Keeping your drain clean and working efficiently can help extend the plumbing system of your home and prevent unpleasant issues from arising. When your bathroom or kitchen drains are blocked, you may be forced to stop using them until a plumber checks them out. Below are tips on how to effectively maintain your drains in the fall.
1. Do Not Pour Grease or Oil in Your Drain
After cooking a nice meal and grease or oil remains behind, do not pour it in your drain because this will clog it over time. Grease is in liquid form when hot, but after cooling down, it solidifies.
Pouring grease or oil in your drain every time you are done cooking will eventually damage your plumbing system, which, in turn, can lead to costly repairs in the fall. The best way to handle grease is to pour it into a container and let it cool before throwing it in the garbage.
2. Avoid Over-the-Counter Drain Cleaners
Over-the-counter drain cleaners are easily acquired since they are readily available at the stores. However, they often contain harsh chemicals that can damage your drains and force you to part with a lot of money in repairs. The harsh chemicals in these cleaners tend to corrode drains and make them leak, which, in turn, can lead to emergency plumbing repair.
Over-the-counter drain cleaners may also be dangerous to your eyes and skin. As such, you should consult your local plumber before buying a drain cleaner for drain maintenance in the fall.
3. Add Strainers to Your Drains
If there is no strainer to stop them, chunks of meat, pieces of cereal, and skin from onions will always pass through your kitchen drain. A strainer is a good investment because it prevents food particles from getting into your drains and clogging.
It is not just kitchen drains that need a strainer; bathroom drains should also have one. A strainer in your bathroom drain prevents hair and soap scum from causing blockages. With it, you will see your drains clog less frequently in the fall and other seasons. To keep your strainers working efficiently, ensure you empty them in the trash bin.
4. Pour Hot Water into Your Drains
This autumn, boil some hot water and pour it into your drains. Hot water melts down grease that has cooled down inside the drain. It may also loosen some debris that is stuck to your pipes. In a nutshell, hot water can prevent major blockages, thereby reducing the chances of emergency drain repair.
You should, however, be careful when handling hot water. Ensure you wear heat-resistant gloves and take precautionary measures to protect yourself from injuries caused by hot water. Also, place the hot water away from where children and pets can easily reach.
Cleaning your drain this autumn will help extend the lifespan of your plumbing system, plus it eliminates the need for constant repairs. If you are in Atlanta, GA and looking for professional drain cleaning services, call The Original Plumber today.
