Feb5

By Dave Bangar

10 Ways to Prevent Clogged Drains

Clogged drains have a way of sneaking up on you. One day your bathtub is draining just fine then before you know it you are showering with your feet in a pool of water. Slow drain rate, foul smells, and gurgling water are some of the all too familiar signs of a clogged drain. Fixing clogged drains can be a headache for homeowners–it’s better to avoid them in the first place. Following these 10 tips will help you prevent clogged drains so they don’t become a problem.

Kitchen Drains

Use a Drain Strainer

Your kitchen sink may already have a drain strainer. If so, use it diligently. If not they are a cheap addition to your kitchen that will make a huge difference for preventing a clog in your kitchen drain.

Avoid Putting Food Scraps, Fat  and Grease Down the Drain

Food scraps easily get stuck in your kitchen sink pipes, while fats and grease solidify in your pipes, leading to blockages. Always dispose of food scraps in the garbage or compost bin and be sure to put oil and grease in the trash, not the sink.

Follow Garbage Disposal Best Practices

Garbage disposals have been banned in many Canadian municipalities, including Kelowna, however, they still exist in older homes and we often receive calls to unclog garbage disposals. 

Preventing clogged garbage disposals is often as simple as following some best practices. 

• Always run a steady stream of cold water when using your garbage disposal
• Avoid overloading
• Cut up large food items before disposing of them to prevent jams and clogs
• Avoid problematic scraps like coffee grounds, egg shells, meat and bones, fibrous fruit and vegetable waste, and non-food items

Bathroom Drains

Clear Drain Stoppers of Hair and Other Scum

One of the best ways to prevent clogs in bathroom drains is to regularly clean your drain stoppers. Every few weeks, remove the stopper from your bathroom sink and tub drain to clear away hair, soap, and other scum that can build up and cause blockages.

Never Flush Any Products Other Than Toilet Paper

Flushing anything other than toilet paper, even “flushable” wipes, can lead to serious clogs. Better to dispose of these products in the trash to avoid nasty blockages and backflows.

Be Mindful of Letting Hair Down the Drain

A little bit of intention can make a big difference when it comes to hair and drain maintenance. Hair is one of the main culprits for bathtub or shower drain clogs. Try to brush your hair before getting in the shower and clear as much hair as possible out of the shower when you are finished.

Laundry Drains

Use a Lint Filter

You are probably familiar with lint filters for your dryer, but when washing your clothes, a lot of the lint gets carried out before your clothes ever make it to the dryer. That’s why we recommend attaching a lint filter to your washing machine discharge hose to catch lint and fabric particles.

Avoid Using Too Much Detergent

You may not expect it, but excess detergent can leave some serious residue in your pipes. Use only the recommended amount for each load to keep your drains clear. If your clothes are really dirty, it is better to wash them twice than to add extra detergent with the hope that they get extra clean.

General Tips

Clean Your Drains Regularly

All of your drains will benefit from some regular drain maintenance. Here are some general protocols for cleaning all of the major drains in your home. 

• For kitchen sinks, remove obvious scraps daily and run boiling water down the drain once a week to flush out fat and grease buildup. 
• For bathroom sinks, clear out the drains of obvious debris, and consider flushing them once a month with boiling water and a non-corrosive, biodegradable drain cleaner. There are some commercial products for this, or you can simply use vinegar and baking soda.
• For laundry drains, you can put a cup or two of vinegar in the washing machine and run a cycle to break down soap residue or limescale. You can also go straight to the drain and clean it with drain cleaner or with vinegar and baking soda like any other drain.

Consider Using Drain Protectors On All Drains

Drain protectors are great for more than just kitchen sinks. You can add them to any or all drains in your house to help catch debris and scum and make it easier to clean.

Did Your Drain Still Get Clogged? Call a Plumber 

Even if you follow all of these preventative measures, your drains can still become clogged. If you are experiencing a drain clog, call an expert to come help you out. The licensed and highly experienced plumbers at My Plumber Kelowna know all of the tricks to deal with even the most stubborn clogged drain. Get in touch today by calling 250-601-0000 or by filling out a form on our contact page.