Clogged drains can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Not only are they unpleasant to deal with, but they can also cause costly damage to your home’s plumbing system if left unchecked. Knowing what items you should avoid putting down the drain and how to protect your home’s drains and plumbing is essential in avoiding a plumbing disaster. Plus, understanding when it’s important to call in a professional plumber to clean your drains can save you time, money, and long-term stress. Read on for tips on maintaining your home’s drains and plumbing.
What Not To Put Down The Drain
The truth is that not all materials are meant for disposal through your sink or toilet. Many people mistakenly assume that anything small enough will go down the drain without creating any problems—but this isn’t true! In fact, certain items like grease from cooking foods and oil from beauty products should never be put down the drain as these materials tend to congeal once they hit cold water, which can create a clog very quickly. Other items such as food particles, paper products (such as facial tissues), hair, and anything else that doesn’t dissolve in water should also be avoided.
Protecting Your Home's Drains & Plumbing
Fortunately, several ways to protect your home's drains and plumbing from potential clogs or backups exist. Installing strainers over bathroom sinks and bathtubs is one way to keep hair or other debris from entering the drainage pipes; simply empty the strainer into the trash after each use.
You should also consider running hot water down the sink after each use; this will help flush out any residue that might have built up in the pipes over time. Additionally, regularly pouring boiling hot water down all of your drains (once per week) can help loosen up any clogs caused by grease or oil buildup before they become too severe.
Knowing When To Call An Expert
If you find a nasty smell coming from one of your drains or they’re draining water properly. In that case, it's best to call an experienced plumber who has access to more powerful tools for unclogging stubborn clogs or removing large items stuck deep within the pipes (like toys).
A professional plumber will also be able to detect any other underlying issues with your home's plumbing system that could be causing slow draining or other problems throughout your house like persistent leaks or low water pressure. Ignoring these issues could lead to bigger headaches (and higher bills!) later on if left untreated so it's best to nip them in the bud sooner rather than later!
Seeking Professional Plumbers in Spokane, WA
Maintaining healthy drains and plumbing should always be at the top of mind for homeowners everywhere—especially those who live in older houses where maintenance may have been neglected over time! Avoiding putting certain items down the drain is key, but regular cleaning efforts are important in keeping things running smoothly throughout your entire house!
Finally, understanding when it's important to call in our team of professional plumbers could save you tons of money--and headaches!--in the future! With these tips under your belt, you'll be ready for whatever comes next when it comes to protecting your home's drains and plumbing!
For all of your plumbing needs and questions, contact Spokane Plumbing & Heating at (509) 519-2626!