The Proper Way to Maintain Your Drain
One of the most efficient ways to avoid drain emergencies is to establish a routine of proper drain maintenance. Making sure to keep your drains clean and clear will help to ensure that your pipes remain in optimal working condition. If your drains are neglected, it is likely that debris will begin to accumulate, which can not only cause a blockage, but could cause severe damage.
The Importance of Proper Drain Maintenance
There are several problems and issues that can occur as a result of poor drain maintenance. Clogged drains are usually a result of soap or grease being allowed to build up inside the pipe combined with other debris like hair, food, paper products and intruding roots. Fortunately, when you regularly maintain and care for your drains, you can avoid the frustration and stress of a clogged drain.
While there are some steps you can undertake to care for your drains, it is a good idea to have an experienced professional check your drains on a regular basis. A professional inspection will allow all the pipes to be tested and ensure that they are working correctly. The technician may even detect an underlying issue before it has the opportunity to develop into a major and costly problem. For example, a drain inspection and cleaning can clear any debris which is beginning to accumulate before it develops into a clog. This cleaning is a simple process and avoids the mess and frustration of having dirty water backing up into your home.
Watch What Gets Flushed Down the Drain
The most effective way to maintain your drain is to ensure that you know what you allow to be flushed. Starchy foods and sticky residues can quickly develop into a clog. Rather than rinsing any food debris off dishes before they go into the dishwasher, scrape plates into the garbage and wipe any residue with kitchen paper. This will reduce the risk of grease, oil and food debris being flushed down the drain.
Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals
With the vast range of cleaning products in the marketplace, many homeowners routinely pour harsh chemicals such as solvents, caustic substances or chemical drain cleaners down their drains to keep them clean. While this can appear to be a proactive step, it could actually be detrimental to your drains. Harsh chemicals can cause severe damage to your pipes and could make any potential issue even worse. If you have a clog, the chances are that any chemical harsh enough to dissolve it would also seriously damage the pipe. Additionally, harsh chemicals can enter waterways and cause significant damage to the environment. If a clog is beginning to form, it is better to try a non-chemical approach such as a plunger before calling in a professional. If you have used any harsh chemicals be sure to mention it to your plumber, to protect them from harm. Harsh chemicals can cause burns on the skin and damage to the eyes, so the plumber needs to be aware if there is the potential for chemicals to be pooled around a clogged pipe.
Choose Biodegradable Treatments
It is a good idea to ask your plumber to use biodegradable treatments to clear the drain. This protects your family, pets, home and the environment. You could also consider treatments such as drain snaking or jetting. Be sure to mention to your plumber that you would prefer a biodegradable or eco-friendly approach to clear any debris. This ensures that not only will your drains be kept in great condition, but that you are doing your part to help protect the environment.
By Giovanni Longo President Flood Brothers Plumbing
Giovanni Longo is a 3rd generation master plumber who has been practicing his craft and trade in the greater Los Angeles area for well over a decade and a half. A plumbing and hydraulics-engineering innovator, Giovanni’s particular world-class expertise focuses on dealing with challenging sewer system designs as well as resolving complex commercial and residential draining issues. As a certified Flood Mitigation expert, he is also well versed in a wide variety of water damage and remediation solutions.
