Top Tips from Plumbers to Avoid Drain Problems
Drain problems are one of the most common types of plumbing issues. Kitchen sink clogs, toilet clogs, bathroom sink clogs, tub clogs and main sewer line clogs are some of the different types of drain problems. Drain problems should be corrected as soon as possible. If a drain clog is not removed, then it can lead to more serious plumbing issues.
Tips for Avoiding Different Types of Drain Problems
With all of the drains in a typical home, it’s surprising they don’t clog more often than they do. But, no matter what, when there’s a drain problem it’s a pain. You can call Schneller for plumbing services and repairs, but we’d rather help you avoid the problems in the first place. Here are some tips for avoiding clogged drains throughout your Cincinnati home.
Garbage Disposal Dos and Don’ts
Garbage disposals are notorious for clogging. It’s no wonder with all of the things we put down there. There are several things you can do to avoid garbage disposal problems. First, be careful what you put down your disposal. Avoid fruit pits and bones because they are too hard and will jam the blade. Grease is a no no because it can congeal and clog. Avoid starchy or stringy vegetables like celery, rhubarb, asparagus, artichokes, chard, kale, lettuce and even potato peels that can wrap around the blade. And you might as well include egg shells because the inner membrane can wrap around the blade as well. Coffee grounds tend to get stuck in the trap. Rice and pasta are also bad because both items swell when in contact with water, so the small pieces will eventually gather in the trap and swell until it is closed. You can prevent your garbage disposal from getting clogged by flushing it out with lots of water. This helps prevent food and other debris from building up inside of it.
Toilet Troubles
You can prevent a drain clog in your toilet by being mindful of what you flush down it.
Human waste and toilet paper are really the only things designed to be flushed down the toilet. Baby wipes and sanitary napkins are one of the top causes of toilet clogs. Even if the product is labeled flushable, you should not flush it down the toilet. Being mindful of the things you flush down the toilet can also help prevent clogs in the main sewer line. The reason that sanitary napkins, baby wipes and other products can lead to drain problems is because they are not created to break down in water. Even tissue, if too much is used at a time, can clog when flushed. Keep in mind that tree roots can potentially grow into a main sewer line so your problem isn’t always from something flushed down the toilet. Roots can be removed with a rooter service, but plan to have it cleaned periodically because they will grow back.
Tubs and Showers
Most of what goes down your shower or tub drain is water, soap, shampoo, or conditioner. These items are liquid and don’t usually cause a problem. It’s the solid items that clog the drain – hair is the number one culprit. Shorter hairs aren’t near as bad as long hair. It’s best to install a drain catcher that can be cleaned after each shower. It will keep the hair from going down the drain as well as catch other items like errant Band Aids, the last sliver of a bar of soap, etc. Keep solid stuff and long hair out, and you shouldn’t have any problems.