Drain Cleaning Dos & Don’ts
We often take our drains for granted and don’t realize how often we need them…until there’s a problem.
From washing our hands and dishes to dropping things in them we shouldn’t, there are many reasons your drain may suffer from a clog or backup. Here our experts discuss the dos and don’ts of drain cleaning and care as well as when you should contact a professional to prevent further damage.
Drain Basics
Water that comes from your faucet has to leave your home from somewhere – the drain. While the concept is simple, most people do not understand how the drain works.
Every drain in your home consists of:
- Individual Lines: These drain lines all connect to the main drain line, which allows the water to enter the sewer or septic tank (if you have one).
- Drain Trap: The primary function of the trap is to keep harmful sewer gasses from coming back into your home.
- Vents: Another major part of your drain, vents prevent airlock blocks and allow water to leave the drain smoothly.
The Dos of Drain Cleaning
While it is a good idea to always contact professionals to handle your drain issues, there are preventative measures you can take to help prevent clogs or backups.
Install Caps & Filters
One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to keep your drain clean is to simply place a stainless-steel cap or filter on the drain. These filters, which cost about $5 at any hardware store, will catch food particles or other objects. However, they do not prevent liquids like grease and oil from falling into the drain.
To clean, lift the cap or filter and dump it in the trashcan. Replace it yearly or when you begin to notice rust.
Run Your Disposal
Not only are garbage disposals an indispensable kitchen tool for many households, but they are also essential to break down the buildup of rust and food particles in your drain.
One way to clean and make your kitchen drain run more effectively, is to put ice cubes down the disposal. Not only will this help to sharpen the blades, but the coarse pieces of ice will help to dislodge stuck-on food and buildup safely.
Jet Your Lines
If you discover your drains are clogged and there isn’t a quick solution, it’s time to call the experts. Often upon initial inspection, they will decide that jetting your drain lines is the best course of action.
Similar to snaking a drain, your technician will pump water through at such a high pressure that it will clear the clog.
Many homeowners find it beneficial to schedule yearly jetting appointments as a preventative measure.
The Don’ts of Drain Cleaning
Here are all the things you shouldn’t do when maintaining and cleaning your drains.
Use Caustic Store-Bought Cleaners
We commonly resort to caustic drain cleaners like Drano® if the drain doesn’t clear on its own. However, no expert would recommend this as a long-term solution for a variety of reasons.
For one, the caustic chemicals they use can be damaging to your drains, plumbing, and, most importantly, you and your loved ones.
Another reason to stay away from corrosive store-bought cleaners is that they are never fully effective. While the chemicals may break down the clog, it’s likely to leave most of the residue behind. Professional drain cleaning services can remove the entirety of the blockage.
Wash Down Certain Objects
One of the best ways to keep your drain clean is to know what you can and cannot wash down your pipes.
Some objects you should not wash down the drain, as they tend to stick or expand, include:
- Eggshells
- Fatty, oily, or greasy foods
- Flour
- Hair
- Medication
- Pasta and rice
Go Green With Bio-Clean®
As we move towards a more eco-conscious society, we see more and more natural cleaning products come onto the market. One of our favorite products at Art Rooter, Sewer & Drain Cleaning is Bio-Clean®. Bio-Clean® is a safe and effective way to keep your drains clean with its natural composition of bacteria and enzymes.
Even with all these dos and don’ts to keep your drain clean, the most practical tip is to schedule an annual drain maintenance check-up. If you are ready to take the next step to keep your drains clear, call Art Rooter, Sewer & Drain Cleaning today at 1-888-773-1524!
