Clogs are a common plumbing occurrence that can lead to backups, leaks, and water damage. Fortunately, most clogs are preventable. Regular plumbing maintenance can help eliminate the need for emergency repairs. Some tasks can be done yourself every few weeks. Others benefit from professional support.

Use and Maintain Strainers

You can purchase affordable drain strainers and place them in your showers, tubs, and sinks. These devices will trap things like hair and food scraps so they can’t go down into the drain. Make sure you empty and clean these strainers when they appear full. You may see water moving through them slowly if there’s a lot of debris inside them.

Flush Your Drains

Flush your drains with hot water at least once per week. This will help to dissolve a buildup of grease, fats, and oils. This also works on soap buildup. You can take this maintenance step further and do a vinegar and baking soda flush. Pour equal parts of baking soda and vinegar down your drains. Let the mixture sit and foam for at least 30 minutes. Then, flush the drains clear with hot water. You’ll break apart minor clogs before they turn into big messes.

Clean P-Traps

P-traps are sections of drainpipe that are present underneath sinks and fixtures. They hold a small amount of water and create a seal to block sewer gases from coming into your residence. You can clean these traps every few months to remove hair and debris. This prevents clogs from forming in the P-trap as well as further down your pipes.

Professional Drain Cleaning

Have a professional perform routine drain cleaning at least once per year. You may want to schedule more frequent appointments if you experience drain clogs often. Avoid using chemical drain cleaners as a DIY approach. The caustic chemicals in these products can damage the interior of your pipes. They are also irritating to your eyes, skin, and airways.

Professionals use methods like drain snakes, augers, and hydro jetting to clear away debris. These methods work for things like grease, fats, oils, mineral deposits, hair, and food scraps.

In between drain cleanings, protect your drains by being careful with what goes down them. Avoid putting large scraps of food, starchy food, or fruit/vegetable peels down your drains. Grease, fats, and oils should go into your garbage. Don’t flush paper towels, wipes, or feminine products down your toilets. They won’t break down and can cause a serious clog.

Keep your drains clear with routine maintenance and professional inspections. Reach out to us at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Cedar Rapids, IA for professional drain cleaning support.