Top Tips To Prevent Clogged Drains From A Real Plumber
Clogged drains can quickly turn into a homeowner's worst nightmare, causing inconvenience and potential damage. As a leading local plumber, Santa Monica Drain Co. is here to offer you our top tips for avoiding clogs and keeping things flowing!
1. Regular Maintenance
You knew it would make the list, but this recommendation is so true: Regular maintenance is the cornerstone of a healthy plumbing system. The licensed plumbers at Santa Monica Drain Co. recommend scheduling professional drain cleaning at least once a year. This proactive approach helps to remove accumulated debris, grease, and other potential clog-causing substances from your sewage lines before they ruin your day with a backup.
In addition, making sure that you have a properly installed clean-out will serve you for years to come as it allows easy access to your sewage system. Clean-outs turn drain cleaning into a dream from a nightmare.
2. Dispose of Grease Properly
Take a quick look at our instagram page (@santamonicadrainco) and you will notice that grease accounts for a large number of our kitchen sink clogs. Grease and cooking oils easily build up in your pipes, eventually sealing them off completely. These types of clogs can be difficult to remove, and leave your sink slow to drain (and your kitchen smelling unpleasant). Instead of pouring your grease down the drain, we recommend letting it cool all the way, before disposing of it in the trash. This way your pipes stay squeaky clean and flowing smoothly.
3. Use Drain Screens
Installing a drain screen is an easy and inexpensive way to prevent debris, like hair and food scraps, from ever entering your drains in the first place. By catching the clog culprit before it enters your plumbing system you in turn stop the clog at its source!
4. Those "flushable wipes" aren't really flushable
Did you know that some "flushable" wipe companies are involved in class action law suits because of the vast amount of
blockages that they have caused?
Take it from a plumber, the only things that should ever go down your toilet are human waste and toilet paper. This means no feminine products, no "flushable" wipes, and no q-tips. All of these items are common causes of major clogs.
5. Mind Your Garbage Disposal & Dish Washer
Garbage disposals are great tools but they are not invincible. Minor food scraps are no match for modern disposals, but potato peels, containers of leftovers, and large amounts of food belong in the garbage can – not down your drain.
It's also important to rinse your dishes before putting them into your dishwasher. My mom could often be heard saying "it's called a dish washer – not a dish scrubber!" Mama knew how to prevent her dishwasher drain from getting blocked with yucky food scraps! Scrape food into the compost, then rinse your plate before putting it into the dishwasher for the final clean.
These tips will help keep your dishwasher and kitchen sink cleaner and clog free.
6. Use Hot Water To Your Advantage
Did you know that running a little hot water (and even a bit of dish soap) down the drain after each use can help to prevent grease and oils from solidifying in your pipes! Give this tip a try after your nightly dishes and see if it can help keep things flowing smoothly.
I hope you found these tips useful! If you do end up with a blocked drain, remember that Santa Monica Drain Co. can have your drain cleared the same day. Give us a call at 310-422-8915. We are always happy to help!
-Stelios
Owner/ Plumber
Santa Monica Drain Co.
310-422-8915
