You will not only avoid clogs, you’ll have a more efficient drainage system and pipes that will last longer.

For professional drain cleaning in Tampa, as well as emergency unclogging whenever you need it, contact our team at Red Cap Plumbing.