Regular drain cleaning is essential for maintaining the efficiency of your plumbing system and preventing clogs and blockages. This blog post discusses the top 5 drain cleaning techniques to help you keep your drains in optimal condition and avoid costly repairs. By following these tips, you can ensure that your drains remain free-flowing and your plumbing system functions at its best.
Use a Drain Strainer
A drain strainer is one of the simplest ways to prevent clogs and blockages. A drain strainer is a small mesh screen that fits over your drain and catches hair, food particles, and other debris before they can enter your pipes. Regularly cleaning your drain strainer can prevent these items from building up in your pipes and causing blockages. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, using a drain strainer can help reduce the amount of food waste in landfills by preventing it from going down the drain.
Avoid Pouring Grease and Oil Down the Drain
Grease and oil are notorious for causing clogs and blockages in drains. When these substances cool, they solidify and can stick to the walls of your pipes, eventually causing a blockage. Instead of pouring grease and oil down the drain, collect them in a container and dispose of them in the trash. The National Association of Clean Water Agencies recommends scraping food scraps into the trash or compost bin instead of rinsing them down the drain to help prevent clogs.
Perform Regular Drain Maintenance
Regular drain maintenance is crucial for preventing clogs and blockages. This includes using a drain snake or auger to remove any buildup in your pipes and a plunger to dislodge minor clogs. In addition, you should have your drains professionally cleaned at least once a year to ensure they remain in optimal condition. Hartigan Wastewater Services - WRE offers expert drain cleaning services in Salunga, PA, to help keep your drains free-flowing and prevent blockages.
Use Enzyme-Based Drain Cleaners
Enzyme-based drain cleaners are a safe and environmentally-friendly alternative to harsh chemical drain cleaners. These products contain bacteria and enzymes that break down organic matter in your pipes, helping to prevent clogs and blockages. According to the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, using enzyme-based drain cleaners can help extend the life of your plumbing system by reducing the buildup of sludge and debris in your pipes.
Be Mindful of What You Flush
Many clogs and blockages are caused by flushing inappropriate items down the toilet. To prevent these issues, be mindful of what you flush and avoid disposing of items like baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, and paper towels in the toilet. These items do not break down easily and can cause blockages in your pipes. Instead, dispose of these items in the trash to help keep your drains clear and free-flowing.
Following these drain cleaning techniques, you can keep your plumbing system in top condition and prevent clogs and blockages.
Contact Hartigan Wastewater Services - WRE to ensure your plumbing system functions at its best!