Feb20

By Dave Bangar

How to Maintain Your Drains and Prevent Costly Repairs

Nobody wants to deal with clogged drains or surprise plumbing bills, but with a little preventative care, you can keep your drains flowing smoothly all year long.

For Kelowna homeowners, a few simple maintenance steps can make all the difference in avoiding messy blockages and expensive repairs.

From easy at-home routines to knowing when it’s time to call a professional, these expert tips will help you protect your plumbing and save money. You don’t need to wait for a problem; instead, take control of your drains today by reading our informative guide.

Daily Drain Maintenance: How to Prevent Clogged Drains

You can add a few simple daily habits to your cleaning routine to help prevent clogs and keep your plumbing in shape.

Watch What You Put Down the Drain

Avoid pouring grease, coffee grounds, eggshells, and food scraps down kitchen drains. These substances can harden or accumulate, leading to stubborn clogs.

Use Sink Strainers

Install sink strainers to catch food particles, hair, and other debris. This simple step can prevent most blockages before they start.

Flush with Hot Water

One of the best way to clean kitchen drains is to run hot water for a few seconds to help flush away oils and soap residue.

Weekly Drain Maintenance Routine

In addition to the daily tasks, some maintenance items only need to be completed every week. Weekly check-ups help to catch and address minor issues before they become significant problems.

Clean Drains with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then flush with hot water. This natural method is one of the best ways to clean kitchen drains and break down buildup.

Inspect for Slow Drains

Check all sinks, tubs, and showers for slow drainage. If you notice water draining sluggishly, address it promptly to prevent a full clog.

Check and Clean Strainers

Empty and clean sink strainers regularly to ensure they continue catching debris effectively.

Seasonal Drain Maintenance Tips

Each season brings unique challenges for your plumbing. Performing seasonal maintenance keeps your drains in peak condition and helps avoid costly plumbing repairs.

Spring and Summer

Inspect outdoor drains and eavestroughs for debris buildup after winter. Clear any blockages to ensure smooth water flow during spring showers. Ensure there is no sagging or pulling on the eavestroughs.

Fall

Remove fallen leaves and debris from outdoor drains. Schedule a professional drain inspection to catch potential issues before winter.

Winter

Insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing, and run water through rarely used drains to keep them functional during colder winter months.

What to Avoid Putting Down the Drain

Knowing what not to flush down your drains is key to preventing clogs and expensive plumbing repairs. 

Even small items can build up over time, leading to blockages and potential damage. 

To keep your plumbing in good condition, avoid putting these everyday items down your drains:

• Grease, oils, and fats
• Coffee grounds
• Eggshells and starchy foods (e.g., rice and pasta)
• Wet wipes (even those labelled as “flushable”)
• Harsh chemical cleaners

Being mindful of what goes down your drains can save you from costly repairs and keep your plumbing working smoothly.

When to Call a Plumber

While regular maintenance helps prevent many plumbing issues, some problems need a professional touch. 

If you notice slow drains that won’t clear, unpleasant smells coming from your drains, water backing up in sinks, tubs, or toilets, or strange gurgling noises, it’s time to call a plumber. 

Taking care of these issues early can save you from more expensive repairs down the line.

Regular Drain Cleaning Benefits

Investing in regular drain maintenance is financially beneficial. 

Preventing major blockages and plumbing failures avoids expensive repairs and significantly extends your pipes’ lifespan. Tackling minor issues early is a smart strategy that can save you money on emergency plumbing services and water damage restoration. 

Making maintenance a priority is a decisive and practical choice for every homeowner.

Maintain Your Drains with My Plumber Kelowna

Maintaining your drains doesn’t have to be complicated. 

Following these daily, weekly, and seasonal drain maintenance tips for Kelowna can protect your plumbing and help you avoid costly repairs. 

If you encounter persistent issues, don’t hesitate to contact My Plumber Kelowna for plumbing inspections, routine maintenance, and emergency plumbing services. Regular drain care is a small investment that pays off by keeping your home’s plumbing system in top shape for years to come.