Preventions & Solutions For A Clogged Drain
A clogged drain is unfortunately a pretty common annoyance that homeowners deal with from time to time. One of the biggest ways to avoid a clogged drain, whether in your kitchen, bathroom, toilet, or basement is being cautious of what is being put down these drains. While avoiding all potentially damaging items from entering your drains at all times may be impossible, it’s important to be aware and conscious of these unsafe items so you can monitor them. Beware of items marked “flushable” and try to avoid foreign objects from entering your drains at all times.
There are some specific items to be aware of based on the specific area/drain within your home. For instance, food will likely not come in contact with your bathroom drain, and hair will likely not be an issue in your kitchen sink drain. Below we discuss some things to avoid to prevent a clogged drain specific to the areas within your home.
Preventing A Clogged Bathroom Sink Or Clogged Tub Drain –
AVOID:
- Letting long hair go down the tub or sink drain
- Using excess toothpaste
- Letting dental floss go down the drain
- Excessive pet hair buildup in sinks or tub
- Washing makeup products down your bathroom sink
Fixing A Clogged Bathroom Sink Or Clogged Tub Drain –
- Use a plunger
- Use a snake
- Flush drain with hot water
- Call a professional plumber
Preventing A Clogged Toilet –
AVOID:
- Flushing cotton swabs
- Flushing floss
- Flushing nail clippings
- Flushing hair
- Flushing hygiene products
- Flushing “flushable” products
- Flushing medication/pills
- Using too much toilet paper
- Using toilet paper not marked “septic-safe” in a home with a septic system
Fixing A Clogged Toilet –
- Use a plunger
- Use a snake
- Call a professional plumber
Preventing A Clogged Kitchen Sink –
AVOID:
- Putting grease, fats, or oils down the drain
- Placing coffee grounds down the drain
- Dropping pasta, rice, or breads down the drain
- Washing paint down the drain
- Letting eggshells down the drain
- Putting flour down the drain
Fixing A Clogged Kitchen Sink –
- Flush drain with hot water
- Call a professional plumber
- DO NOT use a chemical drain cleaner
It’s important to remember that while a clogged drain may seem like a pretty easy DIY fix, sometimes a clog is an indication of a bigger issue. Finding the correct source of the issue first, and then fixing it is key in not only providing a long-term solution, but also in preventing bigger issues from occurring. If the suggestions above do not help your clogged drain, please give us a call so we can properly diagnose the problem, and provide you with the best solution for that problem.
If your clogged drain turns into a plumbing emergency, Kulk’s Plumbing & Heating offers 24-hour plumber services. Regular maintenance of your pipes and continued monitoring of what is flushed down your drains is key in preventing clogs, and/or the need for costly repairs associated with neglect. Kulk’s Pulmbing & Heating is your professional plumber for all plumbing maintenance, repairs, installations, and emergencies. We also offer heating services!
