No one enjoys dealing with stubborn clogs in their plumbing system. Unfortunately, messy backups and poorly draining tubs and sinks are just a few of the issues caused by frustrating blockages. At 1-800-Plumber of CT, we enjoy helping our Connecticut residential and commercial clients get the most from their plumbing system. That’s why we would like to offer a little advice on the subject. When it comes to struggling with clogged pipes, prevention truly is the best solution. While a professional plumber has the specialized tools and equipment to remove the clog, it’s better for property owners to keep their pipes blockage free with quality drain cleaning and maintenance. Are you unsure how cleaning your drains can help? Keep reading to find out more.

Why Clean Drains Matter

Most clogs are formed over time, thanks to a few months of accumulated debris. Having your drains and pipes coated with layers of gunk can lead to indoor flooding, sewage exposure, prematurely corroded pipes and pressure variations in the plumbing system. All these issues can have urgent consequences, like illness, water damage and collapsed sewer lines, which come with significant costs and inconveniences. Keeping your drains free and clear means a reduced risk of these potential problems. Your pipes will enjoy a longer lifespan, and your family or customers will sidestep all the stress and mess that comes with frequent clogs.

The Most Common Sources of Clogged Drains

Some clogs are caused by problems that are largely outside the control of the property owner. Toddlers may flush their blocks down the toilet, or a neighbor’s tree roots can infiltrate an otherwise well cared for sewer line. However, most pipe blockages occur because of lack of maintenance or bad habits. For instance, kitchen clogs are usually caused by the introduction of improper foods. Rather than tossing out the fat from your breakfast bacon or dinner roast, it’s poured down the drain. Or, someone keeps dumping coffee grounds or egg shells into the sink, assuming the disposal will take care of it. Bathroom clogs can occur from soap and shampoo residue which combines with hair, and a toilet clog can occur from flushing too much toilet paper or feminine products.

How to Keep Your Drains Fresh

Many people ignore properly caring for their pipes, assuming that they can simply toss some hardware store chemicals down the drain and their problem will disappear. Unfortunately, this simply isn’t true. Clogs can form much deeper in the system than the drain cleaning chemicals can reach successfully. Also, overuse of these chemicals can lead to metal corrosion and might even melt and warp PVC pipes. Try these preventative methods instead:

• Add drains to your weekly cleaning and maintenance routine: Drop one cup of baking soda into the drains, followed by one cup of vinegar. Place a towel or plate over the drain and let the mixture dissolve the grease and grime for 10 to 15 minutes. When finished turn on the hot water for another 10 minutes to flush the residue into the sewer line.
• Invest in drain covers and protectors to keep out hair, large pieces of food, jewelry and small bath toys from making their way down the pipes.
• Avoid putting fats, eggshells, coffee grounds and other problematic foods into the sink.
• Use an appropriate amount of toilet paper when using the bathroom, and avoid flushing feminine care products altogether.
• Invest in occasional drain cleanings and hydro jetting services to keep roots and accumulated debris at bay long term.

Need a Certified Plumber? Call 1-800-Plumber of CT Today

Do you need a clog removal, drain cleaning or hydro jetting services for your home or business? Then call 1-800-Plumber of CT to learn more or to schedule an appointment with a licensed and insured plumber in Shelton, Stratford, New Canaan, Trumbull, Greenwich, Connecticut or another surrounding community.