How You Can Prevent a Clogged Drain

A clogged drainage system can be a huge nuisance since it makes the kitchen or bathroom practically nonfunctional. They always clog at the worst possible time, causing a huge mess. A clogged drain can be hard to deal with so it is better to employ some preventive measures.

Outlined below are some steps you can do to never get clogged drains.

Mainline Blockages

Drainage blocks can occur when the sewer line gets blocked. If you call a plumbing service, they can solve the problem by ‘scoping out’ the issue. They will send a remote camera in the sewer line to inspect the drain pipe for clogs.

These drainage problems could arise from a number of reasons such as:

• Collapsed pipes due to rot or corrosion
• Rotted cast iron that lets soil fall into the sewer lines
• Tree roots that enter through joints and blocks the passageways
• Poorly-aimed shovels that cause pipes to burst

The best option is to install new sewer lines, if the old ones get blocked often. If you don’t, it may result in high costs of cleaning and repair from continuous backups. New sewer lines will help prevent clogs and higher costs.

Washing Machine Hose

The drainage system for the washing machine can often become clogged as bits of fabric, lint, facial tissue, hair, or even a sock can be sucked in by the washing machine’s hose. This may end up causing drainage problems as the soapy water won’t be able to flush out.

A quick fix for this problem is calling a local plumber to attach a lint trap to the washing machine’s drainage hose. The mesh lint trap will prevent such debris from entering the drainage system and causing clogs. However, you will have to take care that it doesn’t become full. Clean the mesh lint trap regularly and you will never have to deal with blocks in the washing machine hose again.

Shower Drains

Shower or bathtub drains often catch a lot of hair and soap which then combine to form huge clogs. If such clogs appear, you will have to call a plumber to use a drain snake to unblock the drain.

To prevent hair from clogging the drainage system you can use a mesh screen or stopper to prevent clogs. Such products create a trap for the hair, keeping your drainage system safe.

Organic Matter

Organic matter can often become clogged within the drainage system. Whether it's food, hair, or grease it can develop into sludge against the drainage pipes causing drainage to slow down. This food sludge can also begin to smell and develop mold which can affect your health.

The best way to deal with the organic matter is to use a bacteria drain cleaner. It is made with naturally occurring enzymes and chemicals which break down the organic matter without harming the pipes. If you use bleach or acid to cut through the matter, it may end up corroding pipes.

To soak the drain with this cleaner properly, pour it in the drainage pipes overnight. This will make sure all the sludge is removed. Neglecting this sludge can create more and more clogs in the future since it accumulates. Deal with the problem at once to prevent this issue.

Avoid putting the following items down the drain to prevent the problem:

• Coffee grounds as they begin to collect in the drain pipes, catching more food particles and bacteria to create food sludge against the pipes.
• Starchy foods like bread, potatoes, and pasta which form a paste when they are going down the drain. This paste can end up clogging the drain.
• Fibrous vegetables like celery and asparagus actually expand when wet. While flushing out they can choke the drain and prevent proper drainage. This can cause serious backups.
• Grease, oil, or fat cools down against the pipes and hardens. It is recommended to actually collect the grease and throw it in the trash instead of draining it.

Low Flow Sinks and Toilets

Most new houses have low flow toilets and faucets installed which are designed to conserve water; however, they can prevent debris from flushing out. There is often not enough pressure to properly flush out all the debris that has accumulated in the system. This accumulation can create backups and clogs.

To prevent this problem, fill a large bucket with water and flush it down the drain. This high pressure will be able to clear out the drain effectively. If you use hot water it will also help in clearing bacteria in the pipe. Make sure to flush while dumping the water so the main drain line is also cleared up.

Garbage Disposals

Drainage systems can sometimes get blockages if you feed the system too fast. To remove clogs, there are a few things you can do:

1. Unclog the System using a pair of pliers or tongs. Wooden spoons can also be used but they may not be as effective. Make sure to switch the garbage disposal off before you attempt this and never put your hand inside the drainage pipes.
2. Baking Soda and Vinegar reactions can cut through any clog. Pour the baking soda down the drain and slowly add a cup of vinegar. Make sure to not use this method a lot as the acidic nature of the vinegar can damage the pipe if used too often.
3. Use Hard Materials like egg shells, small bones, small fruit pits and ice cubes in the garbage disposal often as that can help keep its blades sharp.
4. Deep Clean the drainage system by disconnecting the drain pipe and soaking it in oxygen bleach.
5. Soak the Drain using a soap mixture so that the clog is washed away. You can even use bacteria cleaner as it is organic.

To prevent clogs from occurring in the drainage system, it is better to always have the water running when you are feeding the drain. Do not drain starchy foods, fibrous vegetables, coffee grounds, non-biodegradable materials, or greasy liquids.

The drainage system can get clogged even after following prevention methods. Call a professional to fix the issue at once, instead of using small DIY methods that won’t help in the long run.